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Summary Report
Academic Policies
District Policies
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Student Rights and Responsibilities
To read the complete "Student Rights & Responsibilities", see online at Board Policy: Administrative Procedures, AP 5500 (user must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to read this document online); read a hard-copy version in the Beyond the Classroom Student Handbook which is available at no charge in the Student Activities Office, Room 2211; or call (650) 949-7282.
Student Access to Education Records
The Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) requires educational institutions to provide student access to official education records directly related to the student. The act also says you have the right to challenge such records on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate. We must obtain your written consent before releasing personal information from your records to other than a specified list of persons and agencies. These rights extend to present and former Foothill students.
- Education records generally include documents related to admissions, enrollment in classes, grades and related academic information. These records are filed in the Admissions & Records Office.
- The registrar is the college's designated records officer.
- Personal education records will be made available for inspection and review during normal working hours to currently and formerly enrolled students, within 45 days following completion and filing of a written request with the records officer.
- The college may release certain types of directory information unless you notify the records officer that certain or all information cannot be released without personal consent. Directory information may include (1) student name, (2) major field of study, (3) participation in recognized activities and sports, (4) dates of attendance, (5) degrees and awards received, (6) height and weight of members of athletic teams, which may be released only by the appropriate athletic staff member or athletic director. Directory information may be released unless you notify the records officer otherwise in writing prior to the first day of instruction of any quarter or Summer Session.
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Academic Integrity
The two most common kinds of academic dishonesty are cheating and plagiarism. Cheating is the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work through the use of dishonest, deceptive or fraudulent means. Plagiarism is representing the work of someone else as your own and submitting it for any purpose.
-----  Students
It is every student’s responsibility to know what constitutes academic dishonesty. If you have any questions, ask your instructor, division dean or Student Affairs & Activities Dean Donald Dorsey, Room 6201; or call (650) 949-7241. Also, read the Foothill College Academic Honor Code.
----- Instructors
If you are an instructor experiencing a student issue involving academic dishonesty, review the Foothill College Academic Honor Code, then call the Student Affairs & Activities office at (650) 949-7241 to inform us of the issue immediately and verify the facts of the offence, and to clarify any question about administrative discipline and due process.
The complete Academic Honor Code is available here.
Affirmative Action Policy
It is the policy of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District and of its colleges, Foothill College and De Anza College, to take affirmative action in all its programs and in all aspects of employment and student recruitment where persons with disabilities or persons of a particular race or sex are underutilized, underrepresented or under-served. Refer all concerns to the Dean of Faculty & Staff, Patricia Hyland, Room 1905; or call (650) 949-7090.
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy
The Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees upholds that, for persons with disabilities, improving the access to educational and employment opportunities must be a priority. The board directs the Foothill College administration to take the necessary actions to implement the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The Foothill-De Anza Community College District shall not discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability because of the disability with regard to employment or with regard to the provision of district programs, services and activities. A person who is otherwise qualified may request accommodation related to his/her disability, provided that accommodation does not impose an undue hardship on the district. To receive a copy of Foothill College disability access information and procedures for requesting accommodations, call Margo Dobbins, Foothill College Disability Resource Center (DRC) coordinator at (650) 949-7332, voice; (650) 948-6025, TDD.
Disability access information is also available in the DRC, located in Room 5801; or in the Foothill College President's Office in the Administration Building. To appeal a DRC accommodation decision, visit Patricia Hyland, Foothill College ADA/504 coordinator and dean of Faculty & Staff, in Room 1905, Administration Building, or call (650) 949-7090.
Disabilities and Reasonable Accomodation
To request special accommodation, contact Disability Resource Center Coordinator Margo Dobbins, Room 5801; or call (650) 949-7332, voice; or (650) 948-6025, TTD.
To report infractions to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), contact Dean of Faculty & Staff, Patricia Hyland, ADA Officer, Room 1905; or call (650) 949-7090.
