College policies and procedures

Academic policy

Attendance policy

Students are expected to attend all class meetings, regardless of whether the instructor takes attendance. Students who miss more than two weeks of a term-length course may be dropped by the instructor. Students must contact the instructor themselves to inform them of an absence. The college does not relay such messages.

Attendance at the first class meeting: If a student wishes to secure a place in class, he or she must attend the first class meeting. The instructor may drop students who do not attend the first class meeting, thereby opening a space for students wishing to add the course. If students do not attend the first class meeting, it is still their responsibility to officially drop the class.

• Leave of absence: Students who need to take a leave of absence during the term should ask a counselor for a petition and then receive written approval from their instructor and the dean of student services. A leave of absence is limited to ten instructional days. Instructors may drop students who have been absent for the equivalent of two weeks of instruction without an approved leave of absence.
• Field trips: If participating in a class field trip or other college sponsored activity causes you to miss other classes, you will not be penalized for the absence providing you make up the work and you notify your instructor in advance that you will be absent.

Course work and units

Course work and study time per unit: Units of credit are a measure of the amount of study performed in a course; grades are a measure of the quality of that study. Generally speaking, for each three-unit lecture course, students spend three hours each week in class and six hours of study time out of class. A four-unit course that includes a lab would add another three hours each week in the laboratory.

• Full-time status: A student must carry a minimum of 12 units in fall or spring term or 4 units in a six-week summer session to be considered a full-time student. Fifteen units is the usual load for students who wish to complete the A.A. degree in two years.  
• Term unit limit: Students who wish enroll in more than 18 units in the fall or spring term or nine units in the summer term must have permission from a DVC counselor prior to the start of classes.
• Remedial unit limit: By state law, students are only allowed to enroll in a maximum of 30 units of remedial course work. Remedial courses are nondegree-applicable credit, basic skills courses and are numbered less than 100. The 30 unit limit includes all remedial courses taken at the three community colleges within our district. Once students have reached the 30 unit limit, they may appeal for a waiver from the coordinator of basic skills.

Exemptions: Students enrolled in ESL courses or officially identified as having a learning disability are exempt from the 30 unit limit.

• Variable-unit courses: Some courses give students varying amounts of credit; for example, from one to three units. The number of units varies, depending on the following factors: the contract between teacher and student; how many segments of the course the student completes (for example, the course may be divided into three four-week segments); the subject matter and/or number of meetings; and the number of classes the student attends.
• Repeating courses: If students have received a satisfactory grade in a course, then:

• Students may repeat a course up to three times for additional credit and a grade only if it is labeled R-OK repetition okay in the catalog. (See individual course listing for number of repeats.)
• In any other case, students must appeal to the Counseling Division chairperson to repeat a course in which they have already received a satisfactory grade. If permission is granted, the new grade will appear on their transcript but will not be calculated into their grade point average, and no additional credit will be given.

Exceptions: Courses that may not be repeated under any circumstances are dental courses and any course that is unusually dangerous to the student or others. For more information, contact the dean of instruction.  

• Repeating courses with substandard grade: If students have received a substandard grade in a course, then see the "Improving a Grade Point Average" section.  
• Independent study courses: These courses are only available to students who have exhausted the learning opportunities of our regular course offerings. They require the student to undertake a significant project or research with clearly established, measurable learning objectives.  

To apply for an independent study course, students should get tentative agreement on their research project from a supervising instructor. They must then complete an Independent Study Form (available in the Instruction Office or Division Offices) and receive approval of the supervising instructor, department and division chairpersons, and the dean of instruction.

Deadlines: Independent study forms must be submitted for approval to the dean of instruction before the sixth week of the term.

• Adding and dropping courses: Courses may be added and dropped by telephone or in person at the Admissions Office. For information on adding and dropping courses, see the "Registering for Courses" section of this catalog.
• Auditing of courses: Diablo Valley College does not permit auditing of courses. All students must submit an application for admission to the college and officially register.  

Course prerequisites  

Students wanting to enroll in a course with a prerequisite must satisfactorily complete that prerequisite before they are allowed to register. A course has a prerequisite to ensure that a student has the appropriate body of knowledge to successfully take the course. Courses with a co-requisite ensure that a student either has taken the co-requisite before or is taking it at the same time as the course.

Usually, a prerequisite is a course from a lower sequence of courses. For example: You may not enroll in Math 142 (Elementary Statistics with Probability) without first passing Math 120 (Intermediate Algebra) with a "C" grade or better, or the equivalent. Usually, a co-requisite course is a lab. For example: Computer Science 100 has a co-requisite lab class, Computer Science 100L. A student must enroll in both, or have taken the lab prior to the course.

To see which courses have prerequisites and/or co-requisites you may look at the individual course offerings in the catalog or our web site at www.dvc.edu.

To register for a course with a prerequisite and/or co-requisite

If you have completed it at DVC: If you have taken the prerequisite at DVC and completed it with a "C" or better, then you will be allowed to register by telephone or during walk-in registration.

If you completed the prerequisite at another educational institution: Complete a "prerequisite form" and submit it to the Admissions Office. Additionally, official transcripts must be in the Admissions Office two weeks before you register by telephone. In-person registration will accept either official or unofficial transcripts or grade reports from previous schools. Official transcripts usually take from 2-6 weeks to arrive at DVC.

To challenge a prerequisite: Students who are denied enrollment in a course because they do not meet the prerequisite requirement may challenge the prerequisite. It is the responsibility of the student to demonstrate with supporting documentation that they should be allowed to enroll in the course. Challenge petitions are available in the Admissions and Records Office.

