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State, District & College Policies

STATE POLICIES

Enrollment Priority Policy Changes (Effective Fall 2014)

The California Community Colleges Board of Governors established system-wide enrollment priorities effective Fall 2014. Enrollment priorities dictate how registration appointments are assigned. Students with the highest priority are given the earliest registration appointments.

The changes are designed to ensure class availability for students: seeking job training, degree attainment, transfer, and to reward students making progress toward their educational goals.

Priority Registration Groups:

Fully Matriculated active-duty military, CalWorks, EOPS, DSPS, Foster Youth and Veterans students.

Fully matriculated athletes, L.A. College Promise, and students completing a first degree in the registration term.

Fully matriculated continuing, new, and returning students.

Non-matriculated continuing students, students with 100 + degree applicable units district wide, continuing students not in good standing (2nd semester academic &/or progress probation), new and returning students applying after cutoff date to assign priority registration appointments.

Continuing, new and returning K-12 students. K-12 students who applied after the cutoff date to assign priority registration appointments.

Notes:

  1. Good standing is defined as not on academic or progress probation.
  2. Non-degree applicable basic skills units do not count toward the 100 units completed.
  3. Students may appeal the loss of priority in cases of extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances are verified cases of accidents, illness, or other circumstances beyond the control of the student.
  4. Disabled students may also appeal the loss of priority, if they did not receive reasonable accommodations in a timely manner.

English and Math Placement Criteria

California Assembly Bill (AB) 705, a law which took effect January 1, 2018, requires that California Community Colleges use multiple methods of placing students into transfer-level English, English as a second language (ESL) and math courses. These methods must include the use of high school cumulative grade point average (HSGPA), high school course grades, and high school courses taken. The law also requires that the method that yields the highest placement overrides all other methods.

In order to comply with AB 705 and other regulations, the nine colleges of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) have established the LACCD English and Math Placement Criteria (PDF).

DISTRICT AND COLLEGE POLICIES

All programs and activities of the Los Angeles Community College District shall be operated in a manner which is free of discrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition (cancer-related), sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability (including AIDS), or veterans status (Reference: Board Rule 1202).

Most complaints, grievances or disciplinary matters should be resolved at the campus level. This is the quickest and most successful way of resolving issues involving a California Community College (CCC). You are encouraged to work through the campus complaint process first before escalating issues to any of the following resources. Issues that are not resolved at the campus level may be presented:

For complaints surrounding actions dealing with alleged discrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, religion, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, students are directed to contact the Office of Diversity Programs at the Los Angeles Community College District at (213) 891-2315 or (213) 891-2317. Students can also obtain a copy of the policy and procedures at www.laccd.edu/diversity. The specific rules and procedures for reporting charges of Prohibited Discrimination and for pursuing available remedies are incorporated in the Board Rules in Chapter 15, B.R. 1501-1522.

Todos los programas y actividades de los colegios de la comunidad de Los Angeles se administrarán de una manera que no discrimine respecto a la identidad de grupos étnicos, raza, color, nacionalidad, origen, ascendencia, religión, credo, sexo, embarazo, estado civil, condición médica (relacionada con cáncer), preferencia sexual, edad, incapacidad mental o física (incluyendo SIDA) o el ser veterano.

In order to insure nondiscrimination policy compliance at Los Angeles Valley College, please direct inquiries to the Office of Diversity Programs by calling (213) 891-2317 or via email at @email. Matters involving Section 504 may be directed to the Office of Administrative Services, (818) 947-2606.

Para asegurar que se cumpla una política no discriminatoria en Los Angeles Valley College, favor de dirigirse a la oficina de Diversity Programs del Distrito, teléfono (213) 891-2315. Para la Sección 504, diríjase a la oficina de Administrative Services al (818) 947-2606.

Occupational education classes are open to all students. While the lack of proficiency in English is no barrier to enrollment in occupational education courses, it is recommended that students deficient in English use the services of the college that are provided for persons who are limited in English proficiency or have English as a second language.

The policy of the Los Angeles Community College District is to implement affirmatively equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, medical condition (cancer related), sexual orientation, or veteran status. Positive action will be taken to ensure that this policy is followed in all personnel practices, including recruitment, hiring, placement, upgrading, transfer, demotion, treatment during employment, rate of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, layoff, or termination. Inquiries regarding Equal Opportunity at Los Angeles Valley College should be directed to the Office of Diversity Programs by calling (213) 891-2317 or via email at @email.

The Los Angeles Community College District is committed to providing a safe environment for students, visitors, and staff. Any incident of sexual assault should be immediately reported to the College Sheriff's Office at (818) 947-2911. (The term "sexual assault" includes threats of sexual violence. (Section 67385(d), Calif. Ed. Code.) The College Title IX Coordinator can be reached at (818) 947-2808.

Los Angeles Valley College has a zero tolerance policy for acts of sexual assault. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the provider of law enforcement services to the Los Angeles Valley College campus, will investigate all allegations of sexual assault on campus and appropriate disciplinary, criminal, or legal action will be taken.

If you become the victim of a sexual assault on or off campus:

  • GET to a safe place
  • DO NOT shower, bathe, douche, change or destroy clothing
  • CONTACT the College Sheriff, M&O Building, (818) 947-2911
    • Immediate medical attention will be provided, as may be required.
    • Confidentiality will be maintained as required by law.
  • SEEK medical attention
  • SEEK emotional support, referrals, and crisis counseling from:'
    • LAVC Student Health Center, Student Union Building, 1st Floor, (818) 763-8836
    • Valley Trauma Center 24-hour HOTLINE (818) 886-0453 www.valleytraumacenter.org (VTC is a non-profit, multicultural Rape Crisis Center that provides information, referrals, and crisis counseling over the phone. If someone has been assaulted, a VTC volunteer California State Certified Rape Crisis Advocate can be requested to meet the victim at the hospital, police station, or court to provide on-site emotional support, information, and advocacy.)

As soon as possible, the victim of a sexual assault, including date or acquaintance rape, should report the incident to the College Sheriff, or if the incident occurred off-campus, to the jurisdiction where the crime occurred. The victim should make every attempt to preserve any physical evidence of the assault. This may include a voluntary medical exam, not showering, and/or not disposing of any damaged clothing or other items that are present after/during the assault. Victims are encouraged to call the College Sheriff after a sexual assault for referral or transport to medical treatment, referral to crisis counseling and legal advocacy, and crime investigation. Sexual assault victims may choose to be assisted by college officials in notifying the proper authorities.

The College Sheriff, with the victim's consent, will immediately conduct a criminal investigation of a reported sexual assault. If the victim wishes, they will also immediately contact the Valley Trauma Center to request that a volunteer California State Certified Rape Crisis Advocate meet the victim at the LAVC Sheriff's Office, hospital, or court to provide on-site emotional support, information and advocacy.

Disciplinary actions will be imposed on individuals found responsible for a sexual assault. College sanctions following campus disciplinary procedures depend on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings and may range from suspension to expulsion. Every effort will be made to criminally prosecute perpetrators of sexual assaults. The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding and both shall be informed of the outcome of the proceeding.

Colleges and universities that receive federal funding are required by the Jeanne Clery Act to disclose information about crime occurring on and in the immediate vicinity of campus. A copy of the yearly report can be requested from the Los Angeles Valley College Sheriff's Office.

California law requires that certain statutorily-defined sex offenders notify community college law enforcement officials that they are present on campus in specific capacities. If you fall into this category, you must register with the College Sheriff's Dept. Office.

The policy of the Los Angeles Community College District is to provide an educational, employment and business environment free from unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communications constituting sexual harassment. Employees, students, or other persons acting on behalf of the District who engage in sexual harassment as defined in the policy or by state or federal law shall be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge, expulsion or termination of contract. The specific rules and procedures for reporting charges of sexual harassment and for pursuing available remedies are incorporated in the Board Rules in Chapter 15.

The Los Angeles Community College District has a policy that provides informal and formal procedures for resolving complaints.

Copies of the policy and procedures may be obtained by contacting the Office of Diversity Programs by calling (213) 891-2317 or via email at @email or laccd.edu/diversity. The College Title IX Coordinator can be reached at (818) 947-2808.

Any member of the College Community, which includes students, faculty, and staff, who believes, perceives, or actually experienced 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 it is directed towards students to the Sexual Harassment Compliance Officer. Potential 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 policy of the Los Angeles Community College District is to implement equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, medical condition (cancer related), sexual orientation, or veteran status. Positive action will be taken to ensure that this policy is followed in all personnel practices, including recruitment, hiring, placement, upgrading, transfer, demotion, treatment during employment, rate of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, layoff, or termination. Inquiries regarding equal opportunity practices at Los Angeles Valley College should be directed to the Office of Diversity Programs by calling (213) 891-2317 or via email at @email or online at laccd.edu/diversity.

Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Guidelines

Los Angeles Valley College is committed to providing a safe and healthy working and learning environment for the students, faculty, and staff on its campus. In Spring 2019, the college adopted smoke-free and tobacco-free guidelines, which promotes the following goals:

  1. Protect the health and welfare of the campus and community at-large by creating a healthy, smoke-free and tobacco-free culture, encouraging the cessation of smoking and the use of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, on the Los Angeles Valley campus.

