Policies, Procedures, and Standards

Disclaimer

College Policies and Procedures outlined in the Catalog were accurate at the time of publication. Changes do occur from time to time. The most up-to-date Board Policies and Administrative Procedures are published in the college website at www.deltacollege.edu/shared-governance/policies-procedures.

Campus Security

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is the landmark federal law, originally known as the Campus Security Act, which requires colleges and universities across the United States to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Because the law is tied to participation in federal student financial aid programs it applies to most institutions of higher education both public and private. It is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education.

The “Clery Act” is named in memory of 19-year-old Lehigh University freshman Jeanne Ann Clery who was raped and murdered while asleep in her residence hall room on April 5, 1986. Jeanne’s parents, Connie and Howard, discovered that students hadn’t been told about 38 violent crimes on the Lehigh campus in the three years before her murder. They joined with other campus crime victims and persuaded Congress to enact this law, which was originally known as the “Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990.”

The law was amended in 1992 to add a requirement that schools afford the victims of campus sexual assault certain basic rights, and was amended again in 1998 to expand the reporting requirements. The 1998 amendments also formally named the law in memory of Jeanne Clery. The law was most recently amended in 2000 to require schools beginning in 2003 to notify the campus community about where public “Megan’s Law” information about registered sex offenders on campus could be obtained.

To view this information, visit the San Joaquin Delta College District Police Department website at www.deltacollege.edu/department/district-police-department or call (209) 954-5000.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by someone from or in the work or educational setting, under any of the following conditions:

• submission to the conduct is made a term or condition of an individual’s employment, academic status, or progress;
• submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as a basis of employment or academic decisions affecting the individual;
• the conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or educational environment; or
• submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the community college.

For the purpose of further clarification, sexual harassment includes many forms of offensive behavior and includes gender based harassment of a person of the same sex as the harasser. The following is a partial list:

1. Making unsolicited written, verbal, physical, and/or visual contacts with sexual overtones. (Examples of possible sexual harassment that appear in a written form include, but are not limited to: suggestive or obscene letters, notes, and invitations.) (Examples of possible verbal sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: leering, gestures, display of sexually aggressive objects or pictures, cartoons, or posters.)
2. Continuing to express sexual interest after being informed that the interest is unwelcome.
3. Making reprisals, threats of reprisal, or implied threats of reprisal following a rebuff of harassing behavior. The following are examples of conduct in an academic environment that might be found to be sexual harassment: implying or actually withholding grades earned or deserved; suggesting a poor performance evaluation will be prepared; or suggesting a scholarship recommendation or college application will be denied.
4. Engaging in explicit or implicit coercive sexual behavior within the work environment which is used to control, influence, or affect the employee’s career, salary, and/or work environment.
5. Engaging in explicit or implicit coercive sexual behavior within the educational environment that is used to control, influence, or affect the educational opportunities, grades and/or learning environment of a student.
6. Offering favors or educational or employment benefits, such as grades or promotions, favorable performance evaluations, favorable assignments, favorable duties or shifts, recommendations, reclassifications, etc., in exchange for sexual favors.

(AP 3430, 12/7/09, 3/10/16, and AP 3435, 9/13/11, 5/21/13, 3/10/16)

Complaint Procedures

Any individual who believes that he or she has been sexually harassed and wishes to file a complaint or has questions about the College’s harassment policy should contact the Office of Human Resources and Employee Relations at (209) 954-5056. Every effort will be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained and that due process is followed with respect to both parties. If evidence indicates that a complainant intentionally made false allegations, or made them maliciously, or that vexatious or otherwise unwarranted use of the complaint procedures took place, the District shall take appropriate disciplinary action. Procedures for filing a complaint of sexual harassment are described in Administrative Procedure 3430 and 3435. Copies of this procedure, any necessary forms, and the policy may be obtained from the Student Advocate or the Office of Human Resources. (BP 3430, 5/17/2016, AP 3430, 3/10/16, AP 3435, 9/13/11, and AP 3435.1, 12/7/09)

Sexual Harassment Policy

All forms of harassment are contrary to basic standards of conduct between individuals and are prohibited by state and federal law, as well as this policy, and will not be tolerated. The District is committed to providing an academic and work environment that respects the dignity of individuals and groups. The District shall be free of sexual harassment and all forms of sexual intimidation and exploitation. It shall also be free of other unlawful harassment, including that which is based on any of the following statuses: national origin, religion, age, sex (gender), race, color, medical condition, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, or because he or she is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics.

The District seeks to foster an environment in which all employees and students feel free to report incidents of harassment without fear of retaliation or reprisal. Therefore, the District also strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual for filing a complaint of harassment or for participating in a harassment investigation. Such conduct is illegal and constitutes a violation of this policy.

All allegations of retaliation will be swiftly and thoroughly investigated. If the district determines that retaliation has occurred, it will take all reasonable steps within its power to stop such conduct. Individuals who engage in retaliatory conduct are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination or expulsion. Any student or employee who believes that he or she has been harassed or retaliated against in violation of this policy should immediately report such incidents as prescribed in the District’s Administrative Procedures (See AP 3435, Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedure and Investigative Process).

Supervisors are mandated to report all incidents of harassment and retaliation that come to their attention. This policy applies to all aspects of the academic environment, including but not limited to classroom conditions, grades, academic standing, employment opportunities, scholarships, recommendations, disciplinary actions, and participation in any community college activity. In addition, this policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, disciplinary action, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, training opportunities and compensation. (BP 3430 6/21/05, 05/17/16)

Drug-Free Campus

The District shall be free from all drugs and from the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in all facilities under the control and use of the District.

Any student or employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action (consistent with local, state, or federal law), which may include referral to an appropriate rehabilitation program, suspension, demotion, expulsion or dismissal.

The Superintendent/President shall assure that the District distributes annually to each student and employee the information required by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and complies with other requirements of the Act. (BP 3550, 9/8/09)

Fingerprinting Clearances

All prospective employees, volunteers, and student lab aides working at the Child Development Center (CDC) are required to have Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Child Abuse Index clearances. In the event a student enrolled in a class requiring CDC lab hours does not receive Child Abuse Index clearance, the student shall be dropped from the class requiring the lab hours or assigned activities in the CDC unless other arrangements equivalent to the course requirements can be made with the faculty member in charge of the class. (AP 7337, 1/17/13)

Fire Alarms

During an audible fire alarm activation or when ordered to leave by the police, emergency personnel, or college staff, please take the following actions:

1. ALWAYS EVACUATE A BUILDING IF THE FIRE ALARM IS SOUNDING
2. Inform others in the building who may not have responded to the alarm to leave immediately.
3. The alarm may not sound continuously. If the alarm stops, continue to evacuate the building and warn others who may attempt to enter the building.
4. If time permits, turn off computers, unplug electrical equipment, take your purse or wallet, and close windows and doors before leaving.
5. If you have a mobility impairment, request assistance from those nearest you. If no one is there to render assistance, proceed to the nearest stairway landing, and shout for help. Consultation about these procedures is available from the Police Department.
6. When fire alarms sound, do not use the elevators. An elevator may become a trap. Assist (help carry, if necessary) all disabled persons in using the stairs.
7. If there is a closed door in your exit path, touch the door lightly with the back of your hand to ensure it is not warm. If it is not warm, open slowly. Be prepared to close the door quickly if smoke or flames are present.
8. If there is smoke in your only exit path, crawl on hands and knees, keeping your head as close to the ground as possible to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
9. Relocate to a nearby parking lot and keep the pathways and roadways clear for responding emergency personnel.
10. Do not return to the building until told to do so by the Police Department or emergency personnel.

Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy

The Board of Trustees of San Joaquin Delta Community College District is committed to equal opportunity in education programs, employment, and all access to institutional programs and activities.

The District and each individual who represents the District shall provide access to its services, classes and programs and shall make all decisions regarding educational opportunities, recruitment, hiring, dismissal, compensation, promotions, and all other terms and conditions of employment without regard to national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race or ethnicity, color, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, military and veteran status, or any other legally protected class, or because he or she is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

The Superintendent/President shall establish administrative procedures that ensure all members of the college community can present complaints regarding alleged violations of this policy and have their complaints heard in accordance with the Title 5 regulations (See AP 3435 and 3435.1) and those of other agencies that administer state and federal laws regarding nondiscrimination.

The District is to conduct training programs on cultural awareness and equal employment opportunity, disability awareness, and gender equity for managers, faculty, and staff. Staff involved in employment selection procedures are to be oriented by the Director of Human Resources as to the Board’s Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The District also assures that the working conditions of all employees will include freedom from discrimination or harassment, and that each employee will have equal access to promotional, transfer, and training/development opportunities. The Chief Human Resources Officer will monitor District policies and practices for evidence of discrimination or harassment. The District will take whatever steps are needed to prevent discriminatory conditions from occurring.

Reasonable accommodation will be made by the District to enable applicants with disabilities to apply for jobs and to assist employees with disabilities in performing their work and in achieving promotion.

No District funds shall ever be used for membership, or for any participation involving financial payment or contribution on behalf of the District or any individual employed by or associated with it, to any private organization whose membership practices are discriminatory on the basis of national origin, religion, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race or ethnicity, color, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, military and veteran status, or any other legally protected class, or because he or she is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

(BP/AP 3410 and BP/AP 3430 - 5/17/16, 3/10/16)

Principles of Community

San Joaquin Delta Community College District is committed to providing the campus community with a safe and collegial environment in which fear, intimidation and bullying are not tolerated. All employees, students, and volunteers are expected to treat each other with respect, dignity and civility, recognizing that disagreement and informed debate are valued in an academic community. Treating others with civility and respect and refusing to perpetuate or tolerate bullying behavior are expected standards for district employees, volunteers and students as well as vendors, independent contractors and visitors to the College.

In accordance with this aim, the District will not tolerate behavior which insults, degrades, intimidates, threatens or stereotypes any individual, race, gender, disability, physical characteristic, ethnic group, sexual preference, age, national origin, income level, or religion.

The spirit of the principles of community policy will be applied to all District employees, students, and volunteers. Conduct by employees or students that violate this policy may be addressed in accordance with appropriate disciplinary procedures. (BP 3440, 5/20/14)

Smoking Policy

Smoking and the use or sale of tobacco products are prohibited on all District property. Smoking is also prohibited in all District owned and leased vehicles.

To enforce smoking and tobacco control regulations and procedures, the Superintendent/President is authorized to:

• Set enforcement standards for all District facilities and campuses.
• Impose a fine for first, second, third, and subsequent violations. The amount of the fines as outlined in Administrative Procedure 3570 (AP 3750) shall be approved by the Board of Trustees and cannot exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00). Funds shall be allocated to include, but not limited to, the designated enforcement agency, education and promotion of the policy, and tobacco cessation treatment options.
• Direct that the District post signage stating its tobacco use policy on campus Inform employees and students of the tobacco use policy and enforcement measures.

(AP 3570 Smoking on Campus; BP/AP 3570, 10/20/09, 12/17/13 )

Course Audit

It is the policy of San Joaquin Delta College that students be permitted to audit courses only in order to address specific or unusual educational circumstances. Information regarding course audit may be obtained in the Office of Admissions and Records. (Policy 5201, 1/20/98, 10/19/99)

Course Repetition

Substandard Grade

1. Any course in which a grade of “D” or “F” has been received may be repeated once in order to attempt to raise the grade and grade points. The better grade and grade points earned will be counted in computing the grade point average as if it were another new course. Units attempted, grade, and grade points of the substandard grade will be removed from the totals for the semester in which it was earned, but the course will remain listed on the student’s permanent record with the appropriate notations. In no case will duplicate units be allowed toward graduation. A course must be repeated before the next advanced course to which it is a prerequisite is attempted.
2. Any course in which a student has received a grade of “No Credit” or “No Pass” may be repeated once in order to attempt to raise the grade to “Credit” or “Pass” (or to a letter grade of “A, B, C, D, or F,” provided the course permits this option). If the student receives the “Credit” or “Pass” grade, units will be awarded. If the student receives a letter grade of “A, B, C, or D,” units and grade points will be awarded.
3. The limitations above notwithstanding, a student may petition Director of Admissions and Records for permission to repeat a course more than once to address a substandard grade with the following limitations:
4. Student is allowed no more than three enrollments that result in grading symbols of “D,” “F,” “NC,” “NP,” and “W.”
5. Students who are allowed to enroll for the third time are not allowed to drop the class on or after the census date-they are required to receive a grade.
6. Students must request permission from the instructor to add the course once classes have begun.
7. Student must provide the instructor with a copy of the petition to repeat the approved class.
8. Student is allowed to enroll only after all other credit-seeking students have been added to the class.
9. Students are required to seek support services such as tutoring, counseling, etc., as determined by the College Counselor.
10. Students, who have exceeded the number of repetitions allowed under this procedure and wish to repeat a class, shall not be allowed to re-enroll in the course at Delta College.
11. The District will not collect apportionment for enrollment in a class after a total of three repetitions resulting in “W”s, grades, or other non-evaluative symbols.

Significant Lapse of Time

A student may petition the Director of Admissions and Records for permission to repeat a course when another institution of higher education to which the student seeks transfer has established a recency requirement which the student will not be able to satisfy without repeating the class.