How to file a prerequisite challenge: Students must file their challenge before the first meeting of the class at the Admissions and Records Office. If space is available, then the student will be put into the class.

• If the challenge is approved, then the student will remain in the class.
• If the challenge is denied, then the student will be notified that he/she will be removed from the class.
• If the challenge is not heard within five working days, then the student will be allowed to remain in the class.

1. Challenges for the following reasons are reviewed by the director of matriculation's committee, whose decision is final:

• A prerequisite based on health or safety is either not valid or does not apply to a particular student.
• A prerequisite is discriminatory on the basis of ethnicity, religious belief, political persuasion, age, gender, or sexual orientation.
• The prerequisite course has not been reasonably made available at DVC.
• The prerequisite was not established according to state law.

2. Challenges for the following reasons are reviewed by a faculty committee, whose decision is final.

• The prerequisite is not required for the course.
• The student has gained the knowledge and skills in another fashion, for example, through work or life experience.

Alternatives to course credit

We recognize that some students have already reached a portion of their educational objectives through prior schooling and life experiences. Therefore, students can sometimes be exempted from a course requirement, or they can receive units of elective credit for their prior learning. We offer the following alternatives to course credit:

• Substitute courses: In some cases, students are allowed to use courses other than the ones listed in order to meet the general education requirement for the A.A. degree. Usually these courses are in the subjects of mathematics, health science, and physical education. For more information and petitions for exemption, contact a counselor.
• Credit by exam: DVC offers three options for students to receive alternate course credit. These options are advanced placement, CLEP, and DVC challenge exams.
• Advanced placement (AP) for the A.A. degree: Students who have earned a score of 3, 4, or 5 on certain college board advanced placement examinations, may receive credit towards the A.A. degree, and some examinations may be used in lieu of specific course requirements. An official report of your test score(s) should be sent to the admissions and records office and a request made for this examination credit to be included in your A.A. evaluation. Following are the A.A. requirements that may be met through AP exams and the number of units awarded:

Area I-A. English composition

• A score of 3 on either the English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition examinations meet the requirement: "Prerequisite: Eligibility for English 122."
• With a score of 4 on either the English Language and Composition or the English Literature and Composition exam, the "Course requirement" will be waived.

Area I-B. Communication and analytical thinking

• With a score of 3, 4, or 5 on either the Mathematics AB or BC exam, the "Course requirement" will be waived.

Area I-C. Mathematics proficiency

• With a score of 3, 4, or 5 on either the Mathematics AB or BC exam, the proficiency requirement will be met.

Area II. Natural sciences

• With a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the Biology or Physics B or Physics C exams, the "Course requirement" will be waived.

Units awarded toward the DVC A.A. degree:

Biology: Score of 3, 4, or 5 (3 units)  
Chemistry: Score of 3, 4 or 5 (5 units)  
English Language and Composition: Score of 3 or 4, (3 units); score of 5 (6 units).  
English Literature and Composition: Score of 3 or 4, (3 units); score of 5 (6 units).  
Mathematics AB: Score of 3, 4, or 5 (4 units)  
Mathematics BC: Score of 3, 4, or 5 (8 units)  
Physics B: Score of 3, 4, or 5 (3 units)  
Physics C: Score of 3, 4, or 5 (3 units)  
Statistics: Score of 3, 4 or 5 (4 units)

Units awarded for AP exams may not be used towards the residency requirement.

Advanced placement towards meeting transfer requirements

Each four-year college or university determines the amount of credit that will be given for AP examinations and how that credit may be used. Students planning to transfer should consult the catalog of the college to which they plan to transfer for information on how these examinations can be used to meet admission, general education, and major requirements.

For students planning to transfer to a University of California or California State University campus, refer to the "CSU G.E. - Breadth" and "IGETC" student handouts for use of AP exam credit towards meeting these general education requirements.

• CLEP: Students may petition the director of admissions for six units of ungraded elective credit for each general examination including: humanities, mathematics, natural science, and social science-history passed with a score of 500 or better in the college level examination program (CLEP). CLEP subject examinations in dental auxiliary education are available in selected areas. Students may also petition for waiver of appropriate A.A. degree general education requirements; these petitions must be approved by a faculty committee.

To take the CLEP, students must contact the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, N.J., and ask for a bulletin of test dates and locations. Since use of CLEP is limited, students should consult with a counselor before pursuing this option.

Note: Credit is not granted in the same field for both the AP and CLEP exams.

• DVC challenge exams: Challenge examinations are available through DVC academic departments. The examinations DVC uses for challenging a course are usually more comprehensive than the typical final examination for a course, and they may be prepared by national organizations.

To take these examinations, students must file a petition with the dean of instruction at least six weeks before the end of a fall or spring term. In addition:

• the student should not already have taken the course or attempted an examination in the course, whether at DVC or elsewhere;
• the student must have completed at least 12 units of credit at DVC;
• the course must not be a prerequisite for one the student has already taken or is now enrolled in;
• the student will be charged a fee for the challenge exam equivalent to the enrollment fee for the class.

If a student passes the examination, a grade is recorded on his or her permanent record with the notation "taken by examination." If a student fails, that failure is recorded on the permanent record and the student is not allowed to take the examination again.

The following courses have been approved by the departments for challenge by examination:

• Administration of Justice 120

May be challenged by completing an approved Introduction to Administration of Justice high school course.

• Administration of Justice 121, 122, 140, 221, 222, 230, 260

May be challenged only by full-time peace officers, parole officers, probation officers, and corrections officers.

• Biological Science 101
• Biological Science 130 and 131

The written comprehensive examination for each course must be passed with a "C" grade or better before the corresponding laboratory exam is given.

• Computer Science 100

• Dental hygiene and dental lab technology courses

May be challenged by those who have been admitted to the program.