  2. Guarantee the right of nonsmokers to breathe smoke-free air, by recognizing that the need to breathe smoke-free air shall have priority over the desire to smoke.

  3. Encourage a more productive living and learning environment for all members of our campus community.

Please refer to the LAVC Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Guidelines (PDF) for details on how the college is addressing smoking and tobacco usage on campus.

Definitions

  1. “Electronic Smoking Device” means any product containing or delivering nicotine or any other substance intended for human consumption that can be used by a person in any manner for the purpose of inhaling vapor or aerosol from the product. The term includes any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, e-hookah, or vape pen, or under any other product name or descriptor.

  2. “Hookah” means a water pipe and any associated products and devices which are used to produce fumes, smoke, and/or vapor from the burning of material including, but not limited to, tobacco, shisha, or other plant matter.

  3. “Smoking” means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, or pipe, or any other lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation, including hookahs and marijuana, whether natural or synthetic, in any manner or in any form. “Smoking” also includes the use of an electronic smoking device which creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this Article.

  4. “Tobacco Product” means any substance containing tobacco leaf, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, bidis, blunts, clove cigarettes, or any other preparation of tobacco; and any product or formulation of matter containing biologically active amounts of nicotine that is manufactured, sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed with the expectation that the product or matter will be introduced into the human body by inhalation; but does not include any cessation product specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in treating nicotine or tobacco dependence.

Smoking and Tobacco Use discouraged on Campus

The Los Angeles Valley College campus strives to be entirely smoke-free and tobacco-free. These Smoke-free and Tobacco-Free Guidelines apply to all Los Angeles Valley College facilities, property, and vehicles, owned or leased, regardless of location. Smoking and the use of tobacco products shall not be permitted in any enclosed place, including, but not limited to, all offices, classrooms, hallways, waiting rooms, restrooms, meeting rooms, community areas, and performance venues. Smoking and the use of tobacco products shall also be discouraged outdoors on all Los Angeles Valley College campus property, including, but not limited to, parking lots, paths, fields, sports/recreational areas, and stadiums, as well as in all personal vehicles while on campus. These guidelines apply to all students, faculty, staff, and other persons on campus, regardless of the purpose for their visit.

Accessing The Free Speech Areas

The location of the Free Speech Areas at Los Angeles Valley College are identified on the College’s campus map. The Office of Student Services, or similar office, is also identified on the campus map. A copy of the campus map is available online on each College's website.

Any visitor (defined as any persons unaffiliated with LACCD) seeking access to a College’s Free Speech Area(s) shall first report his/her/their presence to the Office of Student Services, or similar office, identified on the campus map. The visitor or organization representative shall be provided:

  1. a copy of this Administrative Regulation B-38;
  2. a copy of the campus time, place, and manner regulation; and
  3. a copy of the campus map. The visitor or organization representative shall be asked to complete the attached “Voluntary Acknowledgement Form.” Representatives of organizations will also be asked to identify the organization and indicate the number of persons expected to visit the Free Speech Area(s).

Completing the “Voluntary Acknowledgement Form” is completely voluntary. No person or organization will be denied access to the FSA(s) for refusing to complete the “Voluntary Acknowledgement Form.” The form is not a permit to use a Free Speech Area. The information provided on the form will be used to document your presence on campus, assess the need for security, and address capacity issues and overcrowding.

The College Sheriff controls all parking lot security and parking citation issuance, and posts information regarding parking on campus. Parking permits are always required to park in any campus parking lot. Parking violations are enforced under 21113 (a) C.V.C.

Please refer to the LAVC Comprehensive Parking and Traffic Regulations Policy (PDF) for detailed regulations regarding parking and traffic on campus.

Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is committed to protecting your privacy and developing technology that gives you the most powerful and safe online experience. This Statement of Privacy applies to the Los Angeles Community College District Web sites, including the Los Angeles Valley College website, and governs data collection and usage. By using the Los Angeles Community College District websites, you consent to the data practices described in this statement. Read the LACCD Privacy Statement.

ACADEMIC POLICY

Unless specifically exempted by law, every course for which State aid is claimed is fully open to any person who has been admitted to the college and who meets the appropriate academic prerequisites.

How to Enroll:

  1. File an application online and receive an appointment to enroll.

  2. See Register for Classes Online on page 16 for instruction on how to enroll online, or by coming to the college in person.

  3. If you miss your registration appointment, you may still register for classes anytime AFTER your scheduled appointment.

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 Los Angeles Community College District 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 (i.e., information about students participating in athletics, announcements of scholarships and awards, etc.). 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. Copies of the Federal and State laws and District policies and procedures are maintained by the Records Officer and are available for inspection and inquiry.

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. (Requests for transcripts should be made directly to the Admissions Office).

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. The log is open to inspection only to the student and the community college official or his or her designee responsible for the maintenance of student records.

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. Directory Information about any student currently attending the college may be released or withheld at the discretion of the Records Officer.

No Directory Information will be released regarding any student who has notified the Records Officer in writing that such information shall not be released.

All inquiries regarding student records, Directory Information, and policies for records access, release, and challenge should be directed to the Records Officer via the Admissions Office.

Students have the right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education concerning alleged violations of Federal and State laws governing student records.

Study Load Limitations

Maximum unit requirements are as follows:

Fall/Spring Semesters

  1. 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. A college program of 15 units is equal to at least a 50-hour work week for most students.

  2. Students who desire to take 20 or more units must obtain counselor approval after the semester begins by presenting a Permission Number & Attendance Verification Form signed by the instructor for each class they wish to add.

  3. The maximum study load for a student who has been on academic and progress probation for two consecutive semesters is 6 units. Students who desire to enroll in more than 6 units must obtain counselor approval.

Summer and Winter Sessions

  1. Students are limited to a maximum study load of 9 units per session.

  2. To enroll in two courses per session that total more than 9 units but do not exceed 10 units, students must go to the Admissions Office. No other enrollment unit requests will be considered until the session begins.

Students must see a counselor with a Permission Number and Attendance Verification Form signed by the instructor for each class they wish to add.

Effective Summer 2012, course withdrawal ("W") will count in ways that all students need to know about.

  • Students who drop or are excluded after the last day to drop without a grade of "W" will have a "W" appear on their transcript. The "W" will count as an attempt for that course.

  • A course on a student's transcript which shows a recorded "W" counts as an attempt for that course.

  • Students will not be allowed to register for any course within the LACCD if there are three recorded attempts for that course in any combination of W, D, F, or NP grades.

  • Adds for a course within the LACCD will not be processed if there are three recorded attempts for that course in any combination of W, D, F, or NP grades.

  • For courses specifically designated as "repeatable," students may repeat up to three times. (See Title 5 California Code of Regulations sections 55040, 55041, 58161).

  • Where the 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. Use the Course Repetition Petition available in Admissions & Records.

Title 5, California Code of Regulations, limits a student from taking more than 30 units of "remedial" course work, which is defined as "nondegree-applicable basic skills courses." The LACCD registration system will 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 learning disability may request an exemption through the Services for Students with Disabilities office (formerly DSPS). Also, this limitation does not apply to enrollment in non-credit basic skills course.

Petitioning the 30-Unit Limit on Basic Skills Courses

Students may petition by submitting a General Petition to the Admissions Office. The petition must include a Student Educational Plan issued by a counselor.

The following courses are considered Basic Skills courses for purposes of this unit limitation:

  • Developmental Communications 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 23, 35, 36A, and 36B.

  • English 67, and 68.

  • Learning Skills 10ABC, 13, 40, 41 and 44.

  • Math 100, 110 and 112.

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. to process any program changes.

Some of the classes offered may require students to provide those materials which are of continuing value to the student outside of the classroom setting. These materials may be purchased at the campus bookstore.

The only students who may attend classes are those who have been admitted to the college and are in approved active status.

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. Provisions of Administrative Regulation E-13 include the following:

  1. 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. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE CONSIDERED BY THE INSTRUCTOR.

  2. Whenever absences in hours exceed the number of hours the class meets per week, the instructor will consider whether there are mitigating circumstances which may justify the absences. If the instructor determines that such circumstances do not exist, the instructor may exclude the student from the class.

  3. Three cases of tardiness may be considered equivalent to one absence.

  4. It is the student's responsibility to consult with an instructor regarding any absences that would alter the student's status in the class. Instructors may be reached by calling, emailing, or writing to the instructor at the college address. Contact information can be found on the course syllabus or in the College Directory.

Students may be permitted to audit a class under the following conditions:

  1. Payment of a nonrefundable $15 per unit fee. Students enrolled in classes to receive credit for 10 or more semester units shall not be charged a fee to audit three or fewer semester units per semester.

  2. No student auditing a course shall be permitted to change his or her enrollment in that course to receive credit for the course.

  3. Priority in class enrollment shall be given to students desiring to take the class for credit.

  4. Permission in the form of a signed "Add Permit" marked "Audit" must be obtained from the instructor.

  5. The fees are non-refundable and payment is due upon processing the audit form.

  6. Transferring from "credit" to "Audit" after the deadline to add is not permitted.

  7. Audit classes are not covered by Financial Aid.

  1. After you submit your online application, you will receive an email with directions on how to follow our matriculation process.