1. If the Director of Admissions and Records determines that a student needs to repeat an active participatory experience course, as defined in Title 5 Section 55000, in physical education, or visual or performing arts, or an active participatory course that is related in content due to significant lapse of time, that repetition shall be counted in applying the limit set forth in Title 5 Section 55000 (c) except that, if the student has already exhausted the number of repetitions permitted under subdivision (c), and additional repetition due to significant lapse of time may be permitted or required by the District.
2. When a course is repeated pursuant to a significant lapse of time, the previous grade and credit in computing the student’s grade point average will be disregarded. (BP/AP 4220.1, 8/13/02, 5/22/12, 10/24/13, 12/17/13 )

Course Substitution

Course substitution for associate degrees for transfer is limited to students transferring from another accredited institution that has an aligned degree in the same discipline. In this circumstance, the student may petition to use courses taken at the sending institution to satisfy the District’s degree requirements. A course that does not appear on the District list, but satisfies the same aligned degree at the sending institution may be substituted. (AP 4042, 2/14/12)

Credit by Examination (CBE)

The purpose of credit by examination is to recognize a student’s experience(s) and knowledge base for which credit or advanced standing has not been previously granted. Credit may be earned by a student who satisfactorily passes authorized examinations.

1. Credit may be granted to any student who satisfactorily passes an examination approved and conducted by appropriate authorities of the College.
2. CBE may be granted only for a course listed in the current College Catalog. Each division shall maintain a list of courses which may be challenged for CBE.
3. The student’s academic record shall be clearly annotated to reflect that credit was earned by examination.
4. CBE courses must be awarded a letter grade (A, B, C, D, or F), except for courses that are offered only as a credit/no credit grading option.
5. Units for which credit is given by examination shall not be counted in determining residency required for the associate degree or certificate.
6. A student may not receive credit for a CBE if the student has already completed a more advanced course in the same subject matter.
7. CBE may not be considered part of the student’s program for enrollment verification purposes.
8. A student may not earn more than 12 semester units of academic credit by examination.
9. CBE is not offered during the summer intersession.

The student will initiate a petition no later than the fourth week of the semester to challenge for CBE. The Office of Admissions and Records will verify that the student meets the eligibility criteria. The student must provide written evidence, i.e., transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc., that substantiates the knowledge base or experience that the student has which warrants approving the petition to challenge the course. The student will consult with a Counselor to determine if CBE will assist the student in meeting educational goals. (AP 4235, 5/10/05)

Credit for Advanced Placement Examinations

1. San Joaquin Delta College will recognize advanced placement validated by Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations.
2. Results from an AP examination and an application for credit must be submitted to the Registrar before credit is awarded.
3. Academic Credit may be awarded to satisfy completion of general education areas based on attainment of required scores. In some cases attainment of required scores may be used to meet specific course requirements and/or prerequisites for courses offered by San Joaquin Delta College, subject to the restrictions outlined below. The listing of course equivalencies will be established by the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President in conjunction with the appropriate faculty discipline group, Curriculum Committee, and Academic Senate. A listing of course equivalencies will be published annually which identifies the AP Examination, Required Score, SJDC Equivalent Course, Units Awarded, SJDC General Education Area, CSU General Education Area, and IGETC General Education Area.
   1. AP examinations in which a minimum score of three (3) or higher has been achieved are eligible for advanced placement course credit.
   2. AP examination credit may not be used to meet specific course requirements or prerequisites within a student’s major. Students requesting AP credit to meet specific course requirements or prerequisites within their selected major must submit a petition to the Director of Admissions and Records that is approved by a College Counselor.

College counselors will make the student aware of transfer issues that may occur as a. (AP 4235.1, 5/11/11).

Credit for Military Experience

To request an evaluation of military experience, a copy of the veteran’s separation document (DD-214) and copies of any other certificates documenting special service schools must be filed with the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Services. Credit granted for schools is based upon recommendations of the American Council on Education in the Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experiences in the Armed Services. In order to qualify for evaluation the school must have been given on a formal, full-time basis (not a correspondence course, with the exception of certain high-level, non-resident courses). To be granted credit for work completed at another institution, the student should request that official copies of all prior college transcripts be mailed to the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Services at San Joaquin Delta College. Students may receive a maximum of 20.0 elective units.

Distance Education

Definition of Distance Education

Distance Education: Instruction in which the instructor and student are separated by distance and interact through the assistance of communication technology.

1. Online Courses: The predominant means of distance education delivery. Students are not required to physically visit the campus.
2. Hybrid Courses: Instruction in which the required number of instructional hours are divided between online coursework and mandated on-ground instructional activities. Students are required to physically visit the campus.
3. For clarification, web-enhanced courses are face-to-face courses that require the student to access the internet and/or a learning management system as part of the coursework, but online activities do not replace scheduled classroom seat time. Therefore, web-enhanced courses do not constitute distance education.

Course Quality

1. All courses to be taught utilizing distance education shall contain the same content, rigor, and course quality as traditional courses as outlined in the policies for the SJDC Curriculum Committee curriculum approval process. As such, all distance education is subject to the general requirements of AP 4020, Curriculum Development Process (Credit, Noncredit, and Not-for-Credit), et al, and must be offered in compliance with the District’s Distance Education Plan (DE Plan).
2. As distinct from correspondence courses, all distance education courses are required to maintain regular effective substantive contact between the professor and students, in accordance with Title V. Regular effective substantive contact is defined as professor-initiated interaction and responsive interaction by the professor to students.
3. Documentation of distance education specifications will be reviewed whenever the course comes up for regular curricular review. The Distance Education Committee Chair and designees will participate in the curricular review of distance education courses.

District Responsibilities

In order to assure that distance education is characterized by the same quality, integrity, effectiveness, and concern for student learning that apply to more traditional modes of instruction, the District shall integrate distance education into the normal program review process in all areas of the College with a focus of maintaining services to students in distance education courses, including, but not limited to:

1. Library and Learning Resources
2. College Support Services for Students
3. Facilities and Finances

Federal Accessibility Guidelines

Whether students with disabilities are enrolled in them or not, the College shall abide by federal accessibility guidelines in accordance with Government Code Section 508 and the Americans with Disabilities Act for all distance education courses.

Distance Education Faculty Training

Regardless of the Learning Management System (LMS) used, distance education faculty must successfully complete approve training for online instructors through the Professional Development Center before teaching online. Approved, training will include best practices in regular contact, accessibility, and effective online course design and other aspects.

Verification of Student Identity

1. In accordance with Title 34 CFR § 602.17, the District requires verification of the identity of a student who participates in class or coursework by using the following methods:
   1. A secure login and pass code;
   2. Proctored examinations; or
   3. New or other technologies and practices that are effective in verifying student identity; and,
   4. Authentication that the online student who registers is the same as the participant
2. Makes clear in writing that the District uses processes that protect student privacy and notifies students of any projected additional charges associated with the verification of student identity at the time of registration, enrollment, or the Catalog.

Learning Management System (LMS)

The primary LMS used by the District cannot be changed without consulting the Distance Education Committee.

The primary LMS adopted by the District must be used as the initial access point (student portal) for all distance education courses and programs. This does not preclude the use of other LMSs so long as access by authorized administrative personnel is made available.

Measuring the Last Date of Attendance in Distance course

Effective July 2011, the U.S. Department of Education has defined “Last Date of Attendance” as an academically-related activity that is documented. Title 34 CFR § 668.22(c)(3)(i).