• Drama 140
• Mathematics courses except 070 and 110
• Music 122 and 123
• Nutrition 115
• Philosophy 130, 224, 225
• Physics 120 and 130
• Speech 124

Military service credit: Veterans may apply for evaluation of military service for credit through the Admissions and Records Office. Credit may be granted toward the associate in arts degree for the following training and examinations:

• Six units of elective credit for the completion of basic training and one year or more of active duty in the military service upon submission of DD-214 (separation papers) to the Admissions and Records Office.
• A maximum of six units for passing all four of the general education development (GED) college-level examinations.
• Units for training taken in armed service schools. The guidance for evaluation of military service school training will be the publication, Armed Services Experiences, prepared by the American Council of Education.  

Grade policy

The assignment of grades is the exclusive responsibility of the individual instructor. Our grading policies are based on our faculty's philosophy, California Administration Code, Title V (Sec. 51300-51325), and the Contra Costa Community College District Board Policy 4001.

We use the following evaluative grades and non-evaluative symbols:

Grade Grade points per unit

A Excellent 4  
B Good 3  
C Satisfactory 2  
D Passing, less than satisfactory 1  
(Not a recommending grade for continuation in sequential courses)  
F Failing 0

The following grades are not considered in calculations of cumulative grade point averages, but the "W," "I," and "NC" grades are considered in determinations of progress probation and dismissal.

W Withdrawal 0
(The grade given when students withdraw from a course within allowed time)
I Incomplete 0
CR Credit 0
(At least satisfactory or a C grade; units not counted in GPA)
NC No Credit 0
(Less than satisfactory; units not counted in GPA)

The following are non-evaluative symbols.

IP In Progress 0
(Symbol indicating the course was in progress beyond the end of the term)
RD Report Delayed 0
(Symbol indicating delay in reporting grade)
Academic honors: Students who have completed at least 12 letter-graded units during the term and earned a grade point average of at least 3.0 will receive honors recognition on their transcripts.
Graduation honors: To qualify for graduation honors, students must have a grade point average of at least 3.5 on all college-level work completed prior to February 1 of the academic year in which they graduate.
Incomplete grades: An incomplete grade must be made up no later than one calendar year following the grade assignment or it will automatically revert to the alternate grade assigned by the instructor. Students who receive an "I" grade can not officially register for the same course in which they received the incomplete. Incompletes will be given only in cases of emergency such as accident, illness, or family emergency. Extensions to the one year deadline may be granted for good cause only if the instructor approves and notifies the Admissions Office.

Credit/no credit grades (CR/NC): These courses are not figured into grade point averages, although the units are applied toward the 60 required for the Associate of Arts degree. Four-year colleges often limit the number of CR units that they will accept from transfer students.
Student choice (SC): A course labeled "SC" means that before the deadline, students can decide to take the course for a letter grade or for a CR/NC grade. Students must complete a form in the Admissions Office to take the course for a CR/NC grade. If students do not choose the CR/NC option before the deadline, they will be issued a letter grade for the course. It is often best to discuss this choice with a counselor.
Students have until the fourth week of the class (or 25% of the term for shorter courses) to decide. After the deadline has passed, the grading choice may not be reversed.
Fairness in grading: During the first week of each course, instructors will give their students a copy of their course syllabus, which will include their grading policies. Students may expect instructors to use the following guidelines when determining grades:

• Record the student's grade for each oral and written test or report that will affect the final grade, notify the student of the grade, and, if necessary, review the results with the student.
• Evaluate the student within the first quarter of the course and notify the student of the results of the evaluation.
• Count a final examination for no more than half the course grade.
• Base final grades on at least three of the student's tests and/or reports.

Note: Instructors are expected to retain any test or report that is not returned to a student for a period of one school year. Grade records should be available for a period of three years after grades are awarded. Instructors who are not scheduled to teach should leave their records in the division office.

Grade corrections: Students who believe that they have received an incorrect grade must initiate a grade correction within one calendar year after they received the grade. To have a grade corrected, students must ask the instructor to correct the grade and have them submit a grade correction form. The instructor has final authority to determine the student's grade in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency.

Note: Except in extenuating circumstances such as serious illness, grade corrections may not be made from "F" to "W." It is the student's responsibility to withdraw from a course prior to the drop deadline.

Student grade complaints and appeals: For full information on the grade appeal process, see "Student Appeals for Grade Changes" under the "College and Student Policies" section of this catalog.

Improving a grade point average

Course repetition: When students receive a substandard grade ("D," "F," or "NC") for a course, they may repeat it once in order to have only the new grade used when their grade point average is computed. However, the original grade will not be removed from the transcript, and additional credit will not be granted. Course repetition cannot be used to make up an incomplete ("1") grade. A course with a substandard grade cannot be repeated a second time without approval from the Counseling Division chairperson.

Academic renewal without course repetition: Academic renewal allows students to have up to 15 units of substandard grades ("D," "F," or "NC") ignored (without the student's having to repeat the course) when their grade point averages are computed. To be eligible, students must have received 20 consecutive units of "C" grade work or better since the substandard grades were earned. To be considered consecutive, all units earned in a given semester must be "C" grade work or better. Students interested in academic renewal should request a petition from the Admissions and Records Office.