  2. You will be given an appointment to register or classes

  3. You may enroll in open classes by using the online student information system.

  4. To add classes once the semester begins, you must obtain a Permission Number from the instructor of the class. Use the Permission Number to add classes online.

No semester courses may be added after the normal add period (published in the Schedule of Classes). Short-term and Open-Entry/Open-Exit classes have different add periods. Check with the Office of Admissions and Records for deadlines. Attending classes without being properly enrolled is not permitted.

New statewide regulations are now in effect that change the way students should think about enrolling in, and then withdrawing from, classes.

Community colleges get their money from state apportionment. Apportionment is a set amount of dollars distributed to the college districts, based on enrollment. Each class you enroll in results in compensation to the college, and that is how the college stays open.

A "W" counts as an attempt, and you only get three attempts at any one course.

After that, the state won't pay the college for you to take the course again.

What this means for LAVC students:

  • If you stay in a course past the “no penalty” withdrawal date and then drop or are excluded, you receive a grade of “W” and you have used one of your three attempts.

  • When you have made three attempts at a class, with any combination of W, D, or F grades, you will not be able to register for the class again. You would have to try to take the class again at a college outside the Los Angeles Community College District.

  • You may petition for one more try citing “extenuating circumstances;” however, for the most part the only extenuating circumstances that will qualify are military deployment or natural disaster.

  • If your registration is blocked because of this rule, getting a Permission Number will not help.


What you should do:

  • If you're going to drop, drop before the deadline so you won't get a "W".

  • Be sure you're academically ready for classes you enroll in.

  • See a counselor to help you make good decisions about your educational plan.

It is the student's responsibility to withdraw officially. Consult the deadline calendar on the inside front cover of the Schedule of Classes.

  • THROUGH THE 2nd WEEK: No notation ("W" or other) will appear on the student's record if the class is dropped during the first two weeks of the semester.
  • THROUGH THE 11TH WEEK: A notation of "W" (withdrawal) is recorded on the student's record for classes dropped during the 3rd through the 11th week of the semester.
  • AFTER THE 11TH WEEK: Students who remain in class beyond the 11th week (or 75% of the class for short term classes) are given a grade by the instructor. THAT GRADE CANNOT BE A "W" (withdrawal). Consult the deadline calendar in the Schedule of Classes or contact the Office of Admissions.

Students should refer to the class syllabus drop policy for courses that are less than 16 weeks.

Enrollment in more than one section of the same course during a semester is not permitted.

Enrollment in courses which are cross-referenced to each other (i.e., courses designated "same as" in the catalog) will be rejected by the computer.

The computer will also reject enrollment in classes scheduled or conducted during overlapping times.

The competency requirements for the Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) Degrees are met by the following criteria.

Mathematics Competency

The competency requirement in mathematics for the Associate Degree may be met by completion of any of the following:

1) Verification of passing with a grade of C or P or higher any course from a California Community College Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) Course Basic (CB) Code of “One Level Below Transfer” or higher with a TOP code beginning with 17.

2) Verification of passing with a grade of C- or higher a mathematics course at or above the level of the course typically known as Intermediate Algebra or the equivalent from any United States regionally accredited secondary or post-secondary institution.

3) Verification of passing with a grade of C or P or higher a California Community College course that meets the California State University General Education Breadth (CSUGE Breadth) requirement in Area B4: Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and/or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) in Area 2A: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning.

4) Achieving a satisfactory score (using a DAS-approved scoring-method) on a DAS-approved District Mathematics Competency Examination.

5) Achieving a satisfactory score on an external examination (such as, but not limited to an Advanced Placement Exam) as specified in LACCD Administrative Regulations.

Written Expression Competency

The competency requirement in written expression for the Associate Degree may be met by completion of any of the following:

1) Verification of passing with a grade of C or P or higher Freshman Composition from any California Community College or the equivalent from any United States regionally accredited institution with a grade of C- or higher.

2) Verification of passing with a grade of C or P or higher a California Community College course that meets the California State University General Education Breadth (CSUGE Breadth) requirement in Area A2: Written Communication and/or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) in Area 1A: English Composition.

3) Achieving a satisfactory score on an external examination (such as, but not limited to an Advanced Placement Exam) as specified in LACCD Administrative Regulations.

Students who maintain continuous catalog rights (as defined in Board Rule 6203) may satisfy competency according to the requirements stated in college catalogs pursuant to relevant Board Rules and Administrative Regulations from the first term under those rights until the term all graduation requirements have been met or any intervening term.

The District Curriculum Committee shall establish whether the course meets the competency requirement as established in this administrative regulation.

Some courses in the college catalog are eligible for credit by examination.

  1. Method of obtaining credit by examination:
    Satisfactory completion of an examination written, administered and graded by the discipline faculty at the college in lieu of completion of a course listed on the approved list below (Courses Approved for Credit by Examination).

  2. Determination of eligibility to take the examination

    1. The student must be currently registered in the college and in good standing with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in any work attempted at the college.

    2. The student must have completed 12 units within the L.A. Community College District, unless the petition is for a Career Technical Education course with an approved high school articulation agreement.

    3. The course for which credit is requested must be listed on the approved list below (Courses Approved for Credit by Examination).

    4. The student is not currently enrolled in, or has completed a more advanced course in the discipline.

  3. Maximum Credit Allowable and Limitations

    1. Students may petition for a total of 15 units for credit by examination. A student who does not pass the exam for a course may not repeat the exam.

    2. Credits acquired by examination are not applicable to the meeting of such unit load requirements as Selective Service deferment, veterans' or Social Security benefits or scholastic honors.

    3. Units for which credit is given shall not be counted in determining the 12 semester hours of credit in residence.

    4. A student who does not pass the exam for a course may not repeat the exam.

  4. Filing a Petition
    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 is complete, 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. Further information on this topic may be obtained from the Admissions Office and/or department chairperson of the subject area concerned.

Courses Approved for Credit by Examination

  • Administration of Justice – All Classes
  • Architecture – All Classes
  • Art 501, 600, 604
  • Broadcasting 25, 26, 46, 47
  • Business 31
  • CAOT (Computer Application Office Technologies) 124
  • Child Development 1, 172
  • Electronics 2
  • ENG GEN (Engineering General) 101
  • EGT (Engineering, General Technology) 211, 212
  • Geography 1, 2
  • Geology 1, 2
  • International Business 1
  • Mathematics 115, 120, 125, 215, 227, 238, 240, 245, 260, 265, 266, 267, 270, 275
  • Media Arts 100, 101,104
  • Nursing Science 101, 102, 103, 104, 105
  • Oceanography 1
  • Physics 5, 12
  • Physical Science 1
  • Photography 10
  • Respiratory Therapy 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 15
  • Theatre Arts 100, 110, 301
  • Tool & Manufacturing - All Classes

Students may 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, and International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam or College-Level Examination (CLEP) Exam in the same topic area will receive credit for only one exam. The college will award credit for the exam that most benefits the student.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit

Course equivalency for Advanced Placement exams, for purposes other than meeting general education and graduation competency requirements for the Associate Degree are described below. 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 must be 3 or higher in order to receive credit. Official AP score reports from the College Board must be sent directly to the Admissions Office.

Please refer to the LAVC Catalog (page 27) for a chart on how general education credit is earned for the IGETC general education plan requirements. Please refer to the LAVC Catalog (pages 32-24) for a chart on how general education credit is earned for CSU general education certification. Please refer to the LAVC Catalog (page 37-38) for a chart on how general education credit is earned for LAVC general education. The amount and type of transferable credit granted towards a university's admission or major requirements are determined by that university's AP policies and not by Los Angeles Valley College's policies; a university's policies often differ from Los Angeles Valley College's policies. See a counselor for further information. Credit acquired by AP exams is not applicable towards meeting unit load requirement of Veterans Administration benefits, Social Security benefits, or athletic eligibility.

The following is a list of course equivalencies for Advanced Placement exams. This course equivalency information is used for satisfying Associate Degree major or Certificate requirements.

AP EXAM COURSE EQUIVALENCY
Calculus AB Math 265
Calculus BC Math 265
Comparative Government & Politics Political Science 2
English Language English 101
English Literature  
Score of 3 or 4 English 101
Score of 5 English 101 + 102
Environmental Science Environmental Science 1
European History History 2
French Language French 4
French Literature French 4
German Language German 2
Human Geography Geography 2
Music Theory Music 201
Physics B Physics 6 & 7
Physics C (Mechanics) Physics 37
Psychology Psychology 1
Spanish Language Spanish 4
Spanish Literature Spanish 4
Statistics Statistics 101
U.S. Government & Politics Political Science 1
U.S. History History 11

1. Course Equivalency
Course equivalency for CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) exams, purposes other than meeting General Education and Graduation Competency requirements for the Associate Degree, shall be determined by the college, using policies developed in consultation with the college's Academic Senate, in accordance with the provisions of LACCD Board Rules, Chapter XVIII, Article I.

Course equivalency does not award unit credit. For unit credit policy, see item 3 below.

