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Your Student Handbook

The Foothill Student Handbook is managed by the Student Affairs & Activities Office, located in the campus center building, room 2002.

If you have questions about the Handbook, or about a specific policy or procedure, please call the Student Affairs office at 650.949.7241.

This online handbook provides you with

College Policies, Processes, & Procedures

Any policy adopted by the college administration shall supersede any ruling on the same subject that appears in this catalog or in other official publications once the revised regulation is posted on a campus bulletin board or included in the online class schedule.

Some links in the Table of Contents point to other department websites which will open in a new page. 

Academic Freedom 

Academic freedom encompasses the freedom to study, teach and express ideas and viewpoints, including unpopular and controversial ones, without censorship, political restraint or retribution. Academic freedom allows for the free exchange of ideas in the conscientious pursuit of truth. This freedom exists in all service areas, including but not limited to teaching, librarianship, counseling, coordinating and all faculty- student interactions. Academic freedom is the bedrock principle of all institutions of learning and must be extended to all faculty regardless of their status as full time, part time or probationary.

Faculty members have the principal right and responsibility to determine the content, pedagogy, methods of instruction, selection, planning and presentation of course materials, and the fair and equitable methods of assessment in their assignment in accordance with the approved curriculum and course outline and the educational mission of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, and in accordance with state laws and regulations. These rights and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the faculty member’s choice of textbooks and other course materials, assignments and assessment methods, teaching practices, grading and evaluation of student work, and teaching methods and practices.

Source: Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board Policy 4190 (fhda.edu). Approved April 20, 1960; amended Nov. 18, 1996; approved by Foothill College Academic Senate June 1, 2009; approved by De Anza College Academic Senate June 8, 2009; approved by Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees Jan. 5, 2010.

For more information on Foothill-De Anza policies, visit fhda.edu/_about-us/_board

Admission Guidelines

An admissions application is required for students new to Foothill College as well as students who are not in a continuing status due to skipping fall, winter or spring quarter. Foothill has an open-door admission policy for all high school graduates and non-graduates who are 18 years of age or older. Students currently enrolled in high school (freshman, sophomore, junior or senior) may enroll in up to 10 units per fall, winter and spring quarters, as well as a maximum of six units during summer session with high school transcripts, and written parental and school permission. Permission forms are available in the & Records Office (Room 8101) and at foothill.edu.

Special admission procedures such as additional testing, application forms and counseling sessions are required for admission to a number of career programs. Some of these programs begin only in the fall quarter. You must complete all special admission requirements by the preceding spring quarter. Programs in this category include dental assisting, dental hygiene, primary care associate, diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound), radiologic technology, respiratory therapy and veterinary technology.

 

Clearing Prerequisites

The student may clear a prerequisite or corequisite by providing any of the following:

To challenge a prerequisite or corequisite, complete the Prerequisite Clearance Form, available online at foothill.edu/reg/prereqs.html. Complete the form and attach the required documentation as stated on the form. Fax, mail, e-mail or drop off the complete form and documentation to the Admissions & Records Office prior to the first day of the quarter. Allow three to five business days for the form to be processed before attempting to register. You will only be notified by email if the petition is denied.

Admissions & Records (Bldg. 8101)
Foothill College
12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022-4599
650.949.7245
fax: 650.949.7048
email: prereqclearfh@fhda.edu

Exceptions to Admissions & Registration Policies

To request an exception to a published policy, you must file an exception petition. Forms are available in the Admissions & Records Office in Room 8101 and online at foothill.edu.

General Registration Information

If you are a new or former student, you must submit the Application for Admission by the quarterly deadline posted at foothill.edu. We encourage you to complete the application, complete the placement testing process and submit necessary transcripts as early as possible.

Students planning to transfer to Foothill are advised to submit transcripts from high schools and colleges previously attended.

If you plan to receive veterans benefits, apply for financial aid or earn a degree or certificate, you must submit official transcripts. Request previous institutions to send your transcripts directly to the Foothill College Admissions & Records Office, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, CA, 94022-4599.

International students on F-1 visas must follow specific admissions requirements. For more information, review foothill.edu/international.

To register for Foothill College classes, follow the online registration instructions published in the online class schedule and on the college website at foothill.edu. The class schedule for the current academic term is posted online. Online information is subject to change. We encourage you to review the website frequently. For more information, call the Admissions & Records Office at 650.949.7325.