For distance education courses, an “academically-related activity” includes but is not limited to: a quiz, test or assignment submission, meaningful participation in an online discussion, and student initiation of contact with the instructor to ask a course-related question via email or chat. Title 34 C.F.R. § 668.22(c)(3)(ii) The Last Date of Attendance is not defined as the last date of course log in, and is not the same as the drop date.

For the purposes of the procedure, information on the matter can be found in the current Distance Education Plan. (BP/AP 4115 5/20/14, 3/6/14; Renumbered 5/16) (BP/AP 4110 2/12/15)

Final Examinations

Instructors shall administer a final examination for each class. Exemptions to this policy may be authorized only by the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction. The final examinations should be appropriate to the nature of the course as indicated in the course information sheet on file with the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President for Instruction.

Finals shall be given in accordance with the adopted academic calendar distributed by the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction. (BP 4200, 12/1/09)

Prerequisites

Prerequisites, co-requisites, advisories, and limitations are necessary to ensure that students succeed in their coursework and have access to the courses they require. It is important to have prerequisites in place where they are a vital factor in maintaining academic standards. It is also necessary to ensure that prerequisites, co-requisites, advisories, and limitations do not constitute unjustifiable obstacles to student access and success. Therefore, to foster the appropriate balance between these two concerns, the Education Code requires that prerequisites, co-requisites, advisories, and limitations be established based solely on content review or content review with statistical validation.

Information in the College Catalog, Schedule of Classes, and Student Handbook

The District shall provide the following explanations in the College Catalog, Schedule of Classes, and Student Handbook:

1. Definitions of prerequisites, co-requisites, and limitations on enrollment including the differences among them and the specific prerequisites, co-requisites, and limitations on enrollment that have been established.
2. Procedures for a student to challenge prerequisites, co-requisites, and limitations on enrollment and circumstances under which a student is encouraged to make such a challenge. The information about challenges must include, at a minimum, the specific process including any deadlines, the various types of challenge that are established in law, and any additional types of challenge permitted by the District.
3. Definitions of advisories on recommended preparation, the right of a student to choose to take a course without meeting the advisory, and circumstances under which a student is encouraged to exercise that right.
4. Definitions of contract course, co-requisite, noncredit basic skills course, non-degree-applicable basic skills courses, prerequisite and satisfactory grade.

Challenge Process

1. Any student who does not meet a prerequisite or co-requisite or who is not permitted to enroll due to a limitation on enrollment but who provides satisfactory evidence may seek entry into the course as follows:
   1. If space is available in a course when a student files a challenge to the prerequisite or co-requisite, the District shall reserve a seat for the student and resolve the challenge within five (5) working days. If the challenge is upheld or the District fails to resolve the challenge within the five (5) working-day period, the student shall be allowed to enroll in the course.
   2. If no space is available in the course when a challenge is filed, the challenge shall be resolved prior to the beginning of registration for the next term and, if the challenge is upheld, the student shall be permitted to enroll if space is available when the students registers for that subsequent term.
   3. The determination of whether a student meets a prerequisite shall be made prior to his or her enrollment in the course requiring the prerequisite, provided, however, that enrollment may be permitted pending verification that the student has met the prerequisite or corequisite. If the verification shows that the student has failed to meet the prerequisite, the student may be involuntarily dropped from the course. If the student is dropped, the applicable enrollment fees shall be promptly refunded.
   4. The determination of whether a student meets a prerequisite shall be based on successful completion of an appropriate course or on an assessment using multiple measures, as required by section Title 5 Section 55521(a)(3). Any assessment instrument shall be selected and used in accordance with the provisions of subchapter 6 (commencing with Title 5 Section 55500).
   5. No exit test may be required to satisfy a prerequisite or co-requisite unless it is incorporated into the grading for the prerequisite or co-requisite course.
2. Grounds for challenge shall include the following:
   1. Those grounds for challenge specified in Title 5 Section 55201(f).
   2. The student seeks to enroll and has not been allowed to enroll due to a limitation on enrollment established for a course that involves intercollegiate competition or public performance, or one or more of the courses for which enrollment has been limited to a cohort of students. The student shall be allowed to enroll in such a course if otherwise he or she would be delayed by a semester or more in attaining the degree or certificate specified in his or her educational plan.
   3. The student seeks to enroll in a course that has a prerequisite established to protect health and safety, and the student demonstrates that he/she does not pose a threat to himself/herself or others.
   4. The student has the obligation to provide satisfactory evidence that the challenge should be upheld. However, where facts essential to a determination of whether the student’s challenge should be upheld are or ought to be in the District’s own records, then the District’s has the obligation to produce that information.

Curriculum Review Process

The curriculum review process shall at a minimum be in accordance with all of the following:

1. Establish a Curriculum Committee and its membership in a manner that is mutually agreeable to the college administration and the academic senate.
2. Establish prerequisites, co-requisites, and advisories on recommended preparation (advisories) only upon the recommendation of the academic senate except that the academic senate may delegate this task to the Curriculum Committee without forfeiting its rights or responsibilities under Title 5 Sections 53200-53204 and within the limits set forth in Title 5 Section 55003. Certain limitations on enrollment must be established in the same manner.
3. Establish prerequisites, co-requisites, advisories on recommended preparation, and limitations on enrollment only if:
   1. The faculty in the discipline or, if the college has no faculty member in the discipline, the faculty in the department do all of the following:
      1. Approve the course; and,
      2. As a separate action, approve any prerequisite or co-requisite, only if:
         The prerequisite or co-requisite is an appropriate and rational measure of a student’s readiness to enter the course or program as demonstrated by a content review including, at a minimum, all of the following:
         1. involvement of faculty with appropriate expertise;
         2. consideration of course objectives set by relevant department(s). The curriculum review process should be done in a manner that is in accordance with accreditation standards.
         3. be based on a detailed course syllabus and outline of record, tests, related instructional materials, course format, type and number of examinations, and grading criteria;
         4. specification of the body of knowledge and/or skills which are deemed necessary at entry and/or concurrent with enrollment;
         5. identification and review of the prerequisite or co-requisite which develops the body of knowledge and/or measures skills identified under
         6. matching of the knowledge and skills in the targeted course (identified under iv.) and those developed or measured by the prerequisite or co-requisite (i.e., the course or assessment identified under v.); and
         7. maintain documentation that the above steps were taken.
      3. Approve any limitation on enrollment that is being established for an honors course or section, for a course that includes intercollegiate competition or public performance, or so that a cohort of students will be enrolled in two or more courses, and, in a separate action, specify which.
      4. Approve that the course meets the academic standards required for degree applicable courses, non-degree applicable courses, non-credit courses, or community service respectively.
      5. Review the course outline to determine if a student would be highly unlikely to receive a satisfactory grade unless the student had knowledge or skills not taught in the course. If the student would need knowledge or skills not taught in the course itself, then the course may be approved for degree applicable credit only if all requirements for establishing the appropriate prerequisite have been met excepting only approval by the Curriculum Committee.
      6. Review the course outline to determine whether receiving a satisfactory grade is dependent on skills in communication or computation. If receiving a satisfactory grade is sufficiently dependent on such skills, then the course may be approved for degree applicable credit only if all requirements have been met for establishing a prerequisite or co-requisite of not less than eligibility for enrollment to a degree-applicable course in English or mathematics, respectively.
   2. A course which should have a prerequisite or co-requisite as provided in (5) or (6) but for which one or more of the requirements for establishing a prerequisite have not been met may only:
      
      Be reviewed and approved pursuant to the standards for non-degree applicable credit, non-credit, or community service; or
      
      Be revised and reviewed as required to meet the criteria for establishing the necessary prerequisites or co-requisites.
       