Alternate Text
To request a college publication in alternative media, including electronic text, Braille or large print, contact the alternative media specialist at (650) 949-7673 or email SumSteven@foothill.edu.
Alternate Path for Requesting Accommodation for a Disability
The student who is requesting accommodations who does not wish to utilize college Disability Resource Center services may contact Dean of Faculty & Staff, Patricia Hyland, ADA Coordinator, Room 1905; (650) 949-7090. The student must provide an official Verification of Disability signed by an appropriate professional.
Discrimination Protection
If you are involved in a situation of illegal discrimination, immediately schedule an appointment with Dean of Student Affairs & Activities Donald Dorsey, in Room 6201, or call (650) 949-7241; or immediately schedule an appointment with FHDA Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Jane Enright or call (650) 949-6210. If you are an employee working with a student, do not send the student back to the person with whom they are experiencing difficulty, or even that person's supervisor.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Foothill does not discriminate against any person in the provision of any program or services based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or physical/mental disability.
Complaints of discrimination filed by an employee of the district against another employee or student, or a student against an employee of the district shall be referred and handled pursuant to the district Administrative Procedures: Investigation and Resolution of Complaints Regarding Harassment and Discrimination. Such complaints should be directed to the Student Affairs & Activities Office, located south east of Library Quad, Room 6201; or call (650) 949-7241.
Complaints of discrimination filed by a student against another student, or student against the criteria of a program, shall be referred and handled pursuant to the district Procedures to Resolve Student Complaints of Sexual Harassment and Discrimination. Such complaints should be directed to the Student Affairs & Activities Office, located south east of Library Quad, Room 6201; or call (650) 949-7241.
Limited English Skills Policy
Prospective students are advised that a lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission to, or participation in vocational education programs at Foothill College as long as other, if any, program admission standards are met. This notice is a requirement of the Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination and Denial of Services on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Sex and Handicap (Federal Register, Vol. 44, No 56).
Posibles estudiantes son aconsejados de que la falta del idioma Inglés no será una barrera para la admisión, o participación en programas de educación vocacional en Foothill College, siempre y cuando todos los otros, si existierán, criterios de admisión del programa son completados. Esta nota es un requisito de la Pauta para la Eliminación de la Descriminación y Negativa de Servicios en Base a la Raza, Color, Nacionalidad de Origen, Sexo, e Impedimento (Registro Federal, Vol. 44 No. 56).
Misuse of Computer Information & Resources Policy
This administrative procedure implements Board Policy 3250: Procedures Regarding Misuse of Computer Information.
Abuse of computing, networking or information resources contained in or part of the district network may result in the loss of computing privileges. Additionally, abuse can be prosecuted under applicable statutes. Users may be held accountable for their conduct under any applicable district or college policies, procedures, or collective bargaining agreements. Complaints alleging abuse of the district network will be directed to those responsible for taking appropriate disciplinary action. Illegal reproduction of material protected by U.S. Copyright Law is subject to civil damages and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Examples of behaviors constituting abuse which violate District Board Policy 3250 include, but are not limited to, the following activities:
System Abuse
- Using a computer account that one is not authorized to use.
- Obtaining a password for a computer account that one is not authorized to have.
- Using the district network to gain unauthorized access to any computer systems.
- Knowingly performing an act which will interfere with the normal operation of computers, terminals, peripherals or networks.
- Knowingly running or installing on any computer system or network, or giving to another user, a program intended to damage or to place excessive load on a computer system or network. This includes but is not limited to programs known as computer viruses, Trojan horses and worms.
- Knowingly or carelessly allowing someone else to use your account who engages in any misuse in violation of Board Policy 3250.
- Forging email messages.
- Attempting to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover or exploit security loopholes.
- Masking the identity of an account or machine.
- Deliberately wasting computing resources.
- Downloading, displaying, uploading or transmitting obscenity or pornography, as legally defined.