Open course policy

It is the policy of the Contra Costa Community College District that, unless specifically exempted by statute or regulation, every course, course section or class reported for state aid, wherever offered and maintained by the District, shall be fully open to enrollment and participation by any person who has been admitted to the college and who meets such prerequisites as may be established pursuant to regulations contained in Article 2.5 of Subchapter 1 of Chapter 6 of Division 6 of Title 5 of the California Administrative Code, commencing with Section 55200.
Probation and dismissal policy

• Academic probation: We expect our students to make steady progress toward their educational goals by maintaining a "C" average or better in their courses. If a student's cumulative record shows that he or she has completed at least 12 letter-graded units, that student must maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0, or be placed on academic probation. Students on stage one probation will be mailed information encouraging them to attend a one-hour probation seminar, Counseling 98. Students on stage two probation will be mailed information encouraging them to attend an additional one-hour probation seminar, Counseling 99. Probationary students who do not complete either probation seminar will lose priority registration for the next term.
• Academic dismissal: Students are subject to academic dismissal if, after they have been on academic probation for two consecutive terms, their grade point average in the most recent term is not 2.0 or better. When their overall grade point average rises to 2.0 or better, students are removed from academic probation. Students on dismissal status are prohibited from attending DVC the following term. If they have already enrolled for the following term, their enrollment will be canceled.
• Progress probation: We expect our students to complete courses once they register for them. If a student's cumulative record shows that he or she has enrolled in at least 12 units, that student must successfully complete more than 50 percent of all those units, or else be placed on progress probation. We place students on progress probation if the number of units given a "W," "I," or "NC" on the student's transcript amounts to at least 50 percent of the units attempted (which includes letter grades and units assigned the symbols "W," "I," "CR," "NC," "IP," or "RD"). Students on stage one and stage two probation will be encouraged to attend a one-hour probation seminar, Counseling 98. Probationary students who do not complete a probation seminar will lose priority registration for the next term.
• Progress dismissal: Students are subject to progress dismissal if, after they have been on progress probation for two consecutive terms, they do not complete more than half of the units attempted in the current term. When students complete more than half of their cumulative attempted units, they are removed from probation. Students on dismissal status are prohibited from attending DVC the following term. If they have already enrolled for the following term, their enrollment will be canceled.
• Appeals and readmission: Students on probation or dismissal are notified by mail at the time they are sent their grade report. The notification includes the deadline dates for appealing the dismissal to the dean of student services or designee.

Dismissed students who wish to appeal their dismissal status must watch a brief video explaining the probation process (located in the Media Center) and file a "Request for Reinstatement" form with the dean of students. Extenuating circumstances that would allow students to successfully appeal dismissal might include, but are not limited to, health problems, family emergency, or extreme change in financial situation.

College and student policies

Course substitution policy for students with disabilities for DVC associate degrees or certificates  
Students with disabilities who wish to substitute a course for a course identified in DVC's A.A. degree or certificate program requirements should review the college's complete Course Substitution Policy for Students with Disabilities. This policy is available in the Disabled Student Programs and Services Office located in the Learning Center.

DVC is "A Drug-Free" campus  
DVC maintains a campus where students are prohibited from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances, as listed in Schedules I through IV of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. Section 812) and from abuse of alcohol. This includes student participation in field trips, athletic competition and/or any activity sponsored by the college. Any violations will be cause for disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Any student who needs information about substance abuse treatment may consult a campus counselor who can provide the student with information about available treatment resources.

Equal opportunity policy and grievance procedures  
DVC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or age in any of its policies, procedures, or practices, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (pertaining to race, color, and national origin), Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (pertaining to sex), Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (pertaining to age), and CCCCD Board Policy 2001. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission and access to, as well as treatment and employment in the college's programs and activities, including vocational education. Inquiries regarding the equal opportunity policies, the filing of grievances, or requests for a copy of the college's grievance procedures may be directed to the following: disabled students coordinator, Learning Center; Title IX, Sexual Harassment Title VI, discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, the dean of student services, Administration Building, ext. 231.

This procedure affords students an opportunity to resolve a variety of complaints, including those alleging discrimination based upon race, sexual orientation, color, national origin, sex, handicap, and age. Students who require assistance in the use of this procedure or any of the above-mentioned policies should contact the dean of student services.

Inquiries regarding federal laws and regulations concerning nondiscrimination in education or the district's compliance with those provisions may also be directed to the vice chancellor, human resources and organizational development, Contra Costa Community College District, 500 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553, telephone (925) 229-1000, ext. 1208; or U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, 221 Main Street, Suite 1020, San Francisco, CA, 94105.

Freedom of expression policy  
It is the policy of the district and DVC to allow and protect reasonable and legal expressions, speeches and actions according to federal and state laws and Education Code #76120. Students have the right to exercise free expression, including the use of bulletin boards, the distribution of printed materials and the wearing of buttons, badges or other insignia. The policy excludes expression which is obscene, libelous or slanderous according to current legal standards or which incites students to create a clear and present danger or to commit unlawful acts on community college premises or damage to persons or property. Inciting students to riot, or the violation of lawful community college regulations or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the community college, is also prohibited. A copy of the policy is available at the Associated Students Office and the Dean of Student Services Office.

Instructor's rights policy  
If a student is disrupting class, the instructor may have him or her removed, and the instructor may also suspend that student from the next class meeting. For more information about suspension, see the "Student Code of Conduct" section.

The instructor must give permission before a student can use a tape recorder in class.

Instructors have the exclusive responsibility for assigning grades. For more information, see the "Grade Policy" section of the catalog.

Matriculation rights and responsibilities

Student rights

The student has the right to the following matriculation services: Admissions, Assessment, Orientation, Advisement/Counseling, and follow-up services (when needed).

