Transfers ToCSUCSU GE Area C1Descriptionthe LACCD shall disqualify a student from admission to any other LACCD college. Notification of Dismissal: A student who is subject to dismissal shall be notified by the College President or designee of the dismissal. Dismissal becomes effective the semester following notification. Dismissal from any one college in the LACCD shall disqualify a student from admission to any other LACCD college. Dismissal Notification Timeline: At the end of the first semester and in each subsequent semester for which the student is on academic or progress probation, the student will receive a notification of their academic standing. The notification will also inform students of available college support services. At the end of the third consecutive semester in which the student is on academic or progress probation, and has not met the conditions for being removed from probation, the student will be notified that they are subject to dismissal. Dismissal Notification: The dismissal notification shall include, at a minimum, a reference to the appropriate LACCD Board Policies and Administrative Procedures, an explanation of the dismissal and its ramifications, the procedure for the appeals process, and procedure to appeal dismissal. The notice shall also clearly state that two (2) consecutive primary terms of probation will lead to loss of the California Promise Grant. Each college shall make reasonable efforts to provide counseling and other support services to help students on probation overcome academic difficulties. Colleges should also help mitigate potential loss of the California Promise Grant and ensure that students have the opportunity to receive appropriate and adequate counseling, assessment, advising, and/or other services on a timely basis. Each college shall make reasonable efforts to notify a student of removal from probation, reinstatement after dismissal, and restoration of California Promise Grant within timelines established by the District. Students may appeal their loss of their California Promise Grant as a result of dismissal from the College by filling out and submitting a LACCD Loss of Enrollment Priority and/or BOGW Fee Waiver Appeal Form to the Admissions and Record Office. Removal of substandard grades through course repetition (see "Course Repetition" section in this catalog) or through academic renewal (see "Academic Renewal" section in this catalog) may be used to improve the student's GPA. If removal of substandard grades results in the student's cumulative GPA being 2.0 or higher, the student may request to have their academic standing reviewed for the purpose of no longer being subject to dismissal. Fall Dismissals: Special circumstances exist for dismissals after the Fall semester has commenced due to the fact that students enroll before Fall grades are posted. "Subject to Dismissal" notifications will be sent no later than the end of March informing students: 1. That if the student is enrolled in the Spring semester, they will be permitted to continue on probation. Dismissal status will be reevaluated at the end of the Spring semester. 2. That if the student is not enrolled in the Spring semester, they have the right to appeal the dismissal (see Appeal of Dismissal section below) Appeal of Dismissal Students may appeal their dismissal as outlined in LACCD Administrative Procedure 4255. The student has the right to file a THE STUDENT HANDBOOK: ACADEMIC POLICIES & REGULATIONS written petition with the Admissions and Records Office to appeal a proposed dismissal action, if they experienced extenuating circumstances beyond his/her control which warrant an exception to the proposed dismissal. Appeals Process 1. The student must file the written petition of appeal within ten (10) working days after the dismissal notification was sent. If the student fails to file a written petition within the 10-day period, the student waives all future rights to appeal the dismissal action. The petition must include a clear statement of the grounds on which continued enrollment should be granted, and provide evidence supporting the request. (Exception: Appeals Timeline for Dismissals as a Result of Fall Semester Grades) 2. The student will be continued on probation until the student's appeal is concluded. 3. Petitions will be reviewed by an Appeals Committee consisting of, at a minimum, the Vice President of Academic Affairs or their designee, the Chief Student Services Officer or their designee, the Admissions and Records Officer or their designee, one Academic Senate representative and the Counseling Chair or his/her designee. The committee will designate a chair of record. 4. The Appeals Committee will consider the request and issue its decision by electronic notification. The Admissions and Records Officer will notify the student of the committee's action electronically within ten (10) working days of the filing deadline. 5. The student may appeal the decision of the Appeals Committee, in writing, to the College President or designee within five (5) working days of the date of notification. The decision of the College President, or his/her designee, is final. 