- Attempting without district authorization to monitor or tamper with another user's electronic communications, or changing, or deleting another user's files or software without the explicit agreement of the owner, or any activity which is illegal under California Computer Crime Laws.
- Personal use which is excessive or interferes with the user's or others' performance of job duties, or otherwise burdens the intended use of the network.
Harassment
- Using the telephone, email or voice mail to harass or threaten others.
- Knowingly downloading, displaying or transmitting by use of the district network, communications, pictures, drawings or depictions that contain ethnic slurs, racial epithets, or anything that may be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based on their race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religious or political belief.
- Knowingly downloading, displaying or transmitting by use of the district network sexually explicit images, messages, pictures, or cartoons when done to harass or for the purposes of harassment.
- Knowingly downloading, displaying or transmitting by use of the district network sexually harassing images or text in a public computer facility, or location that can potentially be in view of other individuals.
- Posting on electronic bulletin boards material that violates existing laws or the colleges' Codes of Conduct.
- Using the district network to publish false or defamatory information about another person.
Commercial Use
- Using the district network for any commercial activity, without written authorization from the district. "Commercial activity" means for financial remuneration or designed to lead to financial remuneration.
Copyright
- Violating terms of applicable software licensing agreements or copyright laws.
- Publishing copyrighted material without the consent of the owner on district Web sites in violation of copyright laws.
Exceptions
Activities by technical staff, as authorized by appropriate district or college officials, to take action for security, enforcement, technical support, troubleshooting or performance testing purposes will not be considered abuse of the network.
Although personal use is not an intended use, the district recognizes that the network will be used for incidental personal activities and will take no disciplinary action provided that such use is within reason and provided that such usage is ordinarily on an employee's own time; is occasional and does not interfere with or burden the district's operation. Likewise, the district will not purposefully surveil or punish reasonable use of the network for union business-related communication between employees and their unions. Approved 11/17/97; Reviewed by Board 8/16/99, 7/7/03.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Members of the college community-students, faculty, staff and visitors-must be able to study and work in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. It is the policy of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District to provide an educational, employment and business environment free of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communications constituting sexual harassment, as defined and otherwise prohibited by federal and state law.
Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to:
- Conduct of a sexual nature that is explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of an individual's employment or education;
- A decision based on the submission to or rejection of a sexual advance; or
- Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with an individual's performance or creates an intimidating work or educational environment.
Immediate action shall be taken against individuals determined to be in violation of this policy. Any individual who believes that he or she has been a victim of sexual harassment may file a complaint within one year of the date on which the complainant knew or should have known of the facts of the sexual harassment incident. Complaints of sexual harassment filed by an employee of the district against another employee or student, or a student against an employee of the district, shall be referred and handled pursuant to the district's Administrative Procedures: Investigation and Resolution of Complaints Regarding Harassment and Discrimination. Such complaints should be directed to Don Dorsey, Dean of Student Affairs & Activities, (650) 949-7241, Room 6201.
Complaints of sexual harassment filed by a student against another student, or student against the criteria of a program, shall be referred and handled pursuant to the district's Procedures to Resolve Student Complaints of Sexual Harassment and Discrimination. Such complaints should be directed to Don Dorsey, Dean of Student Affairs & Activities, Room 6201, (650) 949-7241.
District Sexual Harassment Policy
Members of a college community—students, faculty, staff and visitors—must be able to study and work in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. It is the policy of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District to provide an educational, employment and business environment free of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communication constituting sexual harassment, as defined and otherwise prohibited by federal and state law. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to:
- Conduct of a sexual nature that is explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of an individual's employment or education.
- A decision based on the submission to or rejection of a sexual advance.
- Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with an individual's performance or creates an intimidating work or educational environment.
Immediate action shall be taken against individuals determined to be in violation of this policy. Any individual who believes that he/she has been a victim of sexual harassment may file a complaint within one year of the date on which the complainant knew or should have known of the facts of the sexual harassment incident.
