Navigating the Los Angeles Community College District: A Comprehensive Overview of Student Conduct and Academic Policies
The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is committed to fostering an environment of academic integrity, student success, and transparent policy. This commitment is reflected in its comprehensive student code of conduct and academic regulations, designed to guide students through their educational journey while upholding the standards of the District. This article provides an in-depth overview of these policies, from student record management and academic load to disciplinary procedures and grievance processes, drawing extensively from established LACCD guidelines.
Student Records and Information Privacy: Balancing Confidentiality and Transparency
The Los Angeles Community College District, in compliance with Federal and State law, has established policies and procedures governing student records and the control of personally identifiable information. The LACCD recognizes that student records are a confidential matter between the individual student and the college. At the same time, the District has a responsibility to fulfill public information needs, such as information about students participating in athletics, and announcements of scholarships and awards. To meet this responsibility, the District may release Directory Information unless the student states in writing that he or she does not want it released. The responsibility for carrying out these provisions is charged to the college Records Officer, designated by the Chief Administrative Officer on each campus. The Records Officer may be contacted via the Admissions Office.
All student records maintained by the various offices and departments of the college, other than those specifically exempted by law, are open to inspection by the student concerned. The accuracy and appropriateness of the records may be challenged in writing to the Records Officer. A student has the right to receive a copy of his or her records, at a cost not to exceed the cost of reproduction. No student records, other than Directory Information, will be released without the written consent of the student concerned, except as authorized by law. A log of persons and organizations requesting or receiving student record information is maintained by the Records Officer. Directory Information includes the student's name, city of residence, date of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.
Academic Load and Enrollment Regulations: Charting a Course for Success
Understanding academic load and enrollment regulations is crucial for students aiming to maximize their educational experience and progress toward their degrees. The LACCD has specific guidelines to ensure students maintain a manageable course load while adhering to academic progress standards.
The maximum study load is 19 units during a regular semester. The normal class load for students in the Fall or Spring semester is 12 to 19 units a semester for full-time students. However, the maximum study load for a student who has been on academic and progress probation for two consecutive semesters is significantly reduced to 6 units. This measure is in place to support students in improving their academic standing.
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For students looking to enroll in multiple courses within a session, specific rules apply. To enroll in two courses per session that total more than 9 units but do not exceed 10 units, students must consult with the Admissions Office. This process ensures that students are not overloading themselves within shorter academic terms.
The academic transcript serves as a vital record of a student's academic journey. Students who drop or are excluded from a course after the last day to drop without a grade of "W" will have a "W" appear on their transcript. This signifies a withdrawal from the course after the permissible period.
When it comes to repeating courses, the LACCD has established guidelines to prevent excessive attempts. For courses specifically designated as "repeatable," students may repeat up to three times. However, where a student's number of enrollments in a course exceeds the allowable amount, the student may petition for an additional enrollment in cases of extenuating circumstances. This petition process allows for flexibility in exceptional situations.
Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations imposes a limit on "remedial" coursework. Specifically, a student is limited from taking more than 30 units of "remedial" coursework, which is defined as "nondegree-applicable basic skills courses." The LACCD registration system is designed to prevent students who have exceeded this limit from enrolling in additional basic skills courses. However, a student who has reached this limit but enrolls in a credit or non-credit English as a Second Language (ESL) course will be allowed to also enroll in additional basic skills courses. Students with a diagnosed learning disability may request an exemption through the Services for Students with Disabilities office (formerly DSPS). Students can petition for such exemptions by submitting a General Petition to the Admissions Office.
It is essential that enrollment forms be completed accurately and carefully. While classes may be dropped any time before the end of the 11th week, "Permission Numbers" are processed online only through the published deadline. The Admissions Office requires a picture I.D. for verification purposes. Some of the classes offered may require students to provide materials that have continuing value to the student outside of the classroom setting, such as lab equipment or specific texts.