2. Use of CLEP exams for meeting LACCD General Education Requirements and Graduation Competency Requirements for the Associate Degrees

Students must receive a passing score (50) on most CLEP exams, except Foreign Language level 2 exams which require a higher score as noted on pages 41-43.

Students who take an Advanced Placement (AP) exam, an International Baccalaureate (IB) exam or 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). The college should award credit for the exam that most benefits the student.

3. CLEP Unit Credit
For the purpose of granting unit credit towards meeting General Education and Graduation Competency requirements, the LACCD shall follow the guidelines for CLEP credit set by the American Council on Education:
3 semester hours recommended in the case of a half-year course.
6 semester hours for most full-year courses.
12 semester hours for Level 2 Foreign Language exams equivalent to four semesters of college level foreign language course work.
For information on how the CLEP exams apply toward the CSU Breadth GE, see pages 33-34.

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Program is a challenging two-year curriculum, primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19. The IB Diploma Program is a comprehensive and challenging pre-university course of study, leading to examinations that demand the best from motivated students and teachers.

Los Angeles Valley College will grant units towards general education and/or the associate degree as describe in the chart on the LAVC Catalog (page 39). This chart also indicates the passing score required for each exam. A passing score on any one of the following exams fulfills the Reading and Written Expression Competency Requirement as required in Board Rule 6201.13: IB Language A1 (English) HL or IB Language A2 (English) HL. A passing score on the IB Mathematics HL Exam fulfills the Mathematics Competency Requirement as required in Board Rule 6201.13. Credit is only given for the Higher Level (HL) exams. No credit is given for Standard Level (SL) exams. For information on how IB credit is applied toward the CSU Breadth GE see the LAVC Catalog (page 30-34), and for IGETC GE see the LAVC Catalog (page 25-28).

Los Angeles Valley College accepts degree-applicable coursework completed at other colleges for the purpose of satisfying the LACCD Associate Degree general education plan, graduation competency, and unit (elective) credit using the following guidelines*:

1. Coursework must be completed at an institution accredited by a recognized United States regional accrediting body. Note: For coursework taken at institutions of higher learning outside the United States, see Foreign Transfer Credit Procedures on page 190.

2. Coursework must be degree applicable at the originating institution.

3. The student must submit official transcripts to Los Angeles Valley College. These transcripts must be mailed directly from the originating institution to:

Los Angeles Valley College
Office of Admissions & Records – ATTN: Graduation Office
5800 Fulton Avenue
Valley Glen, CA 91401

Students may receive credit for the following:

LACCD General Education Plan
The college will honor each course in the same general education area in which the originating institution placed each course. Equivalency to an LACCD course is not required and does not prohibit application of the course to an alternative general education area, if deemed beneficial to the student.

Courses taken at the originating institution that do not appear on that college’s general education pattern will be applied to an LACCD general education area based on course content equivalency to a general education course offered at an LACCD campus.


Note: for applicability to statewide transfer general education patterns refer to IGETC Standards, and CSU Executive Order 1100.

LACCD Competency Requirement
A minimum grade of “C-“ is required in each course used to fulfill the English and Mathematics competency requirement.

LACCD Unit (Elective) Credit.
There is no maximum on the number of units that may be applied to local associate degrees. The LACCD residency requirement must still be met per LACCD Board Rule 6201.11.

LACCD Course Credit
To determine whether the courses taken at other U.S. regionally accredited institutions of higher education are equivalent to courses in the college’s curriculum, please discuss transcripts with a counselor. This determination will be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XVIII of the Board Rules – Academic Senate and the Board of Trustees Shared Governance Policy.

5. Schedule an appointment with a counselor to evaluate your transcripts.

*This policy does not apply to Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT’s): refer to the LACCD ADT Reciprocity Guidelines.

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 for course work. This policy does not apply to Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT’s), IGETC or CSU GE: refer to the LACCD ADT Reciprocity Guidelines.

  1. Students petitioning for credit must provide comprehensive, detailed, course by course evaluation of their transcripts completed by an independent transcript evaluation service approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

  2. Students may receive credit for the following:

    a. LACCD General Education Plan, excluding Area B1 American Institutions.

    b. LACCD Competency Requirement, excluding Reading and Written Expression.

    c. LACCD unit (elective) credit. There is no maximum on the number of units that may be applied to local associate degrees. The LACCD residency requirement must still be met per LACCD Board Rule 6201.11.

    d. LACCD Course Credit

    1. To determine whether the courses are equivalent to courses in the college’s curriculum, please discuss transcripts with a counselor. This determination will be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XVIII of the Board Rules – Academic Senate and the Board of Trustees Shared Governance Policy.

    2. Courses that are part of a program that also meets licensing requirements, must be approved by the receiving college, in accordance with college policies developed in consultation with the college’s Academic Senate in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XVIII of the Board Rules – Academic Senate and the Board of Trustees Shared Governance Policy.

  3. This evaluation is valid only in the Los Angeles Community College District and may not necessarily meet the requirements of other colleges and universities.

  4. To complete this process at Los Angeles Valley College, a student must:

    1. Have the evaluation mailed to: Los Angeles Valley College
      Office of Admissions & Records – ATTN: Graduation Office
      5800 Fulton Avenue
      Valley Glen, CA 91401

    2. Once the evaluation is received by the college, complete a General Petition requesting credit for foreign coursework that:

      1. Lists the courses for which you are requesting credit.

      2. Specifies the type of credit being requested (unit or course equivalent).

    3. Submit the General Petition and a copy of evaluation to the Office of Admissions and Records – Records Counter. You will be notified about the status of your petition via email to your LACCD email account.

Los Angeles Valley College will recognize work completed at other accredited colleges and experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting.

Acceptance of Courses to Meet Associate Degree and General Education Requirements

Los Angeles Valley College will accept degree-applicable coursework completed at other colleges for the purpose of Associate Degree requirements using the following guidelines:

  1. Coursework must be completed at an institution accredited by a recognized regional accrediting body.

  2. Coursework must be Associate Degree applicable

  3. A student must submit official transcripts from the originating institution consistent with current Board policy.

  4. The college will honor each course in the same general education area in which the originating institution placed each course. Equivalency to an LACCD course is not required and does not prohibit application of the course to an alternative general education area, if deemed beneficial to the student.

  5. Courses taken at the originating institution that do not appear on that college’s general education pattern will be applied to an LACCD general education area based on course content equivalency to a general education course offered at an LACCD campus.

  6. A minimum grade of “C” (2.0) is required in each course used to fulfill the English and Mathematics competency requirement.

Credit for Military Service

  • Credit for military service will be awarded toward Associate Degree requirements as follows:

    • Three units of credit towards LACCD Associate Degree general education Area E: Health and Physical Education (Board Rule 6201.14)

    • Three units of elective credit toward the 60 units required for an associate degree

  • Application Requirements

    • Complete an LACCD Application

      • Arrange for all transcripts (including AARTS, SMART, and CCAF) and other application materials to be sent to the LACCD campus of attendance

      • Provide verification of U.S. military service as follows:

        • Military Personnel on Active Duty: documentation must verify at least 181 days of active duty

        • Former Military Personnel currently NOT on Active Duty: Active Duty documentation (DD 214) must indicate student’s length of service, which must include 181 days of active duty.

  • Acceptable Documentation for Verifying Military Course Completion

    • Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS)

    • Form DD 295, “Application for the Evaluation of Learning Experiences During Military Service.”

    • DD Form 214, “Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge.”

    • Course completion certificates

    • Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART)

    • Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcript

    • Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Transcript

  • There is no LACCD residency requirement. Students may receive military credit upon entrance to any college within the LACCD.

  • Transcript Annotation

    • Military credit will be posted on student transcripts in keeping with the provisions of Administration Regulation E-118.

Credit for Law Enforcement Academy Training

  • Credit for basic recruit academy training instructional programs in Administration of Justice or other criminal justice occupations shall, for the purpose of meeting certificate of achievement and associate degree major requirements, be granted as follows:

    • Credit will be given for training from institutions which meet the standards of training of the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.

    • Course credit may be granted, if the faculty in the discipline determine that the content of the academy training is equivalent to courses offered in the discipline.

    • One (1) unit of credit may be granted for each 50 hours of training, not to exceed 18 semester units or their equivalent.

  • This only applies to training received at public law enforcement academies; training provided by private agencies does not apply.

  • Credit awarded for law enforcement academy training will appear on that portion of the transcript designated for course and test equivalencies.

Campus Procedure

The college makes the final judgment regarding the acceptability of courses from non-accredited schools.

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 on 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. These courses will be noted in the college catalog as being eligible for the “pass-no pass” option.

The pass-no pass grading system shall be used in any course in which there is a single satisfactory standard of performance for which unit credit is assigned. A grade of Pass shall be assigned for meeting that standard (earning 70% or higher), and a grade of No Pass shall be assigned (earning a grade below 70%) for failure to do so.

The student who is enrolled in a course on a “pass-no pass” basis will be held responsible for all assignments and examinations required in the course and must meet the same standards of evaluation as required for all students.

Students considering taking courses for Pass/No Pass in their major field should see a Counselor or major field department chairperson in order to avoid loss of credit.

The courses listed below may be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis providing the student meets the requirements for enrollment on this basis. Information concerning the requirements is available in the Admissions Office. In order to take a class on a Pass/No Pass basis the student must make such request in the Admissions Office by Friday of the 5th week of the semester.