Diablo Valley College students are guaranteed the following rights under the State of California Matriculation Regulations:

1. Assessment: Students are allowed to submit scores from assessment tests taken at another college within the last two years in lieu of taking the assessment at DVC, if the assessment instrument is state-approved and correlation with DVC courses can be established. Section 55530(c).
2. Prerequisites: A student may challenge a required course prerequisite. (Please refer to the "Prerequisites" section.)
3. Complaints: A student may file a complaint if he or she believes DVC has failed to make a good faith effort to develop an educational plan or provide specified services once the student has declared a specific educational goal. Section 55525(d).

Student responsibilities

As part of the State of California Title 5 Matriculation Regulations, Section 55530 (d), all students are expected to participate in the matriculation process unless they are exempt (see "Exemption" below) or waive the right to participate (see "Waiver, appeal, and complaint procedures" below). Through the matriculation process at Diablo Valley College, students agree to the following responsibilities:  

1. Express at least a broad educational intent at the time of registration and state a specific educational goal upon completion of 12 units of course work.
2. Complete a first-semester individual educational plan with the assistance of a counselor prior to registering for classes. This is usually done in the orientation and advising class (Counseling 105) for new students.
3. Seek counseling at least once and as needed to review, update, and expand their educational plans and goals. It is particularly important for the following students to seek counseling:

1. Those students on academic or progress probation. This is generally accomplished through participation in small group probation seminars.
2. Those students enrolled in developmental courses. This is generally achieved through counselor visits to such classes during the term or can be achieved in consultation with the instructor or instructor advisor in the department.
3. Those students who have not declared an educational goal. Such students are sent a letter explaining options available in identifying and updating their educational goal.

4. Attend/complete classes: All students are expected to attend their classes regularly, complete assigned course work on time and complete their courses each semester. Students are expected to maintain regular progress towards their educational goal.

Exemption: Some students may choose to be exempted from assessment, orientation, or counseling. Typically students seeking an exemption from matriculation services meet one of the following criteria:

• earned an associate degree or higher;
• enrolled in a job-related course; see Schedule of Courses for list of specific courses which qualify;
• enrolled in a course with no prerequisite; see Schedule of Courses for a list of specific courses;
• enrolled in two units or less.

Waiver, appeal, and complaint procedures: Students who wish to request waivers or file appeals or complaints on the basis of their Title 5 Matriculation Rights must follow the sequence of the steps outlined. (Students filing other types of complaints or alleging discriminatory practices should follow the procedures listed in the Student Code of Conduct and Student Disciplinary and Due Process Procedures.)

1. Initial Review of Waiver, Appeal, or Complaint

1. The student should contact the Matriculation Office in the Assessment Center and complete an "Appeal or Request for Waiver" form or file a complaint regarding matriculation rights. The completed form should be turned in to the Assessment Center located in the Technical Education Building.
2. The Matriculation Director or designee may contact the student and schedule a meeting to discuss the problem and/or inform the student of the decision.
3. In the event that the appeal or request for waiver is not granted, the student will be advised of his/her rights to further appeal and the correct procedures to follow.

2. Appeal to The Dean of Student Services or Designee

1. If the initial appeal or request for waiver is not granted and the student does not accept this decision, the student may submit the initial form to the dean of student services for further review.
2. The dean of student services or designee will review the appeal and may meet with the student if deemed necessary.
3. The dean of student services or designee will inform the student of the decision concerning the appeal or request for waiver.

Parking policy  

All parking requires a parking decal or a daily permit, which must be displayed on the student's vehicle. Students may park only in student parking lots. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and having a permit does not guarantee that a student will find a parking space. For more information, contact police services located in the Student Services Building.

Sexual harassment policy

It is the policy of the college to provide a work and study environment free from sexual harassment. The campus community should be aware that the college will not tolerate any conduct that constitutes sexual harassment and will take measures to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations. Formal complaints may be filed with the district, using the district unlawful discrimination form.

Sexual harassment refers to sexually oriented verbal or nonverbal behavior that is not welcome, that is personally offensive, that debilitates morale, and that therefore interferes with the behavioral effectiveness of members of the campus community. Sexual harassment is discriminatory and unlawful.

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or education, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting that individual, (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's academic or professional performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment, educational, or living environment.

Accountability for compliance with this policy rests with all members of the campus community. The president's designee shall take appropriate steps to disseminate this policy, and the campus community shall be regularly informed of the policy.

Any member of the campus community who believes he or she has been sexually harassed should promptly report the facts of the incident or incidents and the name or names of the individual or individuals involved to the president's designee. All such claims will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken. Please note that sexual harassment is a violation of the law; should an individual choose to proceed through the district, substantiated complaints may result in disciplinary action.

References/authority: Title VII, Section 703; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Procedures for complaints may be obtained from the dean of student services' office.

Smoking policy

In recognizing the serious health risks associated with smoking, wishing to discourage both students and staff from becoming smokers, and recognizing the rights of non-smokers to a reasonably smoke-free environment, the following policy applies:

• Smoking will be allowed only in the main campus quad area and the parking lots.

Adherence to this policy relies on the initiative of non-smokers politely to request that smokers follow the policy and on the courtesy of smokers to follow the policy.

Student appeals for grade changes

DVC is committed to the concept of academic freedom, which guarantees to individual instructors wide latitude in how they structure and conduct their courses. Such matters as the amount of homework, the kind and frequency of testing, the nature of the grading system, the degree of class participation expected, the choice of textbooks, the theoretical perspective, and the emphasized topics are all, within very wide boundaries, at the discretion of the instructor (described in the college catalog under "Fairness of Grading").

Difficulties occasionally arise between students and faculty members about grades. Most misunderstandings are resolved amicably and the college urges students to discuss problems directly with faculty members. Because some disagreements cannot be resolved informally, however, DVC has a procedure for resolution of grade complaints that the student must initiate.