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Students are expected to attend every meeting of all classes for which they are registered. Violation of this regulation may result in exclusion from class as specified in Administrative Regulation E-13. Crucially, STUDENTS WHO HAVE PREREGISTERED FOR A CLASS AND WHO DO NOT ATTEND THE FIRST MEETING OF THE CLASS FORFEIT THEIR RIGHT TO A PLACE IN THE CLASS. This policy underscores the importance of active participation from the outset. Whenever absences in hours exceed the number of hours the class meets per week, the instructor will consider whether there are mitigating circumstances that may justify the absences. It is the student's responsibility to consult with an instructor regarding any absences that would alter the student's status in the class.
Financial Obligations and Course Add/Drop Procedures: Navigating Administrative Processes
Understanding the financial aspects of enrollment and the procedures for adding or dropping courses are fundamental to a smooth academic experience. The LACCD has clear policies in place to guide students through these administrative processes.
A nonrefundable fee of $15 per unit is associated with enrollment. To add classes once the semester begins, students must obtain a Permission Number from the instructor of the desired class. It is important to note that no semester courses may be added after the normal add period, which is published in the Schedule of Classes. Short-term and Open-Entry/Open-Exit classes have different add periods, and students should check with the Office of Admissions and Records for specific deadlines.
Community colleges, including those within the LACCD, receive funding from state apportionment, which is a set amount of dollars distributed to college districts based on enrollment. This funding model highlights the importance of student enrollment and attendance.
The policy regarding course attempts is also critical. When a student has made three attempts at a class, with any combination of W (Withdrawal), D (Drop), or F (Fail) grades, they will not be able to register for that class again. It is the student's responsibility to withdraw officially from courses.
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A significant policy regarding withdrawals states that AFTER THE 11TH WEEK of a regular semester (or 75% of the class duration for short-term classes), students who remain in a class are given a grade by the instructor. THAT GRADE CANNOT BE A "W" (withdrawal). This means that after this point, students are expected to complete the course and receive a letter grade. The student must have completed 12 units within the L.A. Community College District to be eligible for certain academic benefits or to have their academic progress evaluated under specific criteria.
Credit by Examination and Transfer Credits: Recognizing Prior Learning
The LACCD offers pathways for students to earn college credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside of traditional classroom settings, including through examinations and coursework completed at other institutions.
Students may petition for a total of 15 units for credit by examination. To do so, students must obtain a Credit by Examination card from the Admissions Office, complete it, and return it to the Admissions Office for verification of eligibility. After verification, students must take the card to the appropriate department chairperson. The date and time of the examination are the responsibility of the department chair and/or faculty involved.
Students may also be awarded credit for external exams once enrolled at the college. Each external exam follows distinct policies. Students who take an Advanced Placement (AP) Exam, an International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam, or a College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exam in the same topic area will receive credit for only one exam. For example, if a student takes both the CLEP exam in Biology and the AP exam in Biology, they will only be awarded credit for one exam because the topics are duplicative.
Course equivalency for Advanced Placement exams, for purposes other than meeting general education and graduation competency requirements for the Associate Degree, are described in the catalog. To be eligible to receive credit for Advanced Placement exams, the student must be enrolled at Los Angeles Valley College during the semester in which credit is to be granted. Advanced Placement exam scores of 3 or higher are generally required to receive credit. Students are encouraged to refer to the LAVC Catalog for detailed charts on how general education credit is earned for various general education plans, including IGETC, CSU general education certification, and LAVC's own general education requirements.
It is important to note that the amount and type of transferable credit granted towards a university's admission or major requirements are determined by that university's AP policies, not by Los Angeles Valley College's policies. University policies often differ significantly from LACCD policies. Students should consult with a counselor for further information regarding transfer credit.
Regarding International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Program, it is a challenging two-year curriculum primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19. Los Angeles Valley College will grant units towards general education and/or the associate degree as described in the LAVC Catalog. This catalog also indicates the passing score required for each exam. A passing score on specific IB exams can fulfill competency requirements, such as the Reading and Written Expression Competency Requirement and the Mathematics Competency Requirement. Credit is typically only given for Higher Level (HL) exams, with no credit awarded for Standard Level (SL) exams.