Unit Limitation

An average class load is 15 units per quarter. The maximum number of allowable units per quarter without a counselor's approval is 21.5 units. If you intend to enroll in more than 21.5 units, you must obtain a counselor's approval and submit a petition to the Academic Council (no exceptions). The maximum number of allowable units for Summer Session is 15 units. To complete the petition process, schedule a consultation with a Foothill counselor by calling 650.949.7423.

Placement on Probation

Probation at Foothill & De Anza Colleges

The Foothill College probation/dismissal reporting system might not accurately reflect the correct academic probation status for students who have enrolled at both Foothill and De Anza colleges. Students who are enrolled within the current quarter at both colleges or have an academic history with both colleges should contact the Counseling Center at Foothill College for assistance regarding their probation/dismissal status at Foothill.

If at any time students attend both Foothill College and De Anza College in the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, it is the students' responsibility to keep track of their grades to ensure that they remain in good standing at each college. Although students may be in good standing at De Anza College, if at Foothill College they fall below the minimum required level of academic performance, the above probation and dismissal procedure will apply to them at Foothill College.

Re-Admission After Disqualification

A student who has been dismissed due to failure to make academic achievement and/or progress may be considered for re-admission on a conditional basis. The student must file an Admission After Disqualification Petition with a counselor. After the Academic Council reviews the petition, the student will be notified via e-mail of the decision, and their next steps.

Academic Regulations

The Academic Council is responsible for academic regulation evaluation, enforcement, interpretation and exceptions. You can obtain petitions in the Admissions Office (Room 8101), Counseling Center (Room 8302) or visit foothill.edu/apply-and-register/forms.html.

Add/Drop Dates

The deadline to add and drop classes may vary per course. Generally, the deadline to add or drop a course without a W-mark is prior to 20 percent of class meetings or prior to the end of the second week of instruction for a 12-week course. To determine the exact drop date for your course, consult MyPortal.fhda.edu. You are responsible for initiating the official add/drop process and for notifying both the instructor and Admissions & Records Office (Room 8101). Do not rely on an instructor to add you to a course or to drop you if you stop attending. To ensure that you are properly registered or dropped from a class and do not receive a substandard grade, you are responsible for dropping the class by the appropriate deadline. Verify your current enrollment status by accessing your MyPortal.fhda.edu account.

The maximum number of withdrawals (W-marks) from the same course is three, which are counted toward the overall enrollment limit of three. If you have questions or concerns about W-marks, schedule a meeting with a Foothill counselor at 650.949.7423 or foothill.edu/counseling. You cannot drop after the eighth week for a 12-week course. You may receive no more than two W-marks in any one course. For summer session class drop dates, consult the current class schedule or online college calendar at foothill.edu.

Attendance

Regular and punctual attendance is an integral part of the learning process. As a Foothill student, you are expected to attend all scheduled classes in which you are enrolled. An instructor has the authority to drop a student who violates written attendance policies. Instructors are not obligated to hold seats for students who are enrolled but do not attend the first class meeting.

Cancellation of Classes

Classes may be canceled when enrollments are lower than planned. Foothill College has the authority to change or cancel courses and programs as circumstances require.

Class Size & Frequency

Minimum class-size guidelines apply to all lecture, lecture/lab and laboratory classes at Foothill. While a minimum class size is generally required, special circumstances may necessitate continuing a class that does not meet these guidelines.

Exceptions are based on program needs such as second-quarter, third-quarter or second-year sequential courses; courses required for an identified major or career; combined courses meeting at the same hour with the same instructor; and one-of-a-kind offerings needed for graduation or transfer. Exceptions may also be based on the following:

Final Examinations

Foothill gives final examinations in all courses. Final examinations will not normally be given in advance of the scheduled time. At Foothill, we strive to minimize student activities during the week before final exams. However, classes and instruction continue as usual. During this period, instructors may assign coursework or have students complete part of the final examination.

Course Grading Categories

Foothill offers course grades in these five categories: 

 

Incomplete

For a justifiable, approved reason (serious illness, emergency, etc.), you may ask your instructor for more time to complete coursework. After the end of the eighth week and before the end of the quarter, you must request that the instructor assign a grade of Incomplete (I). The instructor files an Incomplete Contract that explains the reason and precisely outlines the work due, procedure required, and due date for you to complete the work. You should sign and keep a copy of the contract.

The college does not assign an incomplete because a student is slow or negligent in submitting required work. If you meet the course requirements within one calendar year, the I grade may be changed; otherwise it may be listed as F.