   3. The Curriculum Committee also reviews the course and prerequisite in a manner that meets each of the requirements specified above.
4. Program Review. As a regular part of the program review process or at least every six years, except that the prerequisites and co-requisites for vocational courses or programs shall be reviewed every two years, the college shall review each prerequisite, co-requisite, or advisory to establish that each is still supported by the faculty in the discipline or department and by the Curriculum Committee and is still in compliance with all other provisions of this policy and with the law. Any prerequisite or co-requisite that is still supported shall be reviewed promptly thereafter to assure that it is in compliance with all other provisions of this policy and with the law.
5. Implementing Prerequisites, Co-requisites, and Limitations on Enrollment. Implementation of prerequisites, co-requisites, and limitations on enrollment must be done in a consistent manner and not left exclusively to the classroom instructor. Every attempt shall be made to enforce all conditions a student must meet to be enrolled in the course through the registration process so that a student is not permitted to enroll unless he/she has met all the conditions or has met all except those for which he/she has a pending challenge or for which further information is needed before final determination is possible of whether the student has met the condition.
6. Instructor’s Formal Agreement to Teach the Course as Described. The District shall establish a procedure so that courses for which prerequisites or co-requisites are established will be taught in accordance with the course outline, particularly those aspects of the course outline that are the basis for justifying the establishment of the prerequisite or co-requisite. The process shall be established by consulting collegially with the local academic senate and, if appropriate, the local bargaining unit.

Review of Individual Courses

If the student’s enrollment in a course or program is to be contingent on his or her having met the proposed prerequisite(s) or co-requisite(s), then such a prerequisite or co-requisite must be established as follows. If enrollment is not blocked, then what is being established is not a prerequisite or co-requisite but, rather, an advisory on recommended preparation and must be identified as such in the schedule and catalog.

Prerequisites or co-requisites may be established only for any of the following purposes:

1. the prerequisite or co-requisite is expressly required or expressly authorized by statute or regulation; or
2. the prerequisite will assure, consistent with Title 5 Section 55002, that a student has the skills, concepts, and/or information that is presupposed in terms of the course or program for which it is being established, such that a student who has not met the prerequisite is highly unlikely to receive a satisfactory grade in the course (or at least one course within the program) for which the prerequisite is being established; or
3. the co-requisite course will assure, consistent with Title 5 Section 55002, that a student acquires the necessary skills, concepts, and/or information, such that a student who has not enrolled in the co-requisite is highly unlikely to receive a satisfactory grade in the course or program for which the corequisite is being established; or
4. the prerequisite or co-requisite is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or the health or safety of others.
   Establishing advisories does not require all the following steps.
5. Advisories on Recommended Preparation
   The District may recommend that a student meet a standard of readiness at entry only if recommended by the faculty in the discipline or department and by the Curriculum Committee as provided above.
   Prerequisites establishing communication or computational skill requirements may not be established across the entire curriculum unless established on a course-by-course basis.
6. Limitations on Enrollment
   The types of limitation on enrollment specified below may only be established through the curriculum review process by the discipline or department faculty and the Curriculum Committee specified above including the requirement to review them again at least every six years; for example, as part of program review. The following requirements must also be met in order to establish these particular limitations on enrollment.
   1. Performance Courses. The District may establish audition or try-out as a limitation on enrollment for courses that include public performance or intercollegiate competition such as but not limited to band, orchestra, theater, competitive speech, chorus, journalism, dance, and intercollegiate athletics provided that:
      1. For any certificate or associate degree requirement which can be met by taking this course, there is another course or courses which satisfy the same requirement; and
      2. The District includes in the course outline of record a list of each certificate or associate degree requirement that the course meets and of the other course or courses which meet the same requirement.
         Limitations on enrollment established as provided for performance courses shall be reviewed during program review or at least every six years to determine whether the audition or try-out process is having a disproportionate impact on any historically under-represented group and, if so, a plan shall be adopted to seek to remedy the disproportionate impact. If disproportionate impact has been found, the limitation on enrollment may not be printed in subsequent catalogs or schedules nor enforced in any subsequent term until such a plan has been endorsed by the department and the college administration and put into effect.
   2. Honors Courses. A limitation on enrollment for an honors course or an honors section of a course may be established if, in addition to the review by the faculty in the discipline or department and by the Curriculum Committee as provided above, there is another section or another course or courses at the college which satisfy the same requirements. If the limitation is for an honors course and not only for an honors section, the college must also include in the course outline of record a list of each certificate or associate degree requirement that the course meets and of the other course or courses which meet the same associate degree or certificate requirement.
7. Blocks of Courses or Sections. Blocks of courses or blocks of sections of courses are two or more courses or sections for which enrollment is limited in order to create a cohort of students. Such a limitation on enrollment may be established if, in addition to review by the faculty in the discipline or department and by the Curriculum Committee as provided above, there is another section or another course or courses that satisfy the same requirement. If the cohort is created through limitations on enrollment in the courses rather than limitations on specific sections of courses, then the college must include in the course outline of record a list of each certificate or associate degree requirement that the course meets and of the other course or courses which satisfy the same associate degree or certificate requirement. (AP 4260, 10/11/12; BP/AP 4020; AP 4260.1, 10/11/12; AP 5052, 12/13/12)

Prerequisites/Corequisites and Limitations on Enrollment

Courses with prerequisites, corequisites, or limitations on enrollment are identified in the Schedule of Classes and in the College Catalog which can be purchased in the College Bookstore, located in Danner Hall. Students are expected to have satisfied prerequisites or the equivalent before enrolling in a course.

All courses of the District shall be open to enrollment in accordance with Board Policy 5052 and a priority system consistent with Administrative Procedure 5055. Enrollment may be limited to students meeting properly validated prerequisites and co-requisites, or due to other non-evaluative, practical considerations as determined by the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction.

Implementing Prerequisites, Corequisites, and Limitations on Enrollment

A student seeking enrollment in a course with a prerequisite that the student believes has been fulfilled at another college or university must provide official transcripts from that institution to the Admissions and Records Department a minimum of 48 hours to attempting enrollment.