If you are involved in a situation of illegal discrimination, report immediately to Dean of Student Affairs & Activities Donald Dorsey, Room 6201, or call (650) 949-7241; or report to FHDA Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Jane Enright, FHDA District Office, or call (650) 949-6210. If you are an employee working with a student, do not send the student back to the person with who they are experiencing difficulty, or even that person's supervisor.
Complaints of sexual harassment filed by an employee of the district against another employee or student, or a student against an employee of the district, shall be referred and handled pursuant to the district's Administrative Procedures: Investigation & Resolution of Complaints Regarding Harassment & Discrimination. Such complaints should be directed to FHDA Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Jane Enright, FHDA District Office; (650) 949-6210.
Complaints of sexual harassment filed by a student against another student shall be referred and handled pursuant to the district's Procedures to Resolve Student Complaints of Sexual Harassment & Discrimination. Such complaints should be directed to Dean of Student Affairs & Activities Donald Dorsey, Room 6201; (650) 949-7241.
To Obtain Complaint Procedures/Forms
Copies of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Policies Administrative Procedures: Investigation & Resolution of Complaints Regarding Harassment and Discrimination; Procedures to Resolve Student Complaints of Sexual Harassment & Discrimination; and Unlawful Discrimination Complaint Form are available on campus from the Dean of Student Affairs & Activities, Room 6201 as well as at the Human Resources Office and Chancellor’s Office at the FHDA District Offices. The procedures for complaints other than those named above are available from Dean of Student Affairs & Activities Donald Dorsey, Room 6201; (650) 949-7241.
Education Rights and Privacy Act
The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act requires educational institutions to provide access to official education records directly related to the student; an opportunity for a hearing to challenge such records on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate; that the college must obtain the written consent of the student before releasing personally identifiable information about him/her from records to other than a specified list of persons and agencies; and that these rights extend to present and former students of the college.
Education records generally include documents related to admissions, enrollment in classes, and grades and related academic information. The registrar is the designated records officer of the college.
- Education records will be made available for inspection and review during normal working hours to presently and formerly enrolled students within 45 days following completion and filing of a request form with the records officer.
- If informal proceedings do not resolve the student's questions, the student may submit a petition to the designated officer. The designated officer will then assign the matter within 20 school days to the Academic Council's calendar.
- The college may release certain kinds of directory information, unless the student notifies the records officer that certain or all information may not be released without consent. Directory information at this college includes:
- student name,
- major field of study,
- participation in recognized activities and sports,
- dates of attendance,
- degree and awards conferred,
- weight and height of members of athletic teams, which may be released only by the appropriate athletic staff member or the athletic director of the college.
- Objection to the release of this information must be made in writing each quarter to the records officer in the Admissions & Records Office, Room 1929.
- The eligible student currently in attendance at Foothill College, or his/her parent(s) if the student is under 18 years of age, has a right to file a complaint concerning alleged failures by the college to comply with the requirements of this act with the U.S. Department of Education.
Course Offering Guidelines
Frequency of offerings-Foothill and De Anza colleges shall ensure students enrolled in two-year degree programs will be able to obtain their degree in two years if they meet basic skill proficiencies at the start of the program and follow the prescribed pattern and sequence of classes. Major requirement courses shall be listed in curriculum sheets at both colleges and shall be offered at one or both of the colleges with appropriate frequency. Both colleges will publicize low-enrolled classes districtwide as resources permit.
Administration of class size-Class sizes are monitored by the vice president of Instruction & Educational Resources who works with appropriate division deans. Sections may be canceled early in the registration process to improve enrollment in remaining sections.
Class cancellation-Foothill College reserves the right to cancel any class in which enrollment is insufficient. Classes with insufficient pre-enrollment may be canceled before the first day of class.