Transcripts

The Admissions & Records Office forwards transcripts at your request. Transcripts to educational institutions will be sent directly to those institutions. Transcripts given directly to you may be classified as unofficial. Transcript costs and procedures for requesting transcripts are published at foothill.edu.

Foothill reserves the right to withhold official transcripts from students under certain circumstances, such as defaulting on a loan, outstanding balance due on an account or until all obligations to the college are cleared.

Petition to Replace Substandard Grade for Foothill College GPA Calculation

When a substandard grade (D+, D, D-, F, NC or NP) was recorded at Foothill, an equivalent course may subsequently be completed at another accredited college or university. The student's academic transcript shall then be annotated to reflect exclusion of the previously recorded coursework with the substandard grade for purposes of grade-point calculation and for all considerations associated with the awarding of certificates and degrees. Replacement with a grade of Pass/No Pass is not permitted, as it does not improve the student's grade-point average (GPA). It is important to note that all grades remain on the academic transcript, and that some transfer institutions may require recalculation of the GPA to include both the substandard grade and the subsequent grade.

When submitting this petition, the student must attach:

The complete petition form must include student's identification number (SID), name, date, Foothill College course identifier, the date that the Foothill course was completed and initial grade, equivalent course identifier, date repeated and grade earned upon repetition, as well as the valid signatures of the student, discipline faculty member and division dean.

Off-Campus Trips & Activities

Some programs require off-campus field trips and activities. Transportation is usually the responsibility of the individual student or a travel agency. The district is not liable for occurrences when participants are not under a faculty or staff member's direct, scheduled supervision.

Scholastic Honors

Foothill commends students who earn the associate degree, complete a minimum of 24 Foothill units and meet the following criteria by awarding:

Additional scholastic honors are awarded to eligible students on the following basis:

Credit by Examination (Challenge)

As an enrolled Foothill student, you may be able to obtain credit by examination in subject matters or fields for which you are especially qualified through training or experience, but for which you have not already received college course credit or advanced placement credit.

The Petition for Credit by Examination Form is available online at our A & R forms list. You may also obtain petitions from the division office of the course that you want to challenge during the first week of the quarter. The chart on pages 48–51 in the college catalog identifies those courses for which credit by examination is currently available. You may not challenge other courses. Prior to submitting a Petition for Credit by Examination, you are required to obtain approval from either the appropriate academic division dean or course instructor to verify your eligibility.

Examinations will normally be completed by the end of the second week. Units earned through credit by examination will be identified on your transcript. No course may be challenged during a term after which the class has met for two weeks. Credit by examination is not available during the summer term. If you have previously failed a course, you are not eligible to petition for credit by examination in that course. Units of credit received through this procedure may not apply toward the minimum of 18 resident units required at Foothill College for the associate degree. A maximum of 30 units may be earned via credit by examination in the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. Units earned through credit by exam are not considered for financial aid, scholarship or veteran services eligibility and payments.

There are special limitations for challenging foreign language courses, courses that depend on laboratory or activity experiences, or sequential courses. You may not challenge a course at a lower level than one you have successfully completed in the same department. The examination may include written, oral or skill tests, or a combination of all three. This examination will determine whether you have demonstrated essentially the same knowledge and skills as students who successfully complete the traditional course. To obtain credit by examination, you are required to be enrolled in the course. The instructor will inform you about the requirements for successful completion. The examination grade will be entered as the course grade on your permanent record.

Although the University of California and California State University systems accept, within certain limitations, appropriate credits obtained by examination, Foothill College cannot guarantee that other institutions will do so. If you are pursuing credit by examination, you are encouraged to discuss the transfer and graduation implications with a counselor. The following courses are available for credit by examination: GEOG 12, 58, 101A, 101B, 101C and 101D.

Awarding College Credit for Advanced Placement (AP) Tests*

Unless otherwise noted, students may earn credit for AP Tests with a score of 3, 4, or 5. AP credit can toward satisfaction of IGETC, CSU GE and A.A./A.S. general education (GE) and/or major requirements as outlined below. Students planning to transfer should check with the receiving institution regarding AP credit policies.

Students must submit official College Board AP exam results to the Evaluations Office in order for credit to be awarded or certified.

Note: Course credit and units granted at Foothill College may differ from course credit and units granted by a transfer institution. Student who plan to transfer to four-year college or university should see a counselor for specific details regarding how AP credit will be applied to their major.