All conditions a student must meet to be enrolled in the class through the registration process will be enforced so that a student is not permitted to enroll unless he or she has met all the conditions of enrollment or sought entry to the class through the Matriculation Prerequisite/Corequisite Appeals Process. (AP 4260, 10/11/12; 5075, 12/13/12).

Remedial Coursework Limitations

San Joaquin Delta College provides remedial coursework (basic skills classes) designed to prepare students to succeed in degree credit courses. In line with Title 5 of the California Administrative Code, Section 55756.5, Delta College limits units a student may earn in remedial courses to 30 semester units. Basic Skills courses are defined in Section 55502, as courses in reading, writing, computation, learning skills, study skills, and English as a second language, which are designated by a community college district as non-degree credit courses pursuant to Section 55002(b); however, all remedial courses taken by students enrolled in English as a second language course and students identified by the District for learning disabled programs are exempted. The District permits waivers of the 30-unit limit on basic skills courses. The procedure is part of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Guidelines for Financial Aid recipients. (BP/AP 4222, 5/20/08 and AP 5130, 6/11/15)

Unit Limitations

Regular Semester

Students who have been unconditionally admitted may register for not more than twenty-one (21) units prior to the beginning of each semester. Students may enroll for an additional six (6) units after the semester has begun for a total unit limitation of twenty-seven (27) units per semester.

Inter-Session

Students who have been unconditionally admitted may be allowed to register for not more than twelve (12) units prior to the beginning of summer session. Students may add an additional three (3) units after the summer session has begun for a total unit limitation of fifteen (15) units per intersession.

Students who have been conditionally admitted will be allowed to register for the number of units prescribed on the basis of their conditional admission to the College by the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services or designee. Students enrolled under Conditional Admission will not be permitted to add additional units without the written authorization of the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services or designee. (AP 5075 4/10/12, 4/27/17)

*See AP 5075 for new unit limitations and requirements, effective with the publication of the 2018-19 College Catalog

Other Limitations:
International Student Program - not less than 12 units per semester. (Policy 5500 7/18/95)
Varsity Athletes - not less than 12 units per semester
Student Financial Aid - At least 12 units per semester are required to assure eligibility for all aid programs
(AP 5130, 6/11/15)

Academic Renewal

The purpose of academic renewal is to disregard students’ previously recorded substandard academic performance, when such work does not reflect their current demonstrated ability. Academic renewal encourages students to continue efforts toward their educational objectives. Therefore, academic renewal allows students the benefits of their current level of ability and performance, and does not permanently penalize them for poor performance in the past.

Students who wish to request academic renewal must petition the Director of Admissions and Records. Academic renewal will be applied only under the following conditions and with the following limitations:

1. Academic renewal may be requested for up to five courses of previous unsatisfactory course work in which grades of “D,” “F,” or “NC” or “NP” have been recorded. The course work for which the renewal is requested must be identified in the application.
2. Prior to the application for academic renewal, a period of at least one year must have elapsed subsequent to the semesters for which renewal is requested, during which period the student must have completed at least 12 units at Delta College (or another regionally accredited college,) with a grade point average of 2.0.
3. Academic renewal is available only for courses taken at San Joaquin Delta College.
4. Academic renewal may be granted for a total of five courses only.
5. Academic renewal is irreversible.
6. Courses used for awarding of a degree or certificate are not eligible for academic renewal unless another equivalent course replaces the renewed course on the evaluation.

It is highly recommended that currently enrolled students discuss educational objectives with a counselor and develop an appropriate Student Education Plan.

Academic renewal granted by San Joaquin Delta College does not guarantee that special programs or other institutions will approve or honor such actions. The determination will be made by the respective transfer institutions.

Effect of Academic Renewal on the Academic Record

1. When a student is granted academic renewal for a course, the student’s permanent academic record shall be annotated in such a manner that all work remains legible, ensuring a complete and true record of all academic work.
2. Cumulative grade point average on students’ permanent record excludes all course work that has been approved for academic renewal.
3. No course work approved for academic renewal will apply toward graduation, certificate, or AA degree.
4. Grade point average computation for graduation with honors and other awards uses all work including course work approved for academic renewal.

See AP 4220.1, Course Repetition and AP 4228, Course Repetition - Significant Lapse of Time
(AP 4240, 6/12/14)

Classification of Student

• Freshman - a regularly admitted student who has completed fewer than 30 units.
• Sophomore - a regularly admitted student who has completed 30 units but fewer than 60.

Associate Degree Honors

Students receiving the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree are eligible for scholastic honors based on the cumulative grade point average at the end of the semester in which the student applied and was approved for graduation. Units and grade points from transferable courses taken at colleges other than San Joaquin Delta College will be included in computing the final grade point average for honors determination. Honors at graduation are denoted on the diploma and transcripts as follows:

• 4.00 Highest Honors
• 3.70 - 3.99 High Honors
• 3.30 - 3.69 Honors
• 3.00 - 3.29 Honorable Mention

Grade Changes to Academic Record

The instructor of a 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.

Students who believe that an error was made in a grade entered on their permanent record may petition the Director of Admissions and Records to correct the record. Petitions for a grade change must be filed no later than one (1) year after the term for which the grade was posted and will be made only after the assigning instructor determines the validity of such a petition and issues a written authorization for the grade change. Grades will not be changed for courses completed more than one (1) year prior to the date of a petition except as noted in paragraph “C” below.

In cases of alleged instructor fraud, bad faith or incompetence, the final determination regarding the removal or change of a grade or adjustment of fees will be made by the Superintendent/President or designee as set forth by Administrative Procedure 5530, (Student Rights and Grievances).

Only one grade change petition per course is allowed.

Students who believe that an error was made in enrollment, non-resident, or class fees charged against their student account based on last date of attendance may petition the Director of Admissions and Records to correct the record. Petitions for a removal of fees must be filed no later than one (1) year after the term for which the fees were charged and will only be made after the instructor of record determines the validity of such a petition based on last date of attendance and issues a written authorization for the correction of the drop date.

Fees will not be changed for courses completed more than one (1) one year prior to the date of a petition except as noted in paragraph “C” above.

Only one request for adjustment of fees petition per course is allowed.

The District will consider petitions for documented special circumstances for 1-1/2 (one and one half) years. (BP 4220, 8/13/02, BP 4231, 12/15/09, AP 4231, 5/31/11 and AP 5530, 5/15/14)

Grading Option - Pass/No Pass

Some credit courses may be approved by the Curriculum Committee and listed in the College Catalog and Schedule of Classes as offered with a Pass/No Pass option. Under the Pass/No Pass option, a student enrolled in a course that normally awards traditional grades (A, B, C, D, or F) may elect to receive only a grade of either “Pass” or “No Pass.” The grade of “Pass” will be given if the student’s work is judged to be equivalent to the grade of A, B, or C, and the grade of “No Pass” if it is judged equivalent to a D or F.