6. If the appeal of the dismissal is granted, the student will be continued on probation for an additional semester. At the end of that semester, the student's academic record will be evaluated to determine whether the student shall be removed from probation, dismissed, or continued on probation. Standards for Evaluating Dismissal Appeals: Dismissal appeals may be granted under the following conditions: 1. If the dismissal determination is based on the academic record for a semester in which the record does not reflect the student's usual level of performance due to accident, illness, or other circumstances beyond the control of the student. The student's petition must include a clear statement of the grounds on which continued enrollment should be granted, and provide evidence supporting the request. 2. When there is evidence of significant improvement in academic achievement, colleges may make as a condition of granting an appeal that the student meet certain requirements designed to aid him/her to improve his/her academic performance, such as obtaining academic counseling, and/or limiting course load. Appeals Timeline for Dismissals as a Result of Fall Semester Grades: Appeals for students who are subject to dismissal as a result of Fall grades must be filed within ten (10) working days of notification during the Spring semester. The following conditions apply: 1. Students who are enrolled in the Spring semester will not be required to file an appeal but will be allowed to continue on probation and have their dismissal status evaluated at the end of the Spring semester. 2. Students who have not enrolled in the Spring semester will be dismissed unless an appeal is granted in accordance with procedures outlined in the Appeals Process above. Readmission After Dismissal Readmission to the College may be sought using the criteria and processes outlined in LACCD Administrative Procedure 4255. The College President or designee shall consider requests for readmission to the college. Uniform criteria will be used in considering whether or not students may be readmitted after a dismissal and two semesters absence. The following criteria will be considered in reviewing individual situations: 1. Documented extenuating circumstances presented during their appeal. 2. Marked improvement at an educational institution outside of the LACCD during the time the disqualification was in effect. 3. Semesters on which disqualification was based were atypical of past academic performance. 4. Improved GPA as a result of grade changes, fulfillment of incompletes, or academic renewal. 5. Formal or informal educational, occupational or other appropriate individual experiences since completion of semesters on which disqualification was based. Transfer Credit Policy Transfer credit for lower division courses taken at regionally accredited institutions of higher education in the United States is accepted toward Associate degrees (AA or AS), Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) or Certificates. Students must provide official transcripts. See the "General Services: Transcripts" section in this catalog for submission processes. Withdrawing from the College WLAC recognizes that a student does not leave college for superficial reasons. Students in need of advice should see a counselor prior to leaving the College. Official withdrawal requires that a student drop classes through the online Student THE STUDENT HANDBOOK: ACADEMIC POLICIES & REGULATIONS Information System (SIS). A student who does not comply with these requirements may receive failing grades. Deadlines for withdrawal vary according to the term start/end dates. They are available online via the Student Information System (SIS). THE STUDENT HANDBOOK: DISCRIMINATION POLICIES DISCRIMINATION POLICIES Equal Opportunity Statement The LACCD Board of Trustees supports the intent of the California Legislature to assure that every effort is made to build a community in which opportunity is equalized. Community colleges foster a climate of acceptance, with the inclusion of faculty and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds and agree that diversity in the academic environment fosters cultural awareness, mutual understanding, harmony, respect, and suitable role models for all students. The Board therefore commits itself to promote the total realization of equal employment through a continuing equal employment opportunity program. The Chancellor shall develop, for review and adoption by the Board of Trustees, a plan for equal employment opportunity that complies with the Education Code and Title 5 requirements as modified or clarified by judicial interpretation from time to time. The LACCD (i.e., District) shall ensure that all qualified applicants for employment and employees have full and equal access to employment opportunity and are not subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the District on the basis of actual or perceived protected status categories as delineated in Board Policy 3410 Nondiscrimination. The Board of Trustees commits the District to vigorous equal employment opportunity in all aspects of its employment programs, including recruitment, assignment, retention, promotion, and transfer. (Reference LACCD Board Policy 3420) You Have the Right! To work and study in an