Grounds for grade changes

The most common problems are those concerning the grade assigned for course work. According to state law, a grade assigned by an instructor at the end of a term can be changed only by that instructor, except in cases of mistake, fraud, bad faith or incompetence. (A finding of bad faith should be supported by specific evidence that the instructor harbored ill-will or discriminatory intent which motivated the instructor to assign to a student a grade lower than the grade the student should have earned based on objective criteria.) This policy does not apply to challenges of deadlines for credit (CR) or no-credit (NC).

The informal steps below1, 2, 3 and 4may be undertaken at any time; however, a formal complaint must be filed in writing with the dean of instruction, or designee, no later than one year following the end of the term in which the grade was given. A formal complaint may be filed at any time with the chancellor who will refer the complainant to his designee, the DVC president. The president will designate the Complaint Review Committee to consider the complaint.

Process

If a clerical or tabulation error has been made, it can be handled through the grade correction process.

The "Fairness in Grading Policy" section (under Academic Policy) clearly explains the grading guidelines a student can expect. At the beginning of each course, instructors must give students a copy of their grading policies.

If a student believes that a faculty member has deviated from these policies in the evaluation of his/her work, he/she may pursue a complaint under the description of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetence. The student has the option of having a representative present at this and/or subsequent meetings.

1. In the event of a problem over a grade, the student should first meet with the instructor and request an explanation of the grade. If it is uncomfortable for the student to deal with an instructor alone, a person of the student's choice may accompany him/her. If the instructor agrees to a grade change he/she fills out a grade change report in accordance with grade change correction policy.
2. If the student and the instructor cannot resolve the problem, the student next consults the division chairperson, who will help mediate the issue. The mediation effort shall include a conference with the chairperson, the student and the faculty employee. The student may have a representative present. If the division chairperson is unsuccessful, he or she should prepare a written summary of the mediation efforts and forward it to the dean of instruction.
3. If the student is not satisfied with these mediation efforts, he/she may request a formal hearing before a complaint review committee, which is the president's designee. The student must submit his/her complaint in writing and should include a precise statement of the nature of the complaint (mistake, fraud, bad faith or incompetence), any facts relevant to it, and the student's perception of a fair resolution. The complaint must be filed with the dean of instruction, or designee, no later than one year following the end of the term when the grade was given.

The Complaint Review Committee will be composed of three faculty members appointed by the Faculty Senate, one of whom must be from the same division as the faculty member involved in the complaint; two students appointed by the ASDVC; and the dean of instruction, or designee, who will act as chairperson. (All six shall be voting members.) A tie vote means the complaint is not proven. The results will be referred to the president.

The student may be accompanied by a representative.

1. The committee shall meet within 30 days of receipt of a complaint. If the complaint is filed within four weeks of the end of a term, the meeting may be delayed at the option of either the student, the faculty member involved or the dean of instruction until the next term. In this event, the committee shall meet within the first four weeks of the new term. If time constraints prevent the meeting at the end of spring term, the meeting shall be held within the first 20 instructional days of the fall term. If this delay would result in hardship for the student or faculty member, they should advise the dean of instruction and may request the meeting take place at the earliest time the other party(ies) and the dean are available. In closed hearing, the committee will hear testimony by the student, the faculty member, the division chairperson who attempted mediation, and any supporting witnesses that either the student or faculty member care to introduce. The burden of proof shall rest with the complainant. Documentation may also be submitted. Summary minutes will be taken; the hearing may be tape recorded, but only with the permission of all participants.
2. Within 10 instructional days, the committee, under the direction of the dean of instruction, or designee, will meet and recommend a resolution based on a majority vote of all six members. A written recommendation will be submitted to the college president within 15 instructional days of such meeting; a minority report, if any, must be noted. Copies of the recommendations will be sent to the student, the faculty member, and all members of the committee.

If the committee does find that fraud, bad faith, or incompetence led to a grading error, the rationale for the decision must be stated in the recommendations, and the committee must recommend a replacement grade to the president.

3. The president will review the committee's recommendations then notify the student, the faculty members, the members of the committee, the Faculty Senate president and the dean of instruction or designee, of the college president's decision within ten instructional days of its receipt.

4. If the complaint is denied, the student will be notified of his or her right to appeal the decision to the Contra Costa Community College District governing board within 30 calendar days of notification of the decision. If the complaint is upheld, the faculty member will be notified of his/her right to appeal the decision to the Contra Costa Community College District governing board, or designee, within 30 instructional days of notification of the decision. If an instructor fails to appeal a decision of the president sustaining the student's complaint within 30 instructional days, the president shall order the grade in question to be expunged from the student's records and enter in its place the grade deemed appropriate by the Complaint Review Committee.

If the decision of the president is appealed and the governing board or designee sustains the student's complaint, the president shall order the grade in question to be expunged from the student's records and the grade deemed appropriate by the Complaint Review Committee entered in its place.

5. The decision of the governing board or designee is final.

All records of such hearings at any level shall be destroyed at the end of one year, unless the student initiates legal proceedings relative to the disputed grade within one year.

If the decision of the governing board or designee is unfavorable to the student, or if the student accepts an unfavorable decision of the Complaint Review Committee, the student shall have the right to submit a written statement of objections to the grade, which shall become a part of the student's records.

Steps for resolution of grade complaints:

1. Meet with instructor for an explanation. If unresolved, then
2. Request division chairperson mediation. If unresolved, then
3. Request formal hearing with Complaint Review Committee by submitting a formal written complaint to the dean of instruction.