College Credit for Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

AP Exam Foothill AA/AS Credit (GE and/or course) Minimum Units Awarded CSU GE CSU - Units Earned Toward Transfer IGETC UC - Units Earned Toward Transfer
Art History Satisfies AA/AS Humanities Requirement Course credit Art 2A 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area C1 or C2 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 3A or 3B 4 quarter/3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Art (Studio-2D Design) No AA/AS GE credit awarded 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units (elective) N/A 4.5 quarter/3 semester units N/A 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Art (Studio-3D Design) No AA/AS GE credit awarded 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units (elective) N/A 4.5 quarter/3 semester units N/A 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Art (Studio-Drawing) No AA/AS GE credit awarded 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units (elective) N/A 4.5 quarter/3 semester units N/A 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Biology Satisfies AA/AS Natural Sciences Requirement 6 quarter/ 4 semester units Area B2 and B3 6 quarter/4 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 5B and 5C 4 quarter/3 semester units8 quarter/5.3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Calculus AB Satisfies AA/AS Communication & Analytical Thinking Requirement Course credit MATH 1A 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area B4 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 4.5 quarter/3 semester units* Area 2A 4 quarter/3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester units **Maximum credit 8 quarter/5.3 semester units for both AP MATH AB and BC exams
Calculus BC Satisfies AA/AS Communication & Analytical Thinking Requirement Course Credit MATH 1A & 1B 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area B4 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units* Area 2A 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units **Maximum credit 8 quarter/5.3 semester units for both AP MATH AB and BC
Calculus BC/AB Subscore Satisfies AA/AS Communication & Analytical Thinking Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area B4 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 4.5 quarter/3 semester units *Only one MATH exam may be used toward transfer Area 2A 3 semester units 4 quarter/2/7 semester units **Maximum credit 8 quarter/5.3 semester units for both
Chemistry Satisfies AA/AS Natural Sciences Requirement Course Credit Score of 3-CHEM 25 Score of 4 or 5- CHEM 1A 6 quarter/ 4 semester units Areas B1 and B3 6 quarter/4 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 5A and 5C 4 quarter/3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Chinese Language & Culture Satisfies AA/AS Humanities Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area C2 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Computer Science A No AA/AS GE credit awarded 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units (elective) N/A 4.5 quarter/3 semester units** N/A 2 quarter/1.3 semester units*** ***Maximum 4 quarter/2.7 semester units for both AP Computer Science A and AB4
Computer Science AB4 No AA/AS GE credit awarded 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units (elective) N/A 9 quarter/6 semester units** **Maximum one exam toward transfer N/A 4 quarter/2.7 semester units*** ***Maximum 4 quarter/2.7 semester units for both AP Computer Science A and AB4
Economics: Macro- economics Satisfies AA/AS Social & Behavioral Sciences Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area D2 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 4.5 quarter/3 semester units Area 4B 4 quarter/3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester units
Economics: Micro- economics Satisfies AA/AS Social & Behavioral Sciences Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area D2 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 4.5 quarter/3 semester units Area 4B 4 quarter/3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester units
English: Language & Composition Satisfies AA/AS English Requirement Course Credit English 1A 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area A2 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 1A 4 quarter/3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units*
English: Literature & Composition Satisfies either AA/AS English or Humanities Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area A2 and C2 9 quarter/6 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 1A or 3B 4 quarter/3 semester units 8 quarter units/5.3 semester units* *8 quarter/5.3 semester units maximum for both English exams
Environmental Science Satisfies AA/AS Natural Sciences Requirement Course credit BIOL 9 6 quarter/ 4 semester units Area B2 and B3 (if taken prior to Fall 2009) or Area B1 and B3 (regardless of when taken) 6 quarter/4 semester units 6 quarter/4 semester units Area 5A and 5C 4 quarter/3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester units
French Language and Culture Satisfies AA/AS Humanities Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area C2 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 3B and 6A 4 quarter/3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