atmosphere free of harassment and discrimination To be judged by the same criteria as all others, not by standards that are less demanding, or more rigorous, or different in any way To complain, free of retaliation Discrimination Policy The LACCD (i.e., District) is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and all access to institutional programs and activities. The District, and each individual who represents the District, shall provide access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race or ethnicity, color, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or military and veteran status, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. The Chancellor shall establish administrative procedures that ensure all members of the college community can present complaints regarding alleged violations of this policy and have their complaints heard in accordance with the Title 5 regulations and those of other agencies that administer state and federal laws regarding nondiscrimination. No LACCD funds shall ever be used for membership, or for any participation involving financial payment or contribution on behalf of the LACCD or any individual employed by or associated with it, to any private organization whose membership practices are discriminatory on the basis of national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or military and veteran status, or because he/she is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or because of his/her association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. (Reference LACCD Board Policy 3410). All programs and activities of the LACCD and/or WLAC shall be operated in a manner which is free of discrimination. Employees, students, or other persons acting on behalf of the LACCD and/or WLAC who engage in any form of discrimination as defined in this policy or by state or federal law shall be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge, expulsion, or termination of contract. If you feel you have been discriminated against by a student or a WLAC employee, faculty, staff or administrator, you may contact the LACCD Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to file a complaint (see contact information below). You may also file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (see contact information below). If you have witnessed discrimination, you may contact the LACCD Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) or the Office for Civil Rights to file a complaint. LACCD Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 770 Wilshire Blvd., 2nd Floor Los Angeles, CA 90017 Office: (213) 891-2315 Fax: (213) 891-2295 Office for Civil Rights 50 United Nations Plaza Mailbox 1200, Room 1545 San Francisco, CA 94102 THE STUDENT HANDBOOK: DISCRIMINATION POLICIES Main: (415) 486-5555 TDY: (800) 877-8339 Fax: (415) 486-5570 ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov Copies of discrimination policy and procedures may be obtained from the LACCD Office for Diversity Equity and Inclusion (Reference: LACCD Administrative Regulation C-14) Sexual Harassment Policy As a college in the LACCD, WLAC is 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. Any member of the WLAC community, which includes students, faculty, and staff, who believes, perceives, or experiences conduct that may constitute sexual harassment, has the right to seek the help of the College. Every employee has the responsibility to report such conduct when the conduct is aimed at students. Employees, students, or other persons acting on behalf of the LACCD and/or WLAC who engage in sexual harassment as defined in LACCD policy or federal law (Federal Civil Rights Law - Title IX) shall be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge, expulsion or termination of contract. Complainants are advised that administrative and civil law remedies, including but not limited to injunctions, restraining orders or other orders may be made available. The LACCD has a policy which provides formal and informal procedures for resolving sexual harassment complaints. Copies of the policy and procedures may be obtained from the District Title IX Coordinator for WLAC, at (213) 891-2000 x 3113. Disability Accommodation Policy Grievance Procedure for Faculty Refusal to Provide Approved Accommodation It is the obligation of the WLAC faculty under LACCD Board Policy 5140 to render accommodations approved by the Disabled Student Program and Services (DSP&S) professionals in accordance with State and Federal laws, as applicable. WLAC takes all matters of disability-related discrimination seriously and will respond promptly. WLAC prohibits any form of retaliation, intimidation, or harassment against any individual who has filed or otherwise participated in the filing or investigation of a disability-related discrimination complaint. Any individual who believes they have been subjected to retaliation may file a complaint under the resolution processes below. Both informal and formal grievance processes exist for students not receiving approved accommodations from any course of study at WLAC. Resolution procedures apply to complaints by students or third parties that allege discrimination based on disability, including complaints