For coursework completed at institutions outside the United States, several conditions apply. Coursework must be completed at an institution accredited by a recognized United States regional accrediting body. Students must submit official transcripts to Los Angeles Valley College. The college will honor each course in the same general education area in which the originating institution placed each course. There is no maximum on the number of units that may be applied to local associate degrees. Regionally accredited institutions of higher education coursework is generally equivalent to courses in the collegeâs curriculum; students should discuss transcripts with a counselor to confirm equivalency. Los Angeles Valley College accepts degree-applicable coursework completed at other colleges or universities outside the United States for the purpose of completing LACCD Associate Degree general education, graduation competency, and unit (elective) credit. There is no LACCD residency requirement for the application of transfer credits towards associate degrees. To determine whether courses are equivalent to courses within the collegeâs curriculum, students should discuss their transcripts with a counselor. Students may then submit a General Petition and a copy of the evaluation to the Office of Admissions and Records.
Grading Systems and Policies: Understanding Academic Evaluation
The LACCD employs a variety of grading systems and policies to accurately reflect student achievement. Understanding these systems is vital for students to track their progress and make informed academic decisions.
The College President may designate courses in the college catalog wherein all students are evaluated on a "pass-no pass" basis or wherein each student may elect, at registration or no later than the end of the first 30% of the term, whether the basis of evaluation is to be "pass-no pass" or a letter grade. The pass-no pass grading system is used in any course where there is a single satisfactory standard of performance for which unit credit is assigned. Courses listed in the catalog may be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, provided the student meets the requirements for enrollment on this basis. Information concerning these requirements is available in the Admissions Office.
For the Spring 2020 term, the LACCD lifted the restriction on the number of courses/units students could take for Pass/No Pass. During that term, all classes could be taken either Graded or as Pass/No Pass. Courses already designated locally as Pass/No Pass only remained as such. For courses taken as a replacement or repeat of a previously-graded course, they could also be taken Pass/No Pass. However, it is important for students to be aware that most transfer institutions, including CSU, UC, and graduate or professional schools, require courses for the major to be completed with a letter grade. A transfer, professional, or graduate institution may restrict the allowable transfer units taken as Pass/No Pass.
The instructor on record for the course shall determine the grade to be awarded to each student. The determination of the studentâs grade by the instructor is final in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency. For purposes of this section, "mistake" may include, but is not limited to, clerical errors and errors made by an instructor in calculating a studentâs grade. A "Pass" grade signifies at least satisfactory performance, with units awarded but not counted in the GPA. A "No Pass" grade indicates less than satisfactory performance, with units awarded but not counted in the GPA.
Incomplete academic work for unforeseeable, emergency, and justifiable reasons at the end of the term may result in an "I" symbol being entered in the student's record. This record shall be given to the student, with a copy on file in the college Admissions Office until the "I" is made up and a final grade is assigned, or when one year has passed. The "I" symbol shall not be used in calculating units attempted nor for grade points. The "I" grade may be made up no later than one year following the end of the term in which it was assigned.
The "IP" symbol shall be used only in those courses which extend beyond the normal end of an academic term. It indicates that work is "in progress," but that assignment of a grade must await course completion. The "IP" symbol shall remain on the student's permanent record in order to satisfy enrollment documentation. The appropriate evaluative grade and unit credit shall be assigned and appear on the student's record for the term in which the required work of the course is completed.
The "MW" symbol may be used to denote military withdrawal. "Military Withdrawal" occurs when a student who is a member of an active or reserve United States military service receives orders compelling a withdrawal from courses. Upon verification of such orders, a withdrawal symbol may be assigned at any time after the period established by the governing board during which no notation is made for withdrawals. The withdrawal symbol so assigned shall be an "MW." Military withdrawals shall not be counted in progress probation and dismissal calculations. "MW" shall not be counted for the permitted number of withdrawals.