In addition to courses designated Pass/No Pass Only (Ch Dev 172; Counsel 1; Dev Com 22A-E, 35; EDUC 385; English 67, 68, 69, 72, 75; LRNSKIL 40, 44; Math 100, Music 190, 191, 192; NRSCE 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4.) students may take only one class per semester on a requested Pass/No Pass basis.

  • Administration of Justice: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 39, 49, 185, 285, 385
  • African American Studies: 20
  • Architecture: 173, 221, 271
  • Anthropology: 101, 104, 111,116, 121, 385
  • Art: 102, 103,109, 112, 115, 116, 201, 501
  • Astronomy: 1 & 5
  • Broadcasting: 3, 25, 28, 31, 45, 46, 47
  • Business: 32 & 38
  • CAOT: 2, 9, 31, 32, 47, 78, 82, 84, 85, 86, 92, 97, 108, 123, 124, 185, 385.
  • Chicano Studies: 2, 7, 8, 37, 42, 44, 54
  • Child Development: 29, 30, 31, 34, 36, 37, 39, 42, 47, 48, 53
  • Cinema: (non majors only) 104, 105, 106, 107
  • Communication Studies:102, 185, 285, 385
  • Dance Specialties: 161, 171, 172, 173, 174, 331, 332, 333, 334, 441, 442, 443, 444
  • Dance Studies: 185, 285, 301, 302, 801, 805, 814, 815, 816, 820, 822
  • Dance Techniques: 111, 112, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 141, 142, 143, 144, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 231, 232, 233, 234, 437
  • Economics: 8, 50
  • Education: 2
  • Engineering, General: 101, 131, 151
  • English: 102, 105, 124, 125, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 385
  • Environmental Science: 7 & 22
  • Environmental Studies: 101
  • Finance: 2
  • Fire Technology: 27, 96, 185, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 285, 385
  • French: 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 21, 22, 25, 66, 185, 285, 385, 008-1, 008-2
  • Geography: 1, 2, 3, 9, 14, 15, 17, 30, 45
  • Geology: 1, 2, 7
  • German: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 63, 64, 66, 185, 285, 385
  • Health: 3
  • Hebrew: 1, 2, 10, 385
  • History: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7
  • Humanities: 1
  • Italian: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 185, 285, 385
  • Jewish Studies: 1, 2, 4, 10, 11, 12, 25, 27, 35
  • Journalism: 101, 105
  • Kinesiology: 8, 45, 46, 47, 49, 217-1, 217-2, 237-1, 268-1, 287-1, 301-1, 303-1, 315-1, 315-2, 317-2, 326-1, 326-2, 329-1, 350-1, 350-2, 350-3, 350-4, 364-1, 364-2, 369-1, 369-2, 370-1, 370-2, 370-3, 370-4, 371-1, 371-2, 371-3, 371-4, 374-1,374-2, 387-1, 387-2, 387-3, 387-4, 389-1, 389-2, 391-1
  • Law: 2 & 3
  • Learning Skills: 41
  • Linguistics: 1
  • Management: 13
  • Marketing: 1, 21, 31
  • Mathematics: 120, 122, 185, 245, 260, 261, 263, 265, 267, 270, 275, 285, 385
  • Meteorology: 3
  • Music: 118, 136, 141
  • Oceanography: 1Philosophy: 1, 6, 9, 12, 14, 20, 28, 30, 35, 45
  • Political Science: 1 & 5
  • Psychology: 12, 14, 17, 32, 52, 60, 75, 90
  • Real Estate: 5, 7, 9, 21
  • Recreation: 81
  • Sociology: 1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 17, 19, 20, 21, 25, 31, 35, 84
  • Spanish: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 16, 25, 27, 35, 36, 48, 66, 185, 285, 385
  • Theater: 100

(List subject to change)

NOTE: A STUDENT WHO HAS RECEIVED A GRADE OF "PASS" FOR A COURSE TAKEN ON A PASS/NO PASS BASIS MAY NOT CONVERT THE "PASS" GRADE TO A LETTER GRADE.

Pass/No Pass Option for Spring 2020

For the Spring 2020 term, the LACCD will lift the restriction on the number of courses/units students can take for Pass/No Pass. Additionally, these courses will not count towards the maximum number of P/NP limits one may apply to a certificate or degree, including major courses.

All classes can be taken either Graded or as Pass/No Pass. Courses that are already designated locally as Pass/No Pass only will remain Pass/No Pass only. Per title 5 section 55023, a Pass means "at least satisfactory," and a grade of Pass shall be equivalent to earning a letter grade of C or higher.

The deadline to petition for a grade basis change (i.e., Graded to Pass/No Pass) is the last day to drop with a W/EW for the course.

For courses taken this term as a replacement/repeat of a previously-graded course may be taken Pass/No Pass. (Note that a grade of “Pass” will replace a previous grade, while a grade of “No Pass” will not replace a previous grade.) The previous grade GPA will not be counted towards the student’s cumulative GPA if replaced with the Pass grade.

Students are strongly encouraged to speak with a Counselor to discuss their options for taking a course Pass/No Pass and the impact it may have on their academic standing, admissions, financial aid, and transfer to a CSU, UC or private universities.

  • Most transfer institutions do not compute a GPA for a Pass/No Pass course; however, in some instances a passing grade is computed at a 2.0 level, potentially adversely affecting a student’s overall GPA score.
  • Private and out-of-state universities have different policies on use of Pass/No Pass.
  • Most transfer institutions—including CSU, UC, and graduate or professional schools—require courses for the major to be completed with a letter grade. A Pass grade may result in a student needing to retake a course either before or after transfer.
  • The UC has waived the limitation on total number of units allowable by Pass/No Pass, but has not waived requirements for local transfer requirements or major courses to be taken by letter grade.
  • A transfer, professional or graduate institution may restrict the allowable transfer units taken as Pass/No Pass. Nursing program course prerequisites may require a letter grade.

To chat with an Academic Counselor or an Admission’s representative, click on the “Online Counseling & Live Chat” tile on your MyCollege.laccd.edu student homepage.

To execute a Pass/No Pass grading option, complete the Pass/No Pass Petition, and return the form from your District email address (Student.laccd.edu) to LA Valley College at @email. If you are unable to scan and return the document with your handwritten signature; type your name in the signature line instead.

The instructor on record for the course shall determine the grade to be awarded to each student The determination of the student’s 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 student’s grade. The removal or change of an incorrect grade from a students record shall be done only upon authorization by the instructor of record for the course, or upon authorization by the College President upon the conclusion of the grade grievance process.

In the case of fraud, bad faith, or incompetency, the final determination concerning removal or change of grade will be made by the College President.

No grade may be challenged by a student more than one year from the end of the term in which the course was taken, absent extenuating circumstances; if a college’s academic senate has determined that extenuating circumstances apply, then that period of time during which grades may be challenged should be more than one year, such longer period shall apply at that college.
In the case of fraud or incompetence, the final determination concerning removal or change of grade will be made by the College President.

(LACCD Board Rule 6700)

Only the symbols in the grading scale given in this section shall be used to grade all courses.

Grades shall be averaged on the basis of the point equivalencies to determine a student's grade point average, using the following evaluative symbols:

SYMBOL DEFINITION GRADE POINT
A Excellent 4
B Good 3
C Satisfactory 2
D Less than satisfactory 1
F Failing 0
P Pass (At least satisfactory – units awarded not counted in GPA. Has the same meaning as “CR” as that symbol was defined prior to June 30, 2007.) Applies to credit and noncredit courses.
SP Satisfactory Progress towards completion of the course (used for noncredit courses only and is not supplanted by any other symbol)
NP No Pass (Less than satisfactory – units awarded but not counted in GPA. NP has the same meaning as “NC” as that symbol was defined prior to June 30, 2007.) Applies to credit and noncredit courses.
(P and NP grades may be given only in courses authorized by the Districts Pass/No Pass Option and Credit By Examination Policies.)

The following non-evaluative symbols may be entered on a students record:

SYMBOL DEFINITION
I Incomplete
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. The condition for removal of the "I" and the grade which is assigned in lieu of shall be stated by the instructor in an Incomplete Grade 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 assigned, or when one year has passed. The "I" symbol shall not be used in calculating units attempted nor for grade points. The "I" may be made up no later than one year following the end of the term in which it was assigned. The student may petition for a time extension due to unusual circumstances.
SYMBOL DEFINITION
IP In Progress
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 the 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 "IP" shall not be used in calculating grade point averages.
SYMBOL DEFINITION
MW Military Withdrawal
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 a “MW.” Military withdrawals shall not be counted in progress probation and dismissal calculations. “MW” shall not be counted for the permitted number of withdrawals. The District shall refund the entire enrollment fee unless academic credit has been awarded.
SYMBOL DEFINITION
W Withdrawal
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. Withdrawal after the end of the fourteenth week (or 75% of the time the class is scheduled, whichever is less) which has been authorized in extenuating circumstances shall be recorded as a "W". For purposes of withdrawal policies, the term "appropriate faculty" means the Instructor of Record for each course in question or, in the event the instructor cannot be contacted, the department chair or equivalent faculty officer. The "W" shall not be used in calculating units attempted nor for the student's grade point average. "W's" will be used as factors in progress probation and dismissal. A “W” shall not be assigned, or if assigned shall be removed, from a student’s academic record, if a determination is made that the student withdrew from the course due to discriminatory treatment or due to retaliation for alleging discriminatory treatment or that the student withdrew because he or she reasonably believed that remaining in the course would subject him or her to discriminatory treatment or retaliation for alleging discriminatory treatment. A student may not withdraw and receive a “W” symbol on his or her record more than three times for enrollment in the same course. A student may enroll again in the same course after having previously received the authorized number of “W” symbols in the same course, if a designated college official approves such enrollment after review of a petition filed by a student.
SYMBOL DEFINITION
RD Report Delayed
The "RD" symbol may be assigned when there is a delay in reporting the grade beyond the control of the student. The "RD" may be assigned by the Dean of Student Services only. It is a temporary notation to be replaced by a permanent symbol as soon as possible.