1. Hearing with committee
2. Committee recommendation to college president
3. President's review and decision.

4. Student and faculty member have appeal rights.
5. Final decision.

Student grievance policy (noninstructional)

The Diablo Valley College staff is dedicated to serving particular educational needs which can be appropriately met by a college functioning in accordance with the broad purposes and regulations set forth in the education code of California. Accordingly, any student who believes there has been a violation of the regulations as stated in Title IX of the Education Act of 1972 may initiate a grievance (see "Equal Opportunity Policy and Grievance Procedures"). For further information, contact the dean of student services office.

Student privacy rights

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (Section 438, Public Law 93-380) is designed to protect students from having their records released to persons or institutions who have not been given the student's written consent, and to allow students to review their own official education records to make sure that no misleading, inaccurate, or otherwise inappropriate information has been included in their file.

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), post-secondary educational institutions are not required to provide parents access to the educational records of their children regardless of the student's age since all rights have been transferred to the student by statute.

If the student does find inappropriate information, he or she can ask for a hearing to challenge the content of the records. These rights extend to both current and former students:

1. Definition: Education records generally include documents and information related to admissions, enrollment in courses, grades, and related academic information.
2. Designated officer: The director of admissions (registrar), located in the Business Education Building, is the designated "records officer," as required by the act.
3. Review procedures: File a request form with the records officer. Within five working days the education records will be made available for inspection. The records may be reviewed during working hours only.
4. Directory information: The privacy act does not require the student's written consent for the release of "directory information." However, students may give written notice to the records officer (forms are available in the Admissions Office) that they do not want such information to be released without their consent. Directory information includes (1) the student's name, (2) major field of study, (3) dates of attendance, (4) degrees and honors received, (5) name of the most recent educational institution attended, and (6) participation in intercollegiate athletics and the name, weight, and height of the participants on the teams.
5. Copy of the policy: The College Policy, Section 438 (P.L. 93-380), and other pertinent information are available in the Admissions Office, in the Business Education Building, during normal working hours.

Student right-to-know and campus security act

It is the policy of the district to comply with the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act (Public Law 101-542) signed into law November 8, 1990.

The district shall make available the completion or graduation rates of certificate or degree seeking, full-time students entering either of the colleges, to current students, and to each prospective student upon request prior to that student's enrolling or entering into any financial obligation, beginning July 1, 1993, and annually thereafter.

Each college shall have a written set of procedures to implement the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act, beginning September 1, 1992.

Student code of conduct and student disciplinary and due process procedures

The process described in the following sections deals with district-wide policies regarding student conduct. The procedures are spelled out here exactly as they were when they were formally approved. Legalistic language is used so we can explicitly define what the district expects from each student in terms of conduct, and what each student may expect from the district if that student breaks the code of conduct. The code of conduct lists the activities for which a student may be disciplined.

The primary purpose of this policy is to provide notice to all students of the type of conduct that is expected of each student and to set forth procedures that are fair and timely, both to the students charged and to the college, under which it may be determined whether violations of conduct have occurred and whether the sanctions imposed are appropriate.

1. General provisions

1. Application of Policy - This policy is applicable to actions taken against a student based on that student's failure or refusal to abide by the code of conduct which is a part of this procedure.
2. Confidentiality - Unless the student and the college determine otherwise, proceedings under this procedure shall be confidential and all hearings held hereunder shall be closed to everyone other than the person(s) conducting the hearing, the student charged, the college representative, a single on-campus advisor for the student grievant, a witness while presenting evidence, and a person designated to record or otherwise make a record of the proceedings. The final decision will be available upon written request to the staff person who was the object of the alleged violation.
3. Delegation - Whenever a power or a duty is granted to an employee or officer by this procedure, that power or duty may be exercised or performed by another officer or employee who is authorized to do so by delegation.
4. Mail - Whenever this procedure calls for or permits notice or other communication to be delivered by mail, the mailing of such communication by certified mail, postage paid and addressed to the last known address of the student, shall be deemed a sufficient compliance with the provision and it shall be presumed to have been received. The student's failure or refusal to sign a receipt of the communication shall not cause a notice to be defective.
5. School Days - Defined as those days when classes are offered and as they apply to a particular staff person, refers to class days when that employee is on assignment under his/her contractual obligation.  
6. Presumption of Innocence - The student charged shall be regarded as innocent of all charges until the contrary is established by a preponderance of the evidence.  
7. Relationship of Disciplinary Action to other Administrative or Criminal Proceedings - Action under this procedure shall go forward regardless of possible or pending other administrative, civil or criminal proceedings arising out of the same or other events.
8. Reprimands and Sanctions - Reprimands and sanctions available in order of severity are as follows:

1. Reprimands:

1. Oral reprimand or warning (a reprimand or warning is not a sanction)
2. Written reprimand

2. Sanctions:

1. Disciplinary probation - described as a period of notice that would lead to more severe disciplinary action should the code of conduct be violated a second time.
2. Short-term suspension - five (5) school days or less.
3. Long-term suspension - six (6) school days up to two years.
4. Expulsion.

3. The greater includes the lesser - Any time a sanction is specifically provided for herein, the college official authorized to impose such sanction may impose a lesser sanction.
4. Sanctions not exclusive - A student who has been suspended from a class by a teacher may also be given a suspension from the college or even expelled for the same action, if such additional sanction is found to be appropriate to the conduct of the student. (See section D,1.)