Withdrawal from a class or classes shall be authorized through the last day of the fourteenth week of instruction or 75% of the time the class is scheduled to meet, whichever is less. No notation ("W" or other) shall be made on the record of a student who withdraws before the census date of the course. Withdrawal between the end of the fourth week (or 30% of the time the class is scheduled to meet, whichever is less) and the last day of the fourteenth week of instruction (or 75% of the time the class is scheduled to meet, whichever is less) shall be authorized after informing the appropriate faculty. A student who remains in class beyond the fourteenth week or 75% of the time the class is scheduled shall be given a grade other than a "W," except in cases of extenuating circumstances. After the last day of the fourteenth week (or 75% of the time the class is scheduled, whichever is less), the student may withdraw from class upon petition demonstrating extenuating circumstances and after consultation with the appropriate faculty. Extenuating circumstances are verified cases of accidents, illness, or other circumstances beyond the control of the student.
Academic Honesty and Integrity: Upholding Ethical Standards
The faculty and administration of the Los Angeles Community College District are deeply committed to the belief that honesty and integrity are integral components of the academic process. The College expects students to be honest and ethical at all times in their pursuit of academic goals. Violations of academic honesty and integrity occur when a student participates in any act in which he/she uses deception or fraud while performing an academic activity. This includes, but is not limited to, submitting for a grade the words, ideas, and/or written work (including laboratory notes and drawings) of another person without giving due credit to that person. Such actions constitute plagiarism and are serious offenses.
Students have the right to appeal disciplinary actions through the Board of Trustees Discipline procedures. In cases of alleged academic dishonesty, students may be required to complete the Academic Dishonesty Report Form and submit it, along with any related evidence, to the V.P. of Student Services.
Standards of Student Conduct: Maintaining a Safe and Respectful Campus
The LACCD has established clear standards of student conduct to ensure a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment for all members of the college community. These standards are codified in Board Rule 9803 and are designed to address a wide range of behaviors that could disrupt the educational process or endanger others.
Key areas of conduct addressed include:
- 9803.10 Willful Disobedience: Refusal to comply with lawful directives from college officials.
- 9803.11 Violation of College Rules and Regulations: Non-adherence to established campus policies.
- 9803.12 Dishonesty: Deceptive practices in academic or administrative matters.
- 9803.13 Unauthorized Entry: Gaining access to areas without proper authorization.
- 9803.14 College Documents: Forgery or misuse of official college documents.
- 9803.15 Disruption of Classes: Actions that interfere with the educational activities of others.
- 9803.16 Theft of or Damage to Property: Unauthorized taking or destruction of college or personal property.
- 9803.17 Interference with Peace of College: Causing disturbances or threats to campus tranquility. This includes 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 set forth in this Article.
- 9803.18 Assault or Battery: Physical harm or attempted physical harm to another person.
- 9803.19 Alcohol and Drugs: Possession or use of controlled substances or alcoholic beverages on college property, in violation of state law.
- 9803.20 Lethal Weapons: Possession of dangerous weapons on campus.
- 9803.21 Discriminatory Behavior: Actions that target individuals based on protected characteristics.
- 9803.22 Unlawful Assembly: Participating in illegal gatherings.
- 9803.23 Conspiring to Perform Illegal Acts: Planning or agreeing to commit unlawful actions.
- 9803.24 Threatening Behavior: Direct or implied expressions of intent to inflict harm or actions, such as stalking, that a reasonable person would perceive as a threat to personal safety or property.
- 9803.25 Disorderly Conduct: Behavior that is disruptive or offensive.
- 9803.26 Theft or Abuse of Computer Resources: Unauthorized use or damage to college computer systems.
- 9803.27 Performance of an Illegal Act: Engaging in any activity that violates local, state, or federal law.
Furthermore, specific regulations address interference with college operations and personnel:
- 9804 Interference with Classes: This rule outlines penalties for physically obstructing or attempting to obstruct students or teachers from attending or instructing classes. Such actions are punishable by fines or imprisonment.
- 9805 Interference with Performance of Duties of Employees: This encompasses actions that hinder college staff from performing their job duties.
- 9805.10 Assault or Abuse of an Instructor: Specific provisions address harm or mistreatment of instructors.
- 9806 Unsafe Conduct: This broad category covers any conduct that poses a threat of harm to the individual student or to others.
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