Students may elect the Pass/No Pass option for only one course per semester except in cases where Pass/No Pass is the only grading option available for courses in which the student enrolls. No more than 15 units of Pass/No Pass may apply to the total units required for a degree. A course taken using the Pass/No Pass grading option may not be applied to satisfy an academic major requirement.

Students desiring to apply the Pass/No Pass grading option to a course are required to declare commitment to the Pass/No Pass status to the instructor prior to completion of 30% of the scheduled class meeting for the term. Once elected by the student, the Pass/No Pass grade option may not be changed back to the traditional grading option. (AP 4230.1, 4/1/09)

Grading Symbols

 Academic Record Symbols and Grade Point Average*:

*Non-degree applicable courses are not included in the GPA. (BP/AP 4230, 05/12/16 - AP 5075, 04/27/17)

Graduation Information

The last day to file an application for summer, fall, or spring graduation is indicated on the Registration Calendar for each term. Students may apply for degrees at the beginning of the term during which the requirements will be completed. Degrees will be awarded at the conclusion of the summer, fall, or spring term. Graduates from summer and fall and candidates for graduation for spring are eligible to participate in the annual commencement ceremony which is held at the conclusion of the spring semester. Information about the annual commencement ceremony may be found on the College web site.

Honors at Commencement

Graduates will be recognized during the Commencement Ceremony for honors designated as follows:

• 3.50 - 4.00 - Gold Tassel
• 3.00 - 3.49 - Silver Tassel

The honor designation for fall and spring graduates is computed using the cumulative grade point average at the end of the previous Fall semester and includes all A.A./A.S. applicable course work, including work from other colleges. A student with a cumulative grade point average from 3.00 - 4.00 will be denoted by an asterisk (*) following his or her name in the program. Graduates with cumulative grade point averages below 3.00 receive a black tassel.

Scholastic Honors

Students who complete 12 or more graded (A,B,C,D, or F) units in a semester with a grade point average of 3.0 or above will be eligible for scholastic distinction for that semester.

President’s Honor List

Eligible students who earn a grade point average of 3.7 or above will receive Presidential Honors for that particular term.

Dean’s Honor List

Eligible students who earn a grade point average of not less than 3.0 or greater than 3.69 will receive Dean’s Honors for that particular term.

Scholastic Probation and Dismissal

Academic Probation

Academic Probation: A student shall be placed on academic probation if he/she has attempted a minimum of 12 semester units of work and has a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.0.

Progress Probation

Progress Probation: A student shall be placed on progress probation if he/she has enrolled in a total of at least 12 semester units and the percentage of all units in which the student has enrolled, for which entries of “W,” “I,”, “NC,” and “NP” were recorded, reaches or exceeds fifty percent (50%).

Notification of Probation Status

1. First Semester Probation: Students who are placed on first semester academic or progress probation shall be notified of their status in writing by Admissions and Records. The notification will inform them the student of their status, and of the intervention services provided by the College.
2. Second Semester Probation: Students who are placed on second semester academic or progress probation shall be notified of their status in writing by Admissions and Records. The notification will inform them of their status, loss of eligibility for the BOGG Fee Waiver and Priority Registration, and of the intervention services provided by the College.

Reinstatement after Dismissal

1. Students must meet the following conditions for reinstatement.
   1. Meet with a Counselor before reinstatement to discuss and develop a prescriptive student education plan, success strategies, and the use of available College and community support services.
   2. During the first semester of reinstatement, course enrollment is limited to a maximum of twelve (12) semester units.
2. Notification of Reinstatement: Students who are reinstated shall be notified by the Director of Admissions and Records.
3. Reinstate after Academic Dismissal: The student must complete the semester of reinstatement with a term GPA of at least a 2.0 or he/she will be dismissed. Students will be notified of their dismissal by Admissions and Records.
4. Reinstatement after Progress Dismissal: The student must complete the semester of reinstatement without grades of “W”, “I”, “NC”, and “NP” or he/she will be dismissed. Students will be notified of their dismissal by Admissions and Records.

(Policy 5203, 5/7/96 - Pending amendments BP/AP 4250 and 4250.1, 5/15/14, 6/12/14)

Absences

Absences for medical reasons of less than one week need not be reported to the College. Students who will be absent from class for one week or longer for any reason should notify the Counseling Center office. If medical or personal emergency requires absence of as much as two weeks, the student should notify the Counseling Center office for review of the student’s program and the advisability of continuing in classes.

Absence from Class

A student who will be absent from any class or classes for three (3) days or longer for health reasons or other personal emergencies are advised to notify the Office of Counseling and Special Services.

If a student knows of a disability-related absence in advance (e.g., previously unanticipated surgery), the student is strongly encouraged to notify the class instructors and Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS) prior to the absence.

A student may be dropped from a class due to excessive absences. If the excessive absences are disability-related (e.g. surgery, other treatment, an injury, or an illness that is related to a disability or results in a disability) and the student intends to remain registered for the class, the student may meet promptly with a Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS) Counselor to request assistance to remain registered for the class.

A student requesting DSPS assistance for disability-related absences is not required to be registered with DSPS prior to requesting such assistance. However, DSPS is authorized to determine whether a student making a request due to disability-related absences qualifies as an individual with a disability at the time of the request. If the individual is not disabled and/or the absences are not disability-related, the College is not required to accommodate the student beyond the legal requirements of Section 504 and Title II.

If the student does not agree with DSPS and the professor’s decision, the student may file a grievance (See BP/AP 5530 Student Rights and Grievances).
BP/AP 5075, 2/19/13,12/13/12 and 4/20/17

Adding a Course

Students may add courses online through the registration period.

(AP 5075, 12/13/12, 4/27/17).

Attendance Regulation

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory academic progress. Attendance in class and laboratory sessions is an obligation assumed by every student at the time of registration. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to attend a class if he/she is not officially enrolled. Any student who fails to attend a class during the first three sessions may be dropped unless the student has advised and obtained an absence approval from the instructor. An instructor may drop a student from class when absences become excessive. Excessive absenteeism is defined as one more absence than the class meets per week. See the Student Handbook for procedures concerning attendance irregularities. (BP/AP 5075, 12/2012, 2/13, 12/13/12, and 4/27/17)

Change of Address

Students must report a change of address immediately to the Admissions and Records Office. The College assumes no responsibility for mail sent to an incorrect address as a result of the student’s failure to report a change of address. Any change in a student’s name as a result of marriage or court action should be reported to the Admissions and Records Office. Appropriate documentation; court order, marriage license, etc. must be provided. Students may check the address on file by logging in to Online Registration and selecting the “Records” tab at the top of the page. If the information listed is incorrect, students should submit a “Change of Information Form,” which is available online, to the Admissions and Records Office.