German Language and Culture Satisfies AA/AS Humanities Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area C2 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 3B and 6A 4 quarter/3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Government & Politics: Comparative Satisfies AA/AS Social & Behavioral Sciences Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester Area D8 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 4.5 quarter/3 semester units Area 4H 4 quarter/3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester units
Government & Politics: U.S. Satisfies AA/AS Social & Behavioral Sciences Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area D8 and US 2* 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 4.5 quarter/3 semester units Area 4H 4 quarter/3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester units
History: European Satisfies either AA/ AS Social & Behavioral Science OR Humanities Requirement Course credit: HIST 4A 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area C2 or D6 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 3B or 4F 4 quarter/3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
History: U.S. Satisfies either AA/ AS Social & Behavioral Science OR Humanities Requirement Course credit: HIST 17A 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area C2 or D6 and US 1* 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 3B or 4F 4 quarter/3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
History: World Satisfies either AA/ AS Social & Behavioral Science OR Humanities Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area C2 or D6 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 3B or 4F 4 quarter/3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Human Geography Satisfies AA/AS Social & Behavioral Sciences Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area D5 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 4.5 quarter/3 semester units Area 4E 4 quarter/3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester units
Italian Language & Culture Satisfies AA/AS Humanities Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area C2 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 3B and 6A 4 quarter/3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Japanese Language & Culture Satisfies AA/AS Humanities Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area C2 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 3B and 6A 4 quarter/3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Latin Satisfies AA/AS Humanities Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area C2 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 3B and 6A 4 quarter/3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester units
Music Satisfies AA/ AS Humanities Requirement Course Credit MUS 3A 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area C1 (if taken prior to Fall 2009) 4.5 quarter/3 semester units NO GE CREDIT AFTER 2009 9 quarter/6 semester units N/A 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Physics 1 Satisfies AA/AS Natural Science Requirement 6 quarter/ 3 semester units B1 and B3 6 quarter/4 semester units 6 quarter/4 semester units Area 5A and 5C 4 quarter/3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Physics 2 Satisfies AA/AS Natural Sciences Requirement 6 quarter/ 3 semester units B1 and B3 6 quarter/4 semester units* 6 quarter/4 semester units* Area 5A and 5C 4 quarter/3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units**
Physics C: Mechanics Satisfies AA/AS Natural Sciences Requirement Course Credit Score of 3: PHYS 2A Score of 4 or 5: PHYS 4Ae 6 quarter/ 3 semester units Area B1 and B3 6 quarter/4 semester units* 6 quarter/4 semester units* Area 5A and 5C 4 quarter/3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester units**
Physics C – Electricity/ Magnetism Satisfies AA/AS Natural Sciences Requirement Course Credit Score of 3: PHYS 2B Score of 4 or 5: PHYS 4B 6 quarter/ 3 semester units Area B1 and B3 6 quarter/4 semester units* 6 quarter/4 semester units* *Maximum 4 semester units toward GE and 6 semester units toward transfer for all PHYSICS Area 5A and 5C 4 quarter/3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester units** **Maximum 8 quarter/5.3 semester units for all Physics exams
Psychology Satisfies AA/AS Social & Behavioral Sciences Requirement Course credit: PSYC 1 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area D9 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 4.5 quarter/3 semester units Area 4I 4 quarter/3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester units
AP Seminar No GE credit or units N/A N/A 4.5 quarter/3 semester units N/A No credit awarded
Spanish Language and Culture Satisfies AA/ AS Humanities Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area C2 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 3B and 6A 4 quarter/3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Spanish Literature and Culture Satisfies AA/ AS Humanities Requirement 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area C2 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 9 quarter/6 semester units Area 3B and 6A 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester units
Statistics Satisfies AA/AS Communication & Analytical Thinking Requirement Course Credit MATH 10 4.5 quarter/ 3 semester units Area B4 4.5 quarter/3 semester units 4.5 quarter/3 semester units Area 2 4 quarter/3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester units