that allege actions taken by WLAC employees, by students, or by third parties are discriminatory, such as an allegation that a faculty member is not implementing a DSP&S approved accommodation or an allegation that a WLAC policy or procedure (or lack thereof) is discriminatory. Students are not required to engage in the informal resolution procedure before filing a formal complaint for disability-related discrimination. Throughout either the informal or formal resolution procedure, if an aggrieved student pursues resolution, the accommodation originally approved by DSP&S will be provided to the student. Informal Grievance Process If a WLAC faculty member is not implementing an accommodation approved by DSP&S, an aggrieved student may engage in the following informal resolution procedure: 1. Contact the DSP&S Office for assistance, at (310) 287-4450. 2. Upon notification by the student that a member of the faculty is not implementing a DSP&S approved accommodation, a DSP&S staff member will attempt to resolve the matter within five (5) calendar days. 3. DSP&S will communicate with the instructor and, if needed, the division chair and/or Dean of the division for resolution. 4. If there is no resolution within five (5) calendar days, DSP&S will inform the student in writing of his/her rights to file a formal grievance with: � WLAC through the formal resolution procedure (see below); � The LACCD Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and/or � The Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights Formal Grievance Process Allegations of disability-based discrimination at WLAC may be investigated and resolved in accordance with this formal resolution procedure: 1. The complainant will submit a written complaint to the College ADA Coordinator (i.e., the WLAC ADA Coordinator) requesting resolution; if possible, the complainant's written complaint may include a list of witnesses. The contact information for the College ADA Coordinator can be found below. The College ADA Coordinator and designee(s) receive annual training in appropriate investigatory approaches and the applicable legal standards. WLAC ADA Coordinator Brian Stokes, Vice President, Administrative Services THE STUDENT HANDBOOK: DISCRIMINATION POLICIES 9000 Overland Ave. Culver City, CA 90230 email: stokesb@wlac.edu phone: (310) 287-4367 2. The College ADA Coordinator and designee(s) will immediately begin a reliable and impartial investigation, which includes an opportunity for the complainant to present documents and witnesses and requires the College ADA Coordinator and designee(s) to gather relevant documentary evidence and interview relevant witnesses. 3. The College ADA Coordinator will issue a written notice of outcome to the complainant, the appropriate Deans of Student Services and Academic Affairs, and respondent within sixty (60) calendar days of receiving the complainant's written complaint. The written notice of outcome will include: a. A determination if discrimination occurred, thus violating the College's and LACCD's discrimination policies based on the preponderance of the evidence, and the rationale for this determination; b. If discrimination is found to have occurred, the College will identify and implement remedies that stop the discrimination, prevent recurrence, and remedy discriminatory effects on the complainant and others, if appropriate; and, c. Appeal rights (see below). 4. If the complainant or respondent disagrees with the determination by the College ADA Coordinator, the following appeal process is available: a. The complainant or respondent may submit a written appeal to the College President within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the College ADA Coordinator's written notice of outcome. The written appeal should include the reason for appeal, such as the complainant or respondent feels there was an error in the College ADA Coordinator's investigation or would like to present new information/evidence. b. The College President shall have ten (10) calendar days from the date of the appeal to issue their written decision on the appeal, including the findings of fact and rationale for the decision. c. The College President can alter or change the determination and corrective measures in the College ADA Coordinator's written notice of outcome. d. The College President's decision on the appeal is final. (Reference: LACCD Board Policy 5140) THE STUDENT HANDBOOK: STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT A student enrolling in one of the LACCD colleges may rightfully expect that the faculty and administrators of the colleges will maintain an environment in which there is freedom to learn. This requires that there be appropriate conditions and opportunities in the classroom and on the campus. As members of the college community, students should be encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment, to engage in the sustained and independent search for truth, and to exercise their rights to free inquiry and free speech in a responsible, non-violent manner. In the furtherance of the students' interest in free inquiry and the search for truth, it is also important that students be able to hear the views of non-students and engage in the free exchange of ideas with non-students. All persons shall respect and obey civil and criminal law, and shall be subject to legal penalties for violation of laws of the city, county, state and nation. All persons shall respect and obey the rules, regulations and policies of the LACCD. Conduct in all of the Los Angeles Community Colleges must conform to LACCD and College rules and regulations. Violations of such rules and regulations may result in disciplinary action depending on the individual's status as student, faculty, staff or visitor. Violations of such rules and regulations include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Willful disobedience to directions of college officials acting in the performance of their duties. 