Class size guidelines-Minimum size guidelines apply to all classes. Under special circumstances-e.g., second- or third-quarter or second-year sequential courses; courses required for a major/career subject area; combined same-hour, same-instructor courses; or one-of-a-kind graduation or transfer requirement-a class may continue under minimum enrollment. Other exceptions include limited facilities; law regarding class size, distance learning study, special projects or cooperative education; or other circumstances as identified by the vice president of Instruction & Educational Resources.
Repetition of classes-The student may not repeat a class more than the number of times stated in the college catalog unless he/she receives an unsatisfactory grade or is authorized to do so by the college’s Academic Council. Courses taken more than once for credit will only be counted once for transfer purposes. The student may repeat a class only once to remove an unsatisfactory grade (D, F, NP).
Foothill College has an established procedure for grievances and complaints in order to provide a means for resolving alleged unfair or improper action by any member of the academic community. Procedures and forms are available on campus in the Student Affairs & Activities Office, located in Room 6201. A copy of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board Policy & Administrative Procedures is available for review from the FHDA District Human Resources Office as well as online at www.fhda.edu/about_us/board/policy. The forms can be found here. For more information, visit the Student Affairs & Activities Office or call (650) 949-7241.
"When grades are given for any course of instruction taught in a community college district, the grade given to each student shall be the grade determined by the instructor of the course and the determination of the student's grade by the instructor, in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetence, shall be final."
For additional assistance or information, speak to these people in this order:
- instructor of the class
- division dean (schedule an appointment through the division’s administrative assistant)
- vice president who oversees the division
- Dean of Student Affairs & Activities Donald Dorsey, Room 6201; or by calling (650) 949-7241.
Student Grievance Procedures -
The Student Grievance Procedures apply to the following types of issues:
- Arbitrary action or unofficial sanctions without regard to due process,
- Financial aid,
- Course grades, bad faith,
- Violation of state, federal rights, or college-defined student rights,
- Unspecified, miscellaneous grievances, and/or
- Act or threat of intimidation or general harassment (for example, hazing).
Note: These procedures do not apply to sexual harassment.
A copy of the Student Grievance Procedures is available in the Student Affairs & Activities Office in Room 6201. See Board Policy, Administrative Procedures 5530
Academic in-class issues
If you have complaints about academic issues, you should seek to resolve the problem informally by speaking with these people in this order:
- Instructor of the class
- Division Dean (schedule an appointment through the division's administrative assistant)
- The Vice President who oversees that division
If no resolution is obtained informally, you make seek formal action by calling the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs & Activities at (650) 949-7241.
Academic regulations-Evaluation
Enforcement and interpretation of, and exceptions to academic regulations are the responsibility of the college's Academic Council. Obtain petitions for exceptions from Stephanie Franco, Evaluation Specialist, Room 1930; or call (650) 949-7231.
Academic Disqualification/Course Substitutions/Graduation Requirements
To resolve problems such as disqualification and readmission, course substitutions, and exceptions to graduation requirements, schedule an appointment with a Foothill College counselor. To schedule an appointment, visit Room 1930; or call (650) 949-7423.
Exceptions to Admissions/Registration Policies
For information about exceptions to registration policies, contact the Admissions and Records office, Room 8101; (650) 949-7325. To request an exception to published policy, you must file an exception petition available in the Admissions & Records Offices at either campus or on-line at http://www.foothill.edu/reg/index.php.
Expulsion
Expulsion from the college district is conducted through the Student Affairs & Activities Office, Room 6201; (650) 949-7241. For due process and appeals information, visit or call this office.
Parking citations/traffic violations
Parking tickets and traffic violations issued at Foothill College by campus police are legal citations that cannot be canceled by the college administration.
Note: You must pay the parking penalty or contest the citation within 21 days of issuance. Failure to do so may result in additional penalties and the loss of your right to contest the citation. A hold may also be placed on your vehicle registration (40215 CVC). In addition, having five or more outstanding citations may result in the impounding or immobilization of your vehicle at your expense without further notice.