AA: Students may not receive credit for both an AP exam and the equivalent course. A student who receives AP credit and then takes the equivalent Foothill course will have the unit credit for such duplication deducted prior to being awarded the A.A./A.S. degree. Credit by Advanced Placement exam is noted and listed first on a student's transcript, with units assigned and no grade given.

CSU GE: The Advanced Placement examinations may be incorporated into the certification of CSU General Education-Breadth requirements by any certifying institution. All CSU campuses will accept the minimum units shown and apply them toward fulfillment of the designated General Education-Breadth area if the examination is included as part of a full or subject-area certification. Please note that individual CSU campuses may choose to grant more units than those specified toward completion of General Education-Breatdh requirements.

IGETC: AP exams must be used in area indicated regardless of where the certifying CCC's discipline is located.

General Education IB Exam Score Equivalency List

To earn credit for Foothill GE, the student must earn a score of 5, 6 or 7 on a higher-level IB exam:

IB Subject Area Foothill College General Education Area Minimum Quarter Units
Anthropology HL Social/Behavioral Sciences 4
History (any region) HL Social/Behavioral Sciences 4
Geography HL Social/Behavioral Sciences 4
Language A1 (any language) HL Humanities 4
Language A2 (any language) HL Humanities 4
Mathematics HL Communication & Analytical Thinking 4
Theatre HL Humanities 4

In addition to a score of 5, 6 or 7 on the higher-level IB exam, the student must have completed the IB diploma program to earn Foothill GE credit in these areas:

IB Subject Area Foothill College General Education Area Minimum Quarter Units
Biology HL Natural Science 4
Chemistry HL Natural Science 4

In addition, a score of 5, 6 or 7 on a higher-level IB exam will result in credit for the following Foothill courses:

IB Subject Area Foothill College General Education Area Minimum Quarter Units
Chemistry HL CHEM 25 or CHEM 30A 4
Physics HL PHYS 6 4

Academic Honor Code

As a student at Foothill College, you join a community of scholars who are committed to excellence in the teaching and learning process.

We expect that students will pursue their studies with integrity and honesty and all students should know that incidents of academic dishonesty are taken very seriously.

What Is Academic Dishonesty?

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.

It is your responsibility to know what constitutes academic dishonesty. Interpretations of academic dishonesty may differ among individuals and groups. However, as a student at Foothill, you are expected to refrain from the behavior outlined herein. If you are unclear about a specific situation, speak to your instructor.

The following list exemplifies some of the activities defined as academic dishonesty:

Cheating

Plagiarism

Other Specific Examples of Academic Dishonesty

Consequences of Academic Dishonesty

Academic and/or administrative sanctions may be applied when students are found responsible for violating our academic integrity process.

Academic consequences may include:

Administrative consequences may include:

The Student Affairs & Activities Office maintains a record of students who have engaged in academic dishonesty. This information is used to identify and discipline students reported for academic dishonesty more than once. A copy of the Foothill College Student Conduct, Discipline & Due Process Procedure is printed in the handbook for each of these groups, and copies are available in the Student Affairs & Activities Office in Room 2002.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Foothill does not discriminate against any person in the provision of any program or service based on age, ancestry, color, gender, gender identity, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sexual orientation or veteran status.

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: Resolve Complaints- Harassment & Discrimination (AP 4640). Such complaints should be directed to Foothill's Dean of Student Affairs & Activities, located in Room 2002; or call 650.949.7241 to schedule an appointment. Complaints of discrimination filed by a student against another student, or student against the criteria of a program, shall also be referred and handled pursuant to the district Administrative Procedures: Resolve Complaints- Harassment & Discrimination (AP 4640). Such complaints should be directed to Foothill's dean of Student Affairs & Activities, located in Room 2002; or call 650.949.7241 to schedule an appointment.

To report discrimination on the basis of disability, schedule a meeting with Student Affairs & Activities Dean, the institution's ADA/504 coordinator, by visiting Room 2002 or calling 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 & Denial of Services on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Sex & Handicap (Federal Register; Vol. 44, No 56).

 

Sexual Harassment Protection 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 communications constituting sexual harassment, as defined and otherwise prohibited by federal and state law.

Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to:

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 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 & Discrimination. Such complaints should be directed to the Dean of Student Affairs & Activities/Title IX Coordinator in Room 2002, 650.949.7241.

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 & Discrimination. Such complaints should be directed to Student Affairs & Activities Dean/Title Ix Coordinator in Room 2002 or call 650.949.7241.

Mutual Respect Policy

Foothill College takes all steps necessary to provide a positive educational and employment environment that encourages equal educational opportunities. The college actively seeks to educate staff and students on the deleterious effects of expressions of hatred or contempt based on age, ancestry, color, gender, gender identity, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sexual orientation or veteran status; and promotes equality and mutual respect among all groups and individuals. Standards of conduct for students and the applicable sanctions for violating the standards of student conduct are contained in the Academic Policies section in the Course Catalog and online at foothill.edu.

Decisions regarding discipline of employees will be made in accordance with applicable legal and contractual provisions and procedures, and may range from reprimand to dismissal.

No-Smoking Areas & Enforcement

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 smoking areas as defined by each campus. Smoking is prohibited in district vehicles. "No Smoking" placards are conspicuously posted on campus. In addition, designated smoking areas are clearly marked. No tobacco- related advertising or marketing shall be permitted at FHDA or in publications produced by FHDA. The sale of tobacco products on campus is prohibited. This policy relies on the consideration and cooperation of smokers and nonsmokers. It is the responsibility of all employees, students and visitors to observe and follow the guidelines. This policy shall be communicated and published in the colleges' catalogs, handbooks, websites and other appropriate locations. Smoking violations shall be subject to issuance of citations by the District Police Department as provided for by state law. See Administrative Procedures 3217, 5510, 5520.