Access Grades Online

Follow the steps below:

  1. Go to the LAVC homepage and click on Register. This will take you to the new Student Information System (SIS) where you can register for classes and view grades.
  2. Enter your Student ID Number and Password to login
  3. Go to the Action Menus and select View My Grades

Grading Standard

A course grade of “C minus” does not satisfy the “C or better” requirement for purposes of prerequisites, competencies or transfer to UC or CSU.

Certain courses in the catalog may be repeated for additional unit credit. These courses, marked RPT in the course description section of the catalog and in the schedule of classes, allow the student an expanded educational experience each time the student enrolls in the course.

Effective Fall 2013, students enrolled in "active participation courses" in physical education (kinesiology), visual arts, or performing arts are limited to 4 enrollments per "family" group within the LA Community College District. All grades including withdrawals count as enrollments.

Even if a family contains multiple courses, a student can only take 4 of them. This applies to courses in the areas of Music, Art, Dance Specialties, Dance Techniques, Kinesiology (Physical Education), and Theater. Not all courses listed below are offered at Los Angeles Valley College but are offered at other colleges in the LA district. Note that courses within a family may be "leveled." That means, for example, beginning, intermediate, and advanced courses. Students still are limited to no more than 4 enrollments within the family group. For example, Kinesiology 251 has four levels: KIN 251-1, 251-2, 251-3, and 251-4. You could enroll once in each level. However, if you enrolled in KIN 251-1 twice (due to withdrawal or substandard grade) you effectively will have no opportunity to take KIN 251-4. Additions are made to the list on an ongoing basis as new curriculum is developed.

Art Family group (9 families)
1. Ceramics - A01 Art 708-714
2. Design - A02 Art 501-505, 520
3. Directed Studies - A03 Art 185, 285, 385
4. Drawing - A04 Art 100, 201-203, 209, 620, 621
5. Life Drawing - A05 Art 204-207, 215
6. Oil Painting - A06 Art 307-312
7. Sculpture - A07 Art 700-703, 706, 707
8. Water Color & Acrylic - A08 Art 213, 300-306
9. Printmaking - A09 Art 400-402, 407, 408, 411, 626
Dance Family Group (12 families)
1. Ballet Techniques -D01 DanceST 806, 807 DanceTQ 111-114, 434, 460, 466
2. Latin and Social Dance - D02 DanceST 457, 458 DanceTQ 321, 322, 411, 412, 419, 440, 473, 482 DnceSPC 321, 440-444, 459, 490
3. Dance Production - D03  
4. Hip-Hop Techniques - D04 DanceTQ 171-174
DnceSPC 171-174, 402
5. Jazz Techniques - D05 DanceTQ 121-124, 437, 463, 468
6. Modern Techniques - D06 DanceST 801-803
DanceTQ 141-144, 431, 462, 467
7. Special Projects in Dance - D07 DanceTQ 151-154, 290, 536-538
DanceST 185, 262, 285, 385
8. Tap Dance - D08 DanceTQ 221-212, 446, 464
DnceSPC 331-334, 446
9. Yoga/Stress Mgmt - D09 DanceTQ 101, 181-182, 221-225, 228-229, 231-234, 241-242, 469, 696, 710
10. Dance Choreograpy - D10 DanceST 301-304, 452
11. Dance Performance - D11 DanceST 822-823
DnceSPC 161
12. Folk Dance Forms - D12 DanceTQ 421-422
DnceSPC 311-312, 491-492
Kinesiology (Physical Education) Family group (10 families)
1. Acrobatics - K01 All levels of KIN 206, 269, 273, 369
2. Aerobics, Circuit Training & Sport Specific Strength Training - K02 All levels of KIN 10, 20, 23-24, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 229-230, 232, 245, 246, 250, 326-333, 336-338, 345, 346, 350, 352
3. Aquatics -K03 All levels of KIN 47, 201-205, 300, 301, 303
4. Court Sports - K04 All levels of KIN 266, 271, 291, 366, 370, 371, 391
5. Directed Study - K05 All levels of KIN 8, 9, 32, 185, 285, 385, 911, 921, 931, 941, KIN ATH 500
6. Individual Activities - K06 All levels of KIN 51, 267, 268, 328, 364, 365, 368, 373
7. Martial Arts/Combatives - K07 All levels of KIN 215, 217, 315, 316, 317
8. Mind/Body Conditioning - K08 All levels of KIN 35, 234, 247, 249, 251, 265, 335, 340, 349, 351, 374
9. Team Sports - K09 All levels of KIN 286-290, 386-390
10. Track & Field Mixed Activities - K10 All levels of KIN 180, 237, 307, 334
Music Family groups (7 families)
1. Classical Guitar - M01 Music 650-654
2. Piano - M02 Music 311-314, 321-324, 341, 351, 361 (All levels)
3. Brass Instruments - M03 Music 601-604
4. String Instruments - M04 Music 611-614
5. Woodwind Instruments - M05 Music 621-624
6. Percussion Instruments - M06 Music 631-634
7. Voice - M07 Music 400-403, 411-414, 431-434, 441, 453
Theater Families groups (10 families)
1. Acting for the Camera - T01 Theater 185, 230, 278, 285, 385
2. Acting Study & Professional Applied Acting - T02 Theater 200, 270-273, 274 (All levels), 275
3. Analysis of Theater - T03 All levels of Theater 105
4. Directing - T04 Theater 225, 227
5. Movement - T05 Theater 265
6. Musical Theater - T06 Theater 210, 212, 279, 280, 282
7. Professional Ensemble Performance - T07 Theater 231-233, 235, 250, 262, 291-295
8. Professional Ensemble Vocal - T08 All levels of Theater 246
9. Professional Performance Preparation - T09 Theater 205, 276 (All levels), 277
10. Voice Theory - T10 Theater 240, 242 (All levels)

Final examinations are held in all subjects according to a schedule published each semester. No student will be excused from a final examination. Should circumstances develop which justify a student's requesting a special examination at a time other than scheduled, the student must secure permission from the instructor.

Students expecting to graduate from the college with an Associate degree must file a petition for graduation early in the semester BEFORE they expect to complete their requirements. The deadlines for filing each semester are listed in the front of the Schedule of Classes. The Admissions Office in the Student Services Center building has the necessary forms. Students filing the petition will be notified of the results by email sent to their LACCD email accountafter the semester ends and grades are final.

Academic Standards for Probation/Dismissal, Disqualification and Loss of California College Promise Grant (formerly Board of Governers Fee Waiver)

A student enrolled in the LACCD shall be placed on academic or progress probation under the following conditions:

  • Academic Probation. The student has attempted at least 12 semester units of work and has a grade-point-average of less than a “C” (2.0).
  • Progress Probation. The student has enrolled in a total of at least 12 semester units, and the percentage of all units in which they enrolled with recorded entries of “W” (Withdrawal), “I” (Incomplete), “NC” (No Credit) and “NP” (No Pass) reaches or exceeds fifty percent (50%).

California College Promise Grant (CCPG): Loss of Eligibility

A student eligible to receive a CCPG fee waiver shall lose eligibility if they are placed on academic or progress probation for two consecutive semesters. Loss of eligibility shall become effective at the first registration opportunity after such determination is made.

Foster youth, or former foster youth under the age of 24, are exempt from the loss of fee waiver due to academic or progress probation.

Notification of Probation, Disqualification and Loss of California College Promise Grant (formerly Board of Governors Fee Waiver).

Each college shall notify students placed on academic or progress probation of their status no more than 30 days after the end of the term that resulted in academic or progress probation. The notice shall clearly state that two consecutive primary terms of probation will lead to loss of the CCPG Fee Waiver.

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 CCPG Fee Waiver and ensure that students have the opportunity to receive appropriate counseling, assessment, advising, 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 CCPG Fee Waiver within timelines established by the District. Probation, dismissal and loss of CCPG Fee Waiver policies and procedures shall be published in the college catalog.

Appeal of Probation and loss of fee waiver

A student who is placed on academic or progress probation may submit a written appeal in compliance with regulations issued by the Chancellor.

Appeal the loss of CCPG fee waiver. A student who has lost the CCPG fee waiver due to academic standing may submit a written appeal of that standing in accordance with existing regulations issued by the Chancellor.