Paying by Check or Money Order -
Do not send cash. Write the citation number clearly on the check or money order, and mail to:
Citation Processing Center
P.O. Box 2730
Huntington Beach, CA 92647-2730
If your check fails to clear, a returned check fee may be assessed.
Paying by Visa or MasterCard credit card (Computer) -
Use a credit card to pay your citation online by accessing www.TicketWizard5000.com.
Contesting a Citation
You may contest the citation via an initial review by writing a letter of explanation and sending it with a copy of the citation to the Office of Parking Violations within 21 days of the issuance of the citation. For more information, access www.TicketWizard5000.com.
Photography (Use of Photography)Foothill College, a non-profit California Community College, reserves the right to use photography of students and visitors, age 18 and older, taken on our property and at college-sponsored events for marketing and promotional purposes. Objection to the use of an individual's photograph must be made in writing to the Marketing Office, Room 6104.
Police ActionsDirect concerns about an individual officer first to the officer and then to the chief of Police & Safety, Room 6201; or call (650) 949-7313. Direct appeals of the chief's decision to Dean of Student Affairs & Activities Donald Dorsey, Room 6201; or call (650) 949-7241.
Other complaintsIf you have problems, other than those named above, with personnel in the college you should see these people in this order:
- the employee
- the employee's supervisor or division dean
- the supervisor's manager or division dean's vice president of that area or division
- Dean of Student Affairs & Activities Donald Dorsey, Room 6201; or call (650) 949-7241.
No Smoking Policy
In order to provide a safe learning and working environment for students and employees, smoking is prohibited in all indoor and outdoor campus locations, with the exception of designated parking lots. Smoking is prohibited in district vehicles.
"No Smoking" signs are conspicuously posted at building entrances and in employee lounges, restrooms, locker rooms, dressing areas, cafeterias, lunchrooms, and stadium and sports facilities. In addition, designated parking lot areas for smoking areas will be clearly marked.
This policy relies on the consideration and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. It is the responsibility of all members of the district to observe and follow the guidelines. This policy shall be communicated to all employees annually and published in the colleges' Schedule of Classes, handbooks, Web sites, and other appropriate locations. ( Santa Clara County Ordinance No. 625.4; City of Cupertino Ordinance No. 1647; Labor Code 6404.5; Approved 1/8/96; Amended 8/16/99, 12/2/02, 6/20/05).
Drug-Free Campus
The unlawful possession, use or distribution of any illicit drug or alcohol by students on district property or at district activities or events is prohibited.
The use of drugs and alcohol may pose significant health risks. Health Services at Foothill College and the Health Office at De Anza College offer additional information on the risks associated with the use of drugs and alcohol. You can also receive referral information for drug or alcohol counseling, treatment and rehabilitation programs from both health offices. For more information, call (650) 949-7243.
Employees and students may be suspended or expelled for the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol. Appropriate disciplinary action may also include requiring the completion of a rehabilitation program. The standards of conduct for students and the applicable sanctions for violating the standards are published in the Foothill Student Handbook, De Anza Student Handbook and Board Policy #4500.
" Where there is no finding that engaging in the forbidden conduct would materially and substantially interfere with the requirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of a school, the prohibition cannot be sustained. Constitutional guarantees do not immunize one for conduct which disrupts class work or invades the rights of others."
-Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent School District, USSC, 1969, 21 LIED 2d 731.
Been Called to Active Military Duty?Students who are called to active duty have three options for refund and grading. If you are called to duty prior to the completion of a term, you may choose one of the following:
- Refund-You may petition for an official withdrawal with a full refund of enrollment fees, student fees, textbooks and non-resident tuition, if applicable.
- Credit-You may petition for an official withdrawal with a credit for enrollment fees, student fees and non-resident tuition, if applicable.
- Grade of Incomplete-You may petition for a grade of I (Incomplete).
Forms for all of the above three options are available from the Admissions & Records Office.
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