2. Violation of college rules and regulations, including those concerning student organizations, the use of college facilities, or the time, place and manner of public expression or distribution of materials. 3. Dishonesty, such as cheating or knowingly furnishing false information to the colleges. 4. Unauthorized entry to or use of the college facilities. 5. Forgery, alteration or misuse of college documents, records or identification. 6. Obstruction or disruption of classes, administration, disciplinary procedures or authorized college activities. 7. Theft of or damage to property belonging to the college, a member of the college community or a campus visitor. 8. The malicious or willful disturbance of the peace or quiet of any of the Los Angeles Community Colleges by loud or unusual noise or any threat, challenge to fight, fight, or violation of any rules of conduct as set forth in this Article. Any person whose conduct violates this section shall be considered to have interfered with the peaceful conduct of the activities of the college where such acts are committed. 9. Assault or battery, abuse or any threat of force or violence directed toward any member of the college community or campus visitor engaged in authorized activities. 10. Any possession of controlled substances which would constitute a violation of Health and Safety Code section 11350 or Business and Professions Code section 4230, any use of controlled substances the possession of which are prohibited by the same, or any possession or use of alcoholic beverages while on any property owned or used by the LACCD or colleges of the LACCD or while participating in any LACCD or college-sponsored function or field trip. "Controlled substances," as used in this section, include but are not limited to the following drugs and narcotics: a. opiates, opium and opium derivatives b. mescaline c. hallucinogenic substances d. peyote e. marijuana f. stimulants and depressants g. cocaine 11. Possession, while on a college campus or at a college-sponsored function, of any object that might be used as a lethal weapon is forbidden all persons except sworn peace officers, police officers and other governmental employees charged with policing responsibilities. 12. Behavior while on a college campus or at a college- sponsored function, inconsistent with the LACCD's Non-discrimination Policy, which requires that all programs and activities of the LACCD be operated in a manner which is free of "Prohibited Discrimination," defined as discrimination or harassment in violation of state or federal law on the basis of actual or perceived ethnic group identification, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex (including gender-based sexual harassment), pregnancy, marital status, cancer-related medical condition of an employee, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. 13. Any assemblage of two or more persons to a. do an unlawful act, or b. do a lawful act in a violent, boisterous or tumultuous manner. 14. Any agreement between two or more persons to perform illegal acts. 15. A direct or implied expression of intent to inflict physical or mental/emotional harm and/or actions, such as stalking, which a reasonable person would perceive as a threat to personal safety or property. Threats may include verbal statement, written statements, telephone threats or physical threats. 16. Conduct which may be considered disorderly includes; lewd or indecent attire or behavior that disrupts classes or college activities; breach of the peace of the THE STUDENT HANDBOOK: STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT college; aiding, or inciting another person to breach the peace of college premises or functions. 17. Theft or abuse of computer resources including but not limited to: a. Unauthorized entry into a file to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose. b. Unauthorized transfer of a file. c. Unauthorized use of another individual's identification and password. d. Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of a student faculty member or college official, or to alter college or district records. e. Use of unlicensed software. f. Unauthorized copying of software. g. Use of computing facilities to access, send or engage in messages which are obscene, threatening, defamatory, present a clear and present danger, violate a lawful regulation and/or substantially disrupt the orderly operation of a college campus. h. Use of computing facilities to interfere with the regular operation of the college or district computing system. 