Government Code, 7596-7598; Health & Safety Code, 118875-118915; Labor Code, 6404.5; FHDA, Approved 1/8/96; CAC, Approved 2/24/12; FHDA Amended 8/16/99, 12/2/02, 6/20/05, 7/12/10, 3/12/12.

Enforcement: Smoking violations shall be subject to issuance of citations by the FHDA District Police Department as provided for by state law. An appeal process will ensure the due process of any person cited in accordance with district policy. California Government Code Sections, 7597-7598; Health & Safety Code Sections, 118875- 118915; Labor Code, 6404.5; FHDA, Approved 4/13/12.

Police Conduct

Direct concerns about an individual officer first to the officer and then to the on-duty police supervisor, located in Room 2103 or call 650.949.7313.

Student Conduct & Due Process

I. Overview

In developing responsible student conduct, disciplinary proceedings play a role substantially secondary to example, counseling, guidance and admonition. At the same time, educational institutions have a duty and the corollary disciplinary powers to protect their educational purpose through the settings of standards of scholarship and conduct for the students who attend them and through the regulation of the use of institutional facilities. The purpose of these procedures is to provide a prompt and equitable means to address violations of the Student Code of Conduct, as set forth in  i (AP) 5510 and 5520, which guarantees the student or students involved the due process rights entitled to them by state and federal constitutional protections. These procedures will be used in a fair and equitable manner, and not for purposes of retaliation. They are not intended to substitute for criminal or civil proceeds that may be initiated by other agencies.

Foothill and De Anza colleges consider the following principles essential to their educational missions and community life:

Mutual respect between students, faculty and staff;
Pursuit of studies with honesty and integrity;
Respect for college and personal property; and
Compliance with all rules and regulations.
These standards are intended to promote responsible student conduct and fair play.

II. Definitions

III. Student Code of Conduct & Grounds for Disciplinary Action

Students shall be subject to college discipline as outlined in AP 5520 for any of the following misconduct that occurs at any time on campus or at any off-campus facility, including Internet-based courses or college- approved or college-sponsored functions:

  1. Academic dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism (including plagiarism included in student publications), or knowingly furnishing false information to the colleges, or district;
  2. Unauthorized preparation, giving, selling, transfer, distribution or publication, for any commercial purpose, of any contemporaneous recording of an academic presentation in a classroom or equivalent site of instruction, including but not limited to handwritten or typewritten class notes, except as permitted by any district policy or administrative procedure;
  3. Dishonesty, forgery, alteration or misuse of college or district documents, records or identification;
  4. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other college or district activities, including its public service functions, or of other authorized activities;
  5. Physical or verbal abuse of any person or conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any such person;
  6. Committing or attempting to commit robbery or extortion;
  7. Causing or attempting to cause damage to college or district property or to private property on campus;
  8. Stealing or attempting to steal college or district property or private property on campus, or knowingly receiving stolen college or district property or private property on campus;
  9. Willful misconduct that results in injury or death to a student or to college or district personnel or which results in cutting, defacing, or other injury to any real or personal property owned by the college or district or on the campus;
  10. Unauthorized entry to or use of college or district facilities;
  11. Violation of college or district policies or of campus regulations, including those concerning registration of student organizations, use of college or district facilities, or the time, place and manner of public expression;
  12. Unlawful possession, use, sale, offer to sell, or furnishing or being under the influence of, any controlled substance as listed in California Health & Safety Code Section 11053 et seq., an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind; or unlawful possession of, or offering, arranging or negotiating the sale of any drug paraphernalia, as defined in California Health & Safety Code Section 11014.5;
  13. Use, possession, or sale of any firearm, knife, explosive, or other object that could be classified as a weapon (unless the student has specific authorization from a college or district official);
  14. Disruptive behavior, willful disobedience, habitual profanity or vulgarity, or the open and persistent defiance of authority, or persistent abuse of college or district personnel;
  15. Gambling on college or district property;
  16. Hazing or any act that injures, degrades, or disgraces or tends to injure, degrade, or disgrace any fellow student or other persons;
  17. Disorderly conduct or lewd, indecent or obscene behavior, conduct or expression on district-owned or district-controlled property, or at district-sponsored or district-supervised functions;
  18. Willful or persistent smoking in any area where smoking has been prohibited by law or by regulation of the college or district;
  19. Theft or abuse of computer time, including but not limited to:
    • unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read or change the contents or for any other purpose;
    • unauthorized transfer of a file;
    • unauthorized use of another person's identification and password;
    • use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or college official;
    • use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages, or to defame or intentionally harm other persons;
    • use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operation of the college computing system;
    • use of computing facilities for student's personal benefit;
  20. Committing sexual harassment as defined by law or as set forth in Board Policy (BP) 4640;
  21. Engaging in harassing or discriminatory behavior based on race, gender, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by law;
  22. Engaging in expression which is obscene, libelous or slanderous, or which so incites students as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on college or district premises, or the violation of lawful college or district regulations, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the college or district;
  23. Persistent, serious misconduct where other means of correction have failed to bring about proper conduct.