9. Technical Departures from this Policy - Technical departures from this policy and errors in their application shall not be grounds to void the college's right to take disciplinary action against a student unless, in the opinion of the president, the technical departure or error prevented a fair determination of the issue.
10. Extension of Timeline - Calendar restraints may be extended with the agreement of both parties.
11. Failure of Student to Participate - Disciplinary procedures under this policy may proceed or continue, notwithstanding the failure or refusal of a student to respond, attend, or otherwise participate after having been properly notified of the proceeding by oral or written communication.
12. College Community - College community is defined as any student, faculty, staff, authorized guest, children enrolled in the Diablo Valley College Developmental Children's Center or any other person participating with the college in an authorized capacity.  
13. Meeting Room - To be determined by the committee and availability.  
14. Appeal Process - The person who was the object of the student's alleged violation of the student code of conduct has the right to appeal the decision in writing (see section E, "Appealable Disciplinary Actions"). Those decisions made by the dean would be appealed to a student disciplinary committee. Those decisions made by the student disciplinary committee would be appealed to the president.

2. Code of conduct

Following procedures set out herein a student may be disciplined for one or more of the following causes, which must be district related:

1. Cheating or plagiarism in connection with an academic program at a college;
2. Forgery, alteration or misuse of college documents, records, or identification, or knowingly furnishing false information to a college;
3. Misrepresentation of oneself or of an organization to be an agent of the college;
4. Obstruction or disruption, on or off college property, of the college's educational process, administrative process, or other college function;
5. Verbal harassment, physical abuse or hazing on or off college property of the person or property of any member of the college community or members of his or her family or the threat of any such physical abuse;
6. Theft of or non-accidental damage to college property, or property in the possession, or owned by, a member of the college community;
7. Violation of college policies or regulations including those concerning the formation and registration of student organizations, the use of college facilities or the time, place, and manner of public expression;
8. Unauthorized entry into, unauthorized use of, or misuse of college property;
9. Failure to comply with direction of the college officials acting in the performance of their duties;
10. On college property, the sale or knowing possession of dangerous drugs, restricted drugs, or narcotics, as those terms are used in California statutes, or the sale or knowing possession of alcoholic beverages, except when alcohol, drugs, or narcotics are lawfully prescribed pursuant to medical or dental care, or when lawfully permitted for the use of research, instruction or analysis;
11. Knowing possession or use of explosives, dangerous chemicals, or deadly weapons on college property or at a college function without prior authorization of the college president;  
12. Engaging in lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior on college property, or at a college function;  
13. Rape, date-rape, sexual assault, or threat of, upon a student or member of the college community on college/district property, or at a college or district function;  
14. Violation of any order of a college president, notice of which has been given prior to such violation, and which order is not inconsistent with any of the other provisions of this policy. This notice may be given by publication in the college newspaper, by a paid legal notice, or by posting on an official bulletin board designated for this purpose;  
15. Soliciting or assisting another to do any act which would subject a student to expulsion, suspension, probation, or other discipline pursuant to this policy;  
16. Any other cause identified as good cause by Education Code Section 76033, not identified above; or California Administrative Code Section 41301; or any applicable Penal Code Sections, or other applicable local, state or federal laws;
17. Attempting to do any of the causes for disciplinary action identified above.

3. Nonappealable disciplinary actions

Short-term suspension is defined as a period of suspension of five (5) school days or less. Short-term suspension and lesser sanctions are not appealable.

The dean of student services has the right to remove the privilege to remain on campus throughout the proceeding to the due process procedures in the circumstance where the individual is considered a threat to the health, safety, or well- being of the campus.

1. Short-term suspension by a college instructor (Ed. Code Section 76032)

1. Right to suspend from class - Following procedures set out below, any college instructor, for good cause as set forth in the Code of Conduct, may suspend any student from his or her class for:

1. The date of the suspension.
2. The date of suspension and the next class day.

2. Procedures before suspension

1. Notice - the instructor should notify the student of the instructor's consideration of suspension from class which will include notice of the reasons for the proposed suspension. (Notice may consist of oral notice or written notice.)
2. Opportunity for review - the instructor should permit the student an opportunity to present a rebuttal to the accusation or otherwise offer relevant comment on the proposed suspension. There need be no delay between the time notice is given to the student and the time of such a review.
3. Decision - after hearing the student's explanation and considering all information relative to the issue, the instructor shall then decide whether or not to proceed with the proposed suspension. The instructor's decision may be given to the student either orally or in writing. The instructor's decision is final and may not be appealed under this policy.

3. Procedures after suspension - Immediately following the suspension the instructor must notify the dean of student services of the suspension. The instructor may request that the student meet with the dean of student services prior to returning to class. If this request is made by the instructor, the student will not be permitted to return to class until such a meeting with the dean of students has occurred.

2. Short-term suspension by the college. (Ed. Code Section 76031(a) or lesser sanctions imposed by the dean of student services)

1. Right to impose short-term suspension from the college or lesser sanctions.

Following the procedure set out below, the dean of students, for good cause as set out in the Code of Conduct, may suspend any student from the college for a period of time not to exceed five (5) school days, place such student on disciplinary probation for a term not to exceed two (2) semesters, or impose lesser sanctions as defined in these procedures. If the events upon which such a suspension is based are the same events that led an instructor to suspend the student from class, the length of the total suspension shall not exceed five (5) school days.

2. Procedures before short-term suspension or lesser sanctions.

1. Notice - Before imposing discipline as authorized by this procedure, the dean of students should first give or make reasonable efforts to give the student an oral or written notice of the reason for the proposed disciplinary action.
2. Opportunity for review - Within a reasonable period of time following delivery to the student of the notice referred to above, the dean of student services shall give or make reasonable efforts to give the student opportunity to present a rebuttal to the accusation or otherwise offer relevant comment on the proposed disciplinary action. There need be no delay between the time notice is given to the student and the time of such review.
3. Decision - After hearing the student's explanation and considering all information relative to the issue, the dean of student services shall then decide whether or not to proceed with the proposed disciplinary action. The decision of the dean of student services is final and may not be appealed under this policy.