18. Conduct while present on a college campus or at a location operated and/or controlled by the LACCD or at a LACCD-sponsored event, which is prohibited by local, state, or federal law. 19. Violations of Academic Integrity include, but are not limited to, the following actions: cheating on an exam, plagiarism, working together on an assignment, paper or project when the instructor has specifically stated students should not do so, submitting the same term paper to more than one instructor, or allowing another individual to assume one's identity for the purpose of enhancing one's grade. 20. Every person who, by physical force, willfully obstructs, or attempts to obstruct, any student or teacher seeking to attend or instruct classes at any of the campuses or facilities owned, controlled or administered by the Board of Trustees of the LACCD, is punishable by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisonment in a county jail not exceed one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment. As used in this section, "physical force" includes, but is not limited to, use of one's person, individually or in concert with others, to impede access to or movement within or otherwise to obstruct the students or teachers of the classes to which the premises are devoted. 21. Every person who attempts to cause, or causes, any officer or employee of any of the Los Angeles Community Colleges or any public officer or employee to do or refrain from doing, any act in the performance of his/her duties, by means of a threat to inflict any injury upon any person or property, is guilty of a public offense. 22. Every parent, guardian, or other person who assaults or abuses any instructor employed by the LACCD in the presence or hearing of a community college student or in the presence of other community college personnel or students and at a place which is on LACCD premises or public sidewalks, streets, or other public ways adjacent to school premises, or at some other place where the instructor is required to be in connection with assigned college activities is guilty of a misdemeanor. 23. Conduct which poses a threat of harm to the individual and/or to others. This includes, but is not limited to, the following types of conduct: 24. Unsafe conduct in connection with a Health Services Program (e.g., Nursing, Dental Hygiene, etc.); 25. Failure to follow safety directions of LACCD and/or College staff; 26. Willful disregard of safety rules as adopted by the LACCD and/or College; and/or 27. Negligent behavior which creates an unsafe environment. (Reference: LACCD Board Policy 5500) THE STUDENT HANDBOOK: ADDITIONAL POLICIES ADDITIONAL POLICIES Freedom of Speech Policy Free speech on WLAC's campus is required under LACCD Board Rule Chapter IX, Article IX (also known as Administrative Regulation B-38 � Free Speech and Campus access). LACCD is required to adopt rules and regulations relating to the exercise of free expression by students upon the premises of each campus. The purpose of this Administrative Regulation is to foster free speech, assembly, and other expressive activities, while addressing the need of each college campus to make necessary arrangements to assure that such activities do not interfere with its mission and operations or with the rights of others. Accordingly, the rules and regulations of Administrative Regulation B-38 are intended to facilitate peaceable assembly, the expression of ideas and opinions, and the distribution of materials, while ensuring the safe, orderly and peaceful flow of college business and activities. WLAC shall have copies of Administrative Regulation B-38, copies of the campus time, place and manner regulation, and copies of the campus map identifying the Free Speech Area(s) (FSAs) and areas available for student expressive activity on hand at all times. Copies of this Administrative Regulation, the campus map, and the campus regulation shall be provided to persons seeking to use these areas. A copy of Administrative Regulation B-38 can be found in the WLAC FSA Time, Place, and Manner Regulation Form. For WLAC's policy on FSAs and how to use them, download the WLAC Policy on Use of Free Speech Area. Applicability of Free Speech Rights All free speech rights accorded students in LACCD Board Rule Chapter X, Article IX shall be accorded them in activities conducted under this Article; the college president shall not approve any rules relating to non-Free Speech Areas which would deny students their free speech rights were they conducting such activities in Free Speech Areas. (Reference LACCD Board Rule 91005) Events and Activities of Students and Student Groups LACCD Board Rule Chapter X, Article X grants each LACCD college president the right to adopt and approve rules not set forth in this Chapter for the purpose of governing the use of the college's facilities. The president shall not approve any rules which are inconsistent with this Article. (Reference LACCD Board Rule 91002) An instructor may invite an individual to participate in his/her class as a guest lecturer. The instructor shall give prior written notice identifying the speaker to the college president or