Units attempted means all units of credit in the LACCD.

Removal from/Reinstatement of California College Promise Grant (formerly Board of Governors Fee Waiver).

A student shall be removed from academic probation when his/her cumulative grade-point-average is 2.0 or higher.
A student may also be removed from probation when the percentage of units for which entries of No Pass (NP), Incomplete (I), and/or Withdrawal (W) are recorded drops below fifty percent (50%).
A student may retain or reinstate the CCPG Fee Waiver based on achieving the minimum grade point average or progress standard defined in LACCD Board Rule 8201.10.

Intervention for Students on Probation

Probation I – 1st semester Academic/ Progress Probation

Students are notified that they are on probation and recommended to complete the online Probation Workshop.

Probation II – 2nd semester Academic/ Progress Probation

Students are notified that they have been on probation for two semesters and that they have lost their registration priority. Students must complete the online Probation tutorial: "From Probation to Academic Success" AND attend an in-person Probation workshop.

The maximum study load for a student who has been on academic or progress probation for two consecutive semesters is 6 units during a regular (fall or spring) semester. Students who desire to enroll in more than 6 units must obtain counselor approval.

A student who is subject to dismissal, and who has not been continued on probation through the appeal process, shall be notified by the College President (or designee) of dismissal, which will become effective the semester following notification.

Dismissal from any one college in the District shall disqualify a student from admission to any other college in the District.

Academic Dismissal

A student who is on academic probation shall be subject to dismissal if the student has earned a cumulative grade-point-average of less than 2.0 in all units attempted in each of 3 consecutive semesters.

A student who is on academic probation and earns a semester grade-point-average of 2.0 or better shall not be dismissed as long as this minimum semester grade-point-average is maintained..

Progress Dismissal

A student who is on progress probation is subject to dismissal if the cumulative percentage of units for which he/she has received entries of No Pass (NP), Incomplete (I), and/or Withdrawal (W) reaches or exceeds fifty percent (50%) over a period of three (3) consecutive semesters.

Appeal of Dismissal

Students who are subject to dismissal and wish to remain on probation must file a petition/ appeal with the college that notified the student that they are subject to dismissal.

Readmission After Dismissal

A student who has been dismissed must wait two major (fall and spring) semesters before requesting readmission. The student shall submit a written petition requesting readmission to his/ her home college. Readmission may be granted, denied, postponed subject to fulfillment of conditions prescribed by the colleges. Readmitted students are returned to probationary status.

Academic Petitions

Students may petition to the Academic Petitions Committee for waiver of certain college-wide academic requirements or for review of decisions affecting their academic status. Academic regulations contained in Title 5, California Administrative Code, are not subject to petition. Petitions may be filed in the Graduation Office in the Admissions Office.

Academic Renewal

Students may petition for an academic renewal action in order to alleviate substandard academic performance under the following conditions:

  1. Students must have achieved a grade-point-average of 2.5 in their last 15 semester units, or 2.0 in their last 30 semester units completed at any accredited college or university,
  2. At least one calendar year must have passed since the course work to be removed was completed.

Granted, academic academic renewal shall result in:

  1. Eliminating up to 30 semester units of coursework taken within the Los Angeles Community College District from consideration in the student’s cumulative grade-point-average, and
  2. Annotating the student academic record to note which courses have been removed through academic renewal.

Academic renewal actions are irreversible.

Graduation honors and awards are to be based on the student’s cumulative grade-point-average for all college work attempted.

Campus Procedure

Petitions for academic renewal are available in the Counseling Department and the Office of Admission and Records.

Students may repeat courses in which substandard grades (“D”, “F” or “NP”) were awarded provided they have not already attempted the same course three times.

When course repetition under this section occurs, the student’s permanent academic record shall be annotated in such a manner that all work remains legible, ensuring a true and complete academic history.

For the first and second repetitions of a course where a substandard grade was awarded, the highest grade earned shall be used when computing the student’s cumulative grade point average.

FIRST AND SECOND COURSE REPETITION TO REMOVE A SUBSTANDARD GRADE.
Upon completion of a repeated courses, the highest grade earned will be computed in the cumulative grade point average and the student’s academic record so annotated.

Upon completion of the third repetition, the grade used in computing the student’s cumulative grade point average shall be the highest grade earned, and the student’s record will be so annotated. The three lowest substandard grades will not be used in the computation of the grade point average.

No course may be repeated more than 3 times.

* See the LAVC Catalog (page 185) on limits on enrollment.

Duplicative credit in non-repeatable courses should not be used towards the 60 units required for graduation regardless of whether or not the student petitioned to have the transcript annotated.

  1. Repetition of courses for which a satisfactory grade (“A,” “B,” “C,” “P’) has been recorded shall be permitted only upon advance petition of the student and with the written permission from the college president, or designee, based on a finding that extenuating circumstances exist which justify such repetition or that there has been a significant lapse of time since the student previously took the course. Significant lapse of time is defined as no less than 36 months since the most recent grade was awarded.

  2. When course repetition under this section occurs, the student’s permanent academic record shall be annotated in such a manner that all work remains legible, insuring a true and complete academic history.

  3. Grades awarded for courses repeated under the provisions of subsection “a” and “b” of this section shall not be counted in calculating a student’s grade point average.

  4. When such repetition is necessary for a student to meet a legally mandated training requirement as a condition of continued paid or volunteer employment, such courses may be repeated for credit any number of times, and the grade received each time shall be included for purposes of calculating the student’s grade point average. The college shall establish policies and procedures requiring students to certify or document that course repetition is necessary to complete legally mandated training pursuant to this subsection. The college’s process for certification or documentation of legal training requirements shall be developed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XVIII of the Board Rules – ACADEMIC SENATE AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES SHARED GOVERNANCE POLICY.

  5. A student may repeat any course if the college has properly established a recent prerequisite for a course, or there has been “significant lapse of time.” In no instance shall this be less than three years.

  6. A student with a disability may repeat a class any number of times, if such repetition is required as a disability-related accommodation for that particular student.

How to Order Your Transcript and/or Verification of Enrollment

You may order official transcripts and/or verifications of enrollment one of the following ways:

  • Online: You may order your official transcripts and/or verifications of enrollment using the National Student Clearinghouse to order transcripts or to order a verification.
  • In-Person: You may order your official transcripts and/or verification of enrollment in person at the Admissions and Records Office. Payments in person must be made by cash, money order, personal check or credit cards.

Requesting Transcripts for a student other than yourself

When requesting transcripts for another student, you must have the following:

  • Written permission from the student
  • LAVC Transcript Request Form filled out and signed by the student
  • A copy of the student's ID (i.e. driver's license, state ID, or School ID

Please read the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) for further information.

Official Transcript/Verification Processing Fees

The fees for official transcripts and/or verification of enrollment are:

Transcripts Cost
Regular Transcripts $3 ea.
Regular Verifications $3 ea.
Rush Transcripts $10 ea.
Rush Verifications $10 ea.

Transcript Acceptance Policy

Official academic transcripts shall be received only by the Admissions and Records Office, unopened, via U.S. mail directly from the institution providing the transcript. No transcripts are accepted directly from students.

Honors with Associate Degree

  • Summa Cum Laude – Graduates completing the required number of units to qualify for the Associate Degree and maintaining a 3.9 or more scholastic average in all work taken.
  • Magna Cum Laude – Graduates completing the required number of units to qualify for the Associate Degree and maintaining a 3.7 or more scholastic average in all work taken.
  • Cum Laude – Graduates completing the required number of units to qualify for the Associate Degree and maintaining a 3.3 or more scholastic average in all work taken.

President's Distinguished Honor Award

The President’s Distinguished Honor Award is one of the most significant and praiseworthy honors available to students at Los Angeles Valley College. This certificate is awarded at the college commencement exercises. In order to be considered for the award, a candidate must:

  1. petition for the Associate Degree, and

  2. achieve a grade-point-average of 3.7 or better in all college work attempted at the time of petition, and be in good standing, and

  3. complete at least 50% of all units utilized for the award at Los Angeles Valley College, and

  4. if graduation requirements will not be completed until the end of the spring semester, the student must achieve a grade-point-average of 3.7 and be in good standing in all college work attempted at the end of the fall semester.

Please note: Spring candidates for this award will be listed as Candidates in the graduation program. After the final grade point evaluation, if the student achieved a 3.7 GPA, he or she will be awarded the President's Distinguished Honor Award.

Students who possess associate, equivalent or advanced degrees are not eligible for this award.

President's Honors List

Students who have appeared on the full or part time Deans Honors List for three (3) consecutive semesters will be placed on the President’s Honor List. The designation Dean’s Honors List and President’s Honors List will be placed on qualifying students transcripts.

Dean's List

Each semester, those students whose scholastic achievement is outstanding are given public recognition by means of the Dean’s List. Also, a notation of this award is added to the student’s transcript.

Both full-time students and part-time students are eligible for the Dean’s Honor List. Full-time students are enrolled in 12 or more graded units and must have completed at least 12 graded units with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or above in the semester they are considered for inclusion on the Dean’s List.

