studentrightslargeStudent Rights

Grade Appeal

Students may appeal a final grade during the subsequent quarter.  The student schedules a meeting with the instructor to discuss the final grade which is determined by the total points earned versus the total points possible.  Absences are also taken into consideration.  If no resolution is achieved, the student is to go to their Academic Advisor in the Education Department to fill out the Grade Appeal Petition form.  The student’s request will be reviewed and they will be notified of the petition results within weeks.

Student Grievance

The student grievance process aims to provide prompt and equitable resolution for any student who believes a college decision or action has adversely affected his or her status, rights, or privileges.  The student must make a reasonable effort to resolve the issues on an informal basis.  Within 30 days, the student must meet with the Department Chairperson or the Education Director and may be required to complete a written statement about the grievance.  If there is no satisfactory resolution, the student then forwards the written statement to the Vice President of Education, who will submit the statement to the Committee on Student Concerns.  This committee acts as advisor to the Vice President of Education, who is responsible for final resolution of the problem.  For further information or copies of the Student Grievance Procedures, contact the Office of the Dean of Academic Development.

Student Work

FIDM is proud of the work produced by its students and reserves the right to photograph, publish, display, or retain work done by students and alumni.

Student Records (Non-Directory Information)

All FIDM student records are kept private in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) except when a student has been accused of committing acts of violence or, if younger than 21 years of age, has been caught drinking or using illegal drugs.  FIDM keeps a record of the disclosure and provides it upon request to students who wish to know if their parents have been notified.  Written consent from the student is required for release of records to outside parties, except for those agencies authorized by law. Under this act, students may:

Questions about this policy should be directed to the Vice President of Education at the Los Angeles campus.

Sexual Harassment Policy

It is the policy of the college to maintain a working and learning climate free from sexual harassment of its students, employees, or those who apply for student or employee status.  By definition, sexual harassment emphasizes sexuality or sexual identity and includes any unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that has the intent or effect of unreasonably interfering with education and/or work performance.  Violation of the sexual harassment policy will result in disciplinary action.

Students with Disabilities

FIDM does not discriminate on the basis of a student’s disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), either in the admissions process or after admission.  Upon verification and consultation, reasonable accommodations will be provided to students upon matriculation to FIDM.  Questions concerning FIDM’s policy, procedure, and accommodations should be forwarded to a designated Education staff member.  In order to verify a learning disability, students who have been diagnosed with a physical or mental impairment must provide certification by a licensed physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, audiologist, speech pathologist, rehabilitation counselor, physical or occupational therapist, or other professional health care provider who is qualified to diagnose the disability.

Consumer Information

Any questions or unresolved problems concerning the college or its faculty and staff should be forwarded in writing to the FIDM Vice President of Education at 919 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA  90015.

Directory Information

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising may release directory information, including the student’s name, address(es), telephone number(s), major, current enrollment status, dates of attendance, degrees (including date and level of distinction), details about participation in officially recognized activities, and name of the most recent school attended by the student.  This information may be released to prospective employers, in media releases, in announcements of scholarships and awards, and for purposes approved by the college administration.  The student may request that directory information be withheld by notifying the Vice President of Education in writing.

Within the Classroom

Class Hours for the Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco campuses:

3-Unit Classes

ClassBegins ClassBreaks ClassEnds
8:30 9:30 - 9:45 11:15
12:00 1:15 - 1:30 2:45
3:00 4:00 - 4:15 5:45
6:00 7:00 - 7:15 8:45 *

6-Unit Classes

ClassBegins ClassBreaks ClassEnds
8:30 9:30 - 9:45 2:45
  11:15 - 12:00  
12:00 1:00 - 1:30 5:45
  4:00 - 4:30  

 

*Evening classes are offered at the Los Angeles and San Francisco campuses.

Class Hours for the Orange County campus:

3-Unit Classes

ClassBegins ClassBreaks ClassEnds
9:30 10:30 - 10:45 12:15
1:15 2:30 - 2:45 4:00
4:15 5:30 - 5:45 7:00

Class Size and Scheduling

The college has an obligation to provide the optimum scheduling and faculty staffing for the programs offered.  Should changes of any sort be necessary, they will not effect the student’s ability to fulfill all requirements. Every effort is made to keep a reasonable number of students in each class based on the subject matter and nature of activity in the course.

Textbooks and Supplies

Textbooks and supplies are issued during the first class meeting.  Students must sign a class roster, which includes an itemized list of books and supplies received for each registered class.  Students must verify that all items listed are received and in perfect condition before leaving the first class session.  Students who drop a class must submit a signed Class Change Form to the Registrar.  All unused books and/or supplies for each dropped class must be returned to the College Services Department by the end of the sixth week of class.  Students will be charged for books and supplies that are not returned.  Students who are absent when textbooks and supplies are issued are responsible for obtaining them from the Bookroom before the end of the second week of class.  Bookroom hours are posted at each campus.

Student Newsletter

The FIDM Student Newsletter is published weekly at all campuses and is available online through the Student Portal.  The information covered in the Newsletter is important to each student.  Copies are available in the Student Lounge on each campus.

Visitors

The college restricts attendance in class sessions to those who are formally registered in the course.  Visitors are not allowed on campus, unless for official business or when approved by an Administrator.

Smoking, Eating, and Cellular Phones

Eating, drinking, and cell phone (including camera function) use are not permitted in FIDM's classrooms, halls, Library, or elevators. FIDM is a non-smoking campus. In compliance with local ordinances, smoking is only permitted outside the buildings.