his/her designated representative. (Reference: LACCD Board Rule 91004.10) Recognized student organizations may invite and hear persons of their own choosing, provided they give prior written notice identifying the speaker to the college president or his/her designated representative. (Reference: LACCD Board Rule 91004.11) Those routine procedures required by an institution before a guest speaker is invited to appear on campus shall be designed only to ensure that there is an orderly scheduling of facilities and adequate preparation for the event, and that the occasion is conducted in a manner appropriate to an academic community. The institutional control of campus facilities shall not be used as a device of censorship. It shall be made clear to the academic and larger community that sponsorship of guest speakers does not necessarily imply approval or endorsement of the views expressed, either by the sponsoring group or the institution. (Reference: LACCD Board Rule 91004.12) Recording Devices Policy As per Education Code Section 78907, the use by any person, including a student, of any electronic listening or recording device in any classroom without the prior consent of the instructor is prohibited, except as necessary to provide reasonable auxiliary aids and academic adjustments to students with disabilities. Student requests to use a recording device should be made to the instructor in writing. Requests by students with disabilities will be approved on an individual basis, in collaboration with the instructor as appropriate, and must be discussed with a DSPS Counselor. For more information on the rights of students approved for Audio Recording Lectures, please see the Office for Civil Rights - A & A Regarding Audio Recording. Drug-Free Campus Policy The LACCD is committed to drug- and alcohol-free campuses, and we ask you to share in this commitment and dedication. The LACCD shall be free from all drugs and from the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. WLAC adheres to, supports, and is in full compliance with policies that maintain our college as a drug-free institution of higher education. Legal Problems: Legal problems include loss of driver's license, limitations on career choices, fines, and jail sentences. Health Risks: Alcohol and drug abuse, addiction, and dependency are behavioral/medical problems. Health risks THE STUDENT HANDBOOK: ADDITIONAL POLICIES associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol include hangovers, blackouts, general fatigue, impaired learning, dependency, disability, and death. Other Risks: Personal problems include diminished self- esteem, depression, alienation from reality, and suicide. Social problems include loss of friends, academic standing, co- and extracurricular opportunities, alienation from and abuse of family members, and chronic conflict with authority. Economic problems include loss of job, financial aid eligibility, homes, savings, and other assets. (Reference: LACCD Board Policy 3350) Counseling, Treatment and Rehabilitation: Students should contact the campus Counseling Center or the Student Health Center for assistance and referrals. Employees should contact the LACCD Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Smoking Policy The right to designate the campus a smoke-free campus can be found in LACCD Board Policy 3570. WLAC is a 100% smoke free campus. In the interest of the health and welfare of students, employees, and the public, the smoking of any item and/or product on the WLAC campus is explicitly and 100% prohibited. This 100% smoke free policy also applies to any event or activity on WLAC campus property. This 100% smoke free policy applies to all indoor and outdoor spaces owned, leased, licensed, or otherwise controlled by WLAC. STUDENT DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES Student Responsibility WLAC believes that education requires the concentrated effort of both the instructor and the student. Consequently, the student is held responsible for providing the time and personal effort and motivation necessary to meet the requirements of all his or her courses. This would include regular and prompt attendance, adequate study time, and careful adherence to the specific course work requested by the instructor. Discipline Procedures Community college districts are required by law to adopt standards of student conduct along with applicable penalties for violation (Education Code Section 66300). The LACCD has complied with this requirement by adopting Board Policy 5500, Standards of Student Conduct (see "Student Code of Conduct" section in this catalog). The LACCD has adopted Administrative Procedure 5520 to provide uniform procedures to assure due process when a student is charged with a violation of the Standards of Student Conduct. All proceedings held in accordance with this Administrative Procedure. shall relate to an alleged violation of appropriate standards of student conduct. These provisions do not apply to grievance procedures, student organization councils and courts, or residence determination and other academic and legal requirements for admission and retention. Disciplinary measures may be taken by the college independently of any charges filed