Part-time students are enrolled in 6 to 11 units in the qualifying semester. Part-time students must have completed 12 or more cumulative graded units to be considered for inclusion on the Dean’s List, and they must have at least a 3.5 GPA in the qualifying semester.

Section 78907 of the California Education Code prohibits 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 disabled students. Any person, other than a student, who willfully violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

See the Office of Ombudsperson Web Page for:

COMPLAINT PROCESS NOTICE

Most complaints, grievances or disciplinary matters should be resolved at the campus level. This is the quickest and most successful way of resolving issues involving a California Community College (CCC). You are encouraged to work through the campus complaint process first before escalating issues to any of the following resources. Issues that are not resolved at the campus level may be presented:

  • To the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) at http://www.accjc.org/ complaint-process if your complaint is 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.

For complaints surrounding actions dealing with alleged discrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, religion, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, students are directed to contact the Office of Diversity Programs at the Los Angeles Community College District at (213) 891-2315. Students can also obtain a copy of the policy and procedures at the District website Office of Diversity Programs. The specific rules and procedures for reporting charges of Prohibited Discrimination and for pursuing available remedies are incorporated in the Board Rules in Chapter 15, B.R. 1501-1522.

Community college districts are required by law to adopt standards of student conduct along with applicable penalties for violation (CA Education Code Sections 66017, 66300, 76030 and 76031.) The Los Angeles Community College District has complied with this requirement by adopting Board Rules 9803, Standards of Student Conduct and 91101, Student Discipline Procedures. The purpose of Board Rule 91101 is 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 these Board Rules shall relate to the alleged violation of appropriate standards of student conduct. Discipline measures may be taken by the college independently of any charges filed through civil or criminal authorities, or both. [complete text of Board Rules can be found on ihxrzn.y2229.com

The Board Rules on Student Discipline Procedures and Academic Dishonesty apply to all classes (face-to-face as well as distance education).

Los Angeles Valley College is dedicated to maintaining an optimal learning environment for students as outlined in LACCD Board Rule 9803.

These standards apply to all current students on campus, former students, online students, while attending any college-sponsored classes, activities or events. Violations of such rules, or behavior adversely affecting suitability as a student, may lead to disciplinary action.

Academic Dishonesty is defined as "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. (Standards of Student Conduct Section 9803.28. Adopted 11-05-08)

The consequences for academic dishonesty can be determined by the instructor and/or with the assistance of the Vice President Student Services or Designee. For repeat offenses, students are subject to progressive discipline penalties, as stated in the Notice of Charges (SD5), leading to suspension through expulsion from the LACCD.

Although the circumstances surrounding each situation of alleged academic dishonesty may differ, the following illustrate such examples:

  1. In-class academic dishonesty, or otherwise known as "cheating," can occur when there is unauthorized looking at, procuring or sharing information from any unauthorized sources. An "authorized source" is from a college official. This can apply to looking at or operating any kind of electronic device during class when directed not to.

  2. Out of class academic dishonesty, or otherwise known as "cheating," can occur when students obtain an unauthorized copy of sealed test questions or any other kind of exam that has not been published to the public at large. It also applies to changing, altering, or any other kind of falsification of a Scantron, essay, exam, or any other kind of test or college document with the intent of procuring another grade or benefit.

  3. Plagiarism is the representation of expression of ideas from either published or unpublished work(s) as students own. We encourage students to always cite sources to avoid the appearance of plagiarism. Using text from internet sources without proper citation is considered to be plagiarism.

  4. Furnishing false information can take the form of forgery, falsification, alteration, or misuse of college documents, records, or identification in class or laboratory situations.

  5. Attempting to bribe a college official with an object of value or money to procure a higher grade than earned is considered to be academic dishonesty.

Examples of Academic Dishonesty (non-inclusive)

  • Copying or procuring answers from another student during in-class or online exams and handing them in as one's own.
  • The use of notes, books, dictionaries, or other references during an in-class or online exam that are not authorized by the instructor.
  • Signing one's name to an official college document for another not present in class, in a lab, or for any other reason.
  • Unauthorized use of electronic devices to communicate such as text messaging, cell phone, or emailing any other person during an in-class or online exam.
  • Unauthorized talking during in-class exams.

Consequences of Violating the Standards of Student Conduct

Student discipline sanctions for violations of the Standards of Student Conduct may result in a Warning, Reprimand, Restitution, Disciplinary Probation, Suspension for ten (10) days of less, Suspension for more than ten (10) days (with or without Subject to Reconsideration), Suspension from Financial Aid or Expulsion from the LACCD. Under Administrative Regulation E-111, “Student discipline records that result in a suspension or expulsion are kept permanently. Student discipline records that result in a warning, reprimand, and disciplinary probation may be expunged after seven years.” Because student discipline records are part of a student’s academic record, discipline sanctions may affect transfer opportunities and/or gainful employment, depending upon the nature of the charge and circumstances surrounding the situation.

Violations of the Standards of Student Conduct are as follows:

  • 9803.10 Willful Disobedience: Willful disobedience to directions of college officials acting in the performance of their duties.

  • 9803.11 Violation of College Rules and Regulations: 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.

  • 9803.12 Dishonesty: Dishonesty, such as cheating, or knowingly furnishing false information to colleges.

  • 9803.13 Unauthorized Entry: Unauthorized entry to or use of the college facilities.

  • 9803.14 College Documents: Forgery, alteration, or misuse of college documents, records, or identification.

  • 9803.15 Disruption of Classes: Obstruction or disruption of classes, administration, disciplinary procedures, or authorized college activities.

  • 9803.16 Theft of or Damage to Property: Theft of or damage to property belonging to the college, a member of the college community or a campus visitor.

  • 9803.17 Interference with Peace of College: 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.

  • 9803.18 Assault or Battery: 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.

  • 9803.19 Alcohol and Drugs: 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 same, or any possession or use of alcoholic beverages while on any property owned or used by the District or colleges of the District. "Controlled substance," as used in this section includes, but is 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.

  • 9803.20 Lethal Weapons: 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 by all persons except sworn peace officers, police officers, and other government employees charged with policing responsibilities.

  • 9803.21 Discriminatory Behavior: Behavior while on a college campus or at a college-sponsored function, inconsistent with the District's Non-discrimination Policy, which requires that all programs and activities of the Los Angeles Community College District 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.

  • 9803.22 Unlawful Assembly: Any assemblage of two or more persons to 1) do an unlawful act, or 2) do a lawful act in a violent, boisterous or tumultuous manner.

  • 9803.23 Conspiring to Perform Illegal Acts: Any agreement between two or more persons to perform illegal acts.

  • 9803.24 Threatening Behavior: 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.

  • 9803.25 Disorderly Conduct: Conduct that may be considered disorderly includes lewd or indecent attire, behavior that disrupts classes or college activities, breach of the peace of the college, aiding or inciting other persons to breach the peace of college premises or functions.

  • 9803.26 Theft or Abuse of Computer Resources including but not limited to the following:
    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 or 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.

  • 9803.27 Performance of an Illegal Act: Conduct while present on a college campus or at a location operated and/or controlled by the District or at a District-sponsored event, which is prohibited by local, State, or federal law.

  • 9803.28 Academic Dishonesty: 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

  • 9804 Interference with Classes: 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 Los Angeles Community College District, 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.

  • 9805 Interference with Performance of Duties of Employees: 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.

  • 9805.10 Assault or Abuse of an Instructor: Every parent, guardian, or other person who assaults or abuses any instructor employed by the District 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 District 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.

  • 9806 Unsafe Conduct: 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: Unsafe conduct in connection with a Health Services Program (e.g., Nursing, Dental Hygiene, etc.); failure to follow safety direction of District and/or college staff; willful disregard of safety rules as adopted by the District and/or college; negligent behavior which creates an unsafe environment.

The Los Angeles Community College District is committed to drug-free and alcohol-free campuses. Students and employees are prohibited from unlawfully possessing, using or distributing illicit drugs and alcohol on District premises, in District vehicles, or as part of any activity of the District or colleges of the District.

Violators are subject to disciplinary action and/or prosecution. Student discipline procedures may include warning, reprimand, disciplinary probation, suspension or termination of financial aid, suspension, withdrawal of consent to remain on campus, and expulsion. Counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation resources are available for the treatment of alcohol and drug dependence and abuse.

Student Right-to-Know Rates for Fall 2014 Cohort

Completion Rate: 21.10%

Transfer Rate: 8.79%

In compliance with the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-542), it is the policy of our college district to make available its completion and transfer rates to all current and prospective students. Beginning in Fall 2014, a cohort of all certificate-, degree-, and transfer-seeking first-time, full-time students were tracked over a three year period. Their completion and transfer rates are listed above. These rates do not represent the success rates of the entire student population at the College nor do they account for student outcomes occurring after this three year tracking period.

Based upon the cohort defined above, a Completer is a student who attained a certificate or degree or became 'transfer prepared' during a three year period, from Fall 2014 to Spring 2017. Students who have completed 60 transferable units with a GPA of 2.0 or better are considered 'transfer prepared '. Students who transferred to another post-secondary institution, prior to attaining a degree, certificate, or becoming 'transfer prepared' during a five semester period, from Spring 2015 to Spring 2017, are transfer students.

For more information, see Disclosures Web Page