IV. Types of Disciplinary Action

The following are the usual types of discipline the college imposes for violations of its rule or California laws. The following topics are listed in alphabetical order.

V. Discipline & Due Process Procedures at Foothill College

Except in cases where immediate discipline pending a hearing is authorized, the following procedures will apply before disciplinary action is taken to suspend or expel a student. The student discipline officer will determine if there are sufficient grounds to warrant discipline. If the student discipline officer determines sufficient grounds exist to warrant discipline, the student will be provided with written notice of that determination. The written notice will include the following:

The specific section of the Student Code of Conduct that the student is charged with violating;
A short statement of the facts supporting the accusation; and
The nature of the discipline that is being considered.

The following topics are listed in chronological order.

For More Information

The Foothill College Judicial Affairs Office manages liability issues that arise on the Foothill College campus. The dean of Student Affairs & Activities is the Foothill College grievance officer who oversees discipline and due process. To schedule an appointment, get answers to your questions, obtain reference material or discuss an issue, call 650.949.7241.

Various policies and college groups work to assure students' due process. Such groups and policies include:

For Further Reference

Illegal Distribution of Copyrighted Materials

Foothill College students are prohibited from using the Foothill-De Anza (FHDA) Community College District information network to illegally download or share music, video and all other copyrighted intellectual property. Foothill College supports the Higher Education Opportunity Act and Digital Millennium Copyright Act, including efforts to eliminate the illegal distribution of copyrighted material. Under the law, college administrators may be obligated to provide copyright holders with information about users of the FHDA information network who have violated the law.

Be aware that illegal forms of downloading and file sharing, as well as the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials are violations of the law and may subject you to academic sanctions from the college as well as criminal and civil penalties, including a lawsuit against you by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Learn more at riaa.com/resources-learning-for-students-education.

In addition to being illegal, file sharing drains the FHDA network's bandwidth, which slows computer connections for students and employees who are using the network for legitimate academic purposes and ultimately costs the college money.

The college has developed policies and consequences to ensure that students respect music and other forms of intellectual property as well as conduct responsible use of the Internet. Review these policies at foothill.edu/student-handbook/index.html.

There are numerous ways to download music online legally. To protect their intellectual property, companies have licensed hundreds of digital partners that offer a range of legal downloading options, including download and subscription services, legitimate peer-to-peer services, video-on-demand and podcasts. For a list of sources that offer legal downloading sites, visit whymusicmatters.com.

Summary of Civil & Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under the Copyright Act. These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading and/or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement. For details, review U.S. Code Title 17; Section 106.

Civil and criminal penalties are applicable for copyright infringement. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or statutory damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For willful infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can also assess related costs and attorneys' fees. Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. For details, review U.S. Code Title 17; Sections 504–505.

For more information, review the U.S. Copyright Office website at copyright.gov, especially the FAQ at copyright.gov/help/faq.

Use of Photography 

Foothill College, a public California community college, reserves the right to use photographs, videos, motion pictures, and electronic images of students and visitors, age 18 and older, taken on college property and at college-sponsored events for marketing and promotional purposes.

Occasionally, the college will conduct media production activities for marketing purposes. The results of such photography and recording may be broadcast throughout the world. If you do not want to be identified, photographed or recorded, avoid areas where camera technicians and photographers are working.

Objection to the use of an individual's photograph may be made in writing to the Marketing Office, Room 1944.

Crime Awareness & Campus Security Summary Report

In compliance with Section 201 Public Law 101-542 as amended by Public Law 102-26, Foothill College provides the following 2015 Crime Awareness & Campus Security Act Summary Report (the most recent reporting period for which data are available from the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Police Department):

View Clery/Crime Statistics

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