through civil or criminal authorities, or both. For more information on Student Discipline Procedures, refer to LACCD Administrative Procedure 5520. STUDENT GRIEVANCE POLICIES & PROCEDURES Student Grievance Procedure Students have the right to file a complaint or grievance against WLAC. Most student complaints, grievances, or disciplinary matters should be resolved at the campus level. The purpose of the student grievance procedure is to provide a prompt and equitable means of resolving student grievances. More information about the WLAC's student grievance and complaint resolution process can be found at the WLAC Grievance webpage. For additional information about the grievance procedures, request a copy of the E-55 Regulation, Student Grievance Procedures, from the WLAC Ombudsperson. Before filing a grievance, each student with a complaint should first try to resolve the problem informally by contacting and discussing the matter with the person involved. If that effort fails and the complaint involves a faculty member, the student should contact the appropriate chairperson next, and then contact the appropriate Dean of Academic Affairs if the matter is not resolved. If the matter is not resolved informally, or if students need assistance with the grievance process, students can contact the Office of the Ombudsperson at ombuds@wlac.edu for support. Students also have the option to request a student advocate who assists the complainant with the grievance process. LACCD Administrative Procedure 5530 fully describes the Student Grievance process. The procedure enumerated in this Administrative Procedure shall be available to any student or applicant for admission who believes a college decision or action has adversely affected his or her status, rights, and/or privileges as a student. It is the responsibility of the student(s) to submit proof of alleged unfair or improper action. The grievance procedure outlined in this Administrative Procedure does NOT apply to the following: 1. Challenge process for prerequisites, corequisites, advisories and limitations on enrollment. Information on challenges to prerequisites is available from the Office of Academic Affairs. THE STUDENT HANDBOOK: ADDITIONAL POLICIES 2. Alleged violations of sexual harassment, actions dealing with alleged discrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, religion, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability. For discrimination complaints, refer to the "Discrimination Policies" section of this catalog. For complaints or grievances about disability accommodation services, refer to the "Disability Accommodation Policy" section of this catalog. 3. An appeal for residency determination. Residency appeals should be filed with the Admissions and Records Office. 4. Eligibility, disqualification or reinstatement of financial aid. Procedures for eligibility, disqualification or reinstatement of Financial Aid may be obtained in the Financial Aid Office. 5. Student Discipline: Actions dealing with student discipline are handled through the Office of Student Services & Resources. 6. Freedom of the Press: Issues pertaining to freedom of press and journalism are addressed in board policies and administrative procedures. 7. Employee Discipline. Students may file complaints about employee conduct with the appropriate administrator 8. Challenges of established LACCD policies, e.g., Board Policies and Administrative Procedures. Grievances regarding LACCD policy, which are beyond the authority of a college president, shall be referred to the Chancellor or Chancellor's designee for appropriate handling and response. 9. Financial claims against the LACCD. Financial claims need to be made through the LACCD's Office of General Counsel. Grievance issues that are not resolved at the campus level may be presented to: � The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) � Complaint Process: for complaints associated with the institution's compliance with academic program quality and accrediting standards. ACCJC is the agency that accredits the academic programs of the California Community Colleges. � The CCC Chancellor's Office � Complaint Process: for complaints that do not involve discrimination or academic program quality and accrediting standards. (Reference: LACCD Administrative Procedure 5530) Grade Grievance Procedure Grievances pertaining to grades are subject to the California Education Code Section 76224(a) which states: "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 incompetency, shall be final." * In general, there is no definitive definition of bad faith. However, bad faith may exist if there is neglect or refusal to fulfill some duty or obligation (e.g., ignoring student evaluation standards published in the course syllabus), not prompted by an honest mistake. The burden of proving mistake, fraud, bad faith and/or incompetence is on the student. Basically, this means that you, the student, must provide the evidence to prove "mistake, fraud, bad faith or incompetence" against the instructor you are grieving More information about the grievance process with regards to grades can be found at the Grade Grievance Procedure webpage. (Reference: LACCD Administrative Procedure 5530) 