Continuous Enrollment

Continuous enrollment is the earning of college credit in a least one semester during an academic year without interruption of progression. To retain catalog rights for graduation under the year of initial enrollment, a student is required to maintain continuous enrollment through the completion of the requirements for graduation. Emergency leave of absence for a term may be granted in those instances where an absence is warranted. Leaves of absence must be requested and approved in advance of the term the leave is taken. Leaves of absence must be approved by the Vice President of Student Services. (AP 4100, 2/24/09)

Military Withdrawal

Residence Determinations for Military Personnel and Dependents

A student who is a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in California on active duty, except a member of the armed forces assigned for educational purposes to a state-supported institution of higher education, is entitled to resident classification. Such students shall retain resident classification in the event that the member of the armed forces is thereafter transferred on military orders to a place outside of California or thereafter retires from active duty, so long as the student remains continuously enrolled in the District.

A student who is a natural or adopted child, stepchild, or spouse who is a dependent of a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in this state on active duty shall be entitled to resident classification. Such student shall retain resident classification if he/she is thereafter transferred on military orders to a place outside of California, so long as the student remains continuously enrolled in the District.

A student who was a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in California on active duty for more than one year immediately prior to being discharged from the armed forces is entitled to resident classification for the length of time he or she lives in California after being discharged up to the minimum necessary to become a resident.

A parent who is a federal civil service employee and his or her natural or adopted dependent children are entitled to resident classification if the parent has moved to this state as a result of a military mission realignment action that involves relocation of at least 100 employees. This classification shall continue until the student is entitled to be classified as a resident, so long as the student continuously attends an institution of public higher education.

A student claiming the residence classifications provided for in this procedure must provide a statement from the student’s commanding officer or personnel officer providing evidence of the date of the assignment to California, and that the assignment to active duty in California is not for educational purposes. A student claiming the residence classifications provided for here for dependent of military personnel shall provide a statement from the military person’s commanding officer or personnel officer that the military person’s duty station is in California on active duty as of the residence determination date, or has been transferred outside of California on active duty after the residence determination date, or that the military person has retired from active duty after the residence determination date. (Title 5, Sections 54041; 54042)

Withdrawal Policies for Members of the Military
A student who is a member of an active or reserve United States military service and who receives orders compelling a withdrawal from courses shall be permitted to withdraw upon verification of such orders. A withdrawal symbol of “MW” may be assigned. Military withdrawal shall not be counted in progress probation, dismissal calculations, or in calculating the permitted number of withdrawals. In no case may a college require a student who is required to report for military duty to withdraw from a course by a specified date in order to receive a full refund of the tuition and fees the student paid to the college for the academic term in which the student was required to report for military service. (AP 5013, 02/28/13 )

Open Enrollment Access Policy

It is the policy of the San Joaquin Delta Community College District that, unless specifically exempted by statute, every course, course section, or class, the Full-Time Equivalent Student (FTES) enrollment of which is to be reported for state apportionment, and wherever offered and maintained by the District, shall be fully open to enrollment for participation by any person who has been admitted to the College and who meets such prerequisites as may be established pursuant to Chapter II, Division 2, Part VI, Title 5 of the California Administrative Code, commencing with Section 51820. It is further the policy of the District that where health, safety, legal requirements, or the facility is a limiting factor in the conduct of a course/program, fair and equitable admission requirements and procedures will be established to meet such limitation.

Transcripts

Official transcripts of courses taken at San Joaquin Delta College are prepared by the Office of Admissions and Records and issued according to the following regulations:

• Each transcript request must be submitted via the College web site, or in writing by the student to the Admissions and Records Office.
• Pursuant to CA Education Code Section 76223, “that no charge shall be made for furnishing up to two transcripts of students’ records…” Therefore, students are entitled to receive two free transcripts only if requested by mail or in person. Important Note: “two free transcripts” does not apply to orders requested through the Online process.
• After the first two complimentary copies, copies are available for a fee payable in advance.
• Each transcript will include the student’s entire record of courses completed at Delta College.
• Official transcripts or records earned at other institutions which have been presented for admission or evaluation become part of the student’s permanent record and are not issued or copied for distribution.
• To expedite the forwarding of transcripts, all financial obligations to the College and administrative holds must be cleared.
• Due to the large number of transcripts requested at the end of each term, a minimum of two weeks should be allowed for requests to be filled during those periods. Transcripts verifying degrees may take longer.

(AP 5030 11/12/15)

Transcripts from Other Schools

All records submitted become the property of Delta College and cannot be duplicated or returned to the applicant. A student who presents an official transcript of previous college or university work in courses parallel to those of Delta College may receive credit towards the A.A./A.S. degree from San Joaquin Delta College. The previous college or university must be a U.S. regionally-accredited institution and listed in the Accredited Institutions of Higher Education.

Withdrawal from Class

1. Withdrawal from Full-Term Census Course:
   1. Students who withdraw from one or more courses through the last day before the census day or date will have no entries made on their transcripts for the courses enrolled in at the time of withdrawal.
   2. Students who withdraw from one or more courses on or after the census day or date through the last day of the eighth week of instruction or 50 % of the term, whichever occurs earlier, of the fall/spring semesters or 50% of the term for Intersessions, will have “W’s” entered on their transcripts for those courses in which they were enrolled at the time of withdrawal from the College.
   3. Students who remain enrolled in withdraw from one or more courses after the last day of the eighth week of instruction or 50% of the term, whichever occurs earlier of the fall/spring semester or the last day of the 50%fourth week for 50% of Intersession, will have a grading symbol other than a “W” as prescribed in Administrative Procedure 4230, i.e., A, A-, B+, B, B-,C+, C, D, F, FW, CR, NC, P, NP, IP, RD, or I, entered on their transcripts. for those courses in which they were enrolled at the time of the withdrawal.
   4. Notwithstanding the above, students who are members of an active or reserve United States military service and who receive orders compelling withdrawal from courses at any time on or after the census day or date shall have the notation “MW” entered on their transcripts in accord with the provisions of Administrative Procedure 4230.
2. Withdrawal from Courses not Coterminous with the Term and Actual Hours of Attendance Courses:
   1. Students who withdraw from one or more courses on or before the last day before the census day or date of the course will have no entries made on their transcripts for the courses enrolled in at the time of withdrawal.
   2. Students who withdraw from one or more courses in the period between census day or date and 50% of the course will have a “W” entered on their transcripts for the courses in which they were enrolled at the time of withdrawal from the College.
   3. The academic record of a student who remains enrolled in a course beyond the time allowed by district policy Students who withdraw from one or more courses during the final 50% of the course will have a grading symbol other than a “W” as prescribed in Administrative Procedure 4230, i.e., A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, D, F, FW, CR, NC, P, NP, IP, RD, or I entered on their transcripts for those courses in which they were enrolled at the time of withdrawal.
   4. Notwithstanding the above, students who are members of an active or reserve United States military service and who receive orders compelling withdrawal from courses after the census day or date of the first 20 percent of the course shall have the notation “MW” entered on their transcript in accord with the provisions of Administrative Procedure 4230.
3. Withdrawal from College or from a Course:
   1. Student Initiated
      Students should drop courses using the Internet via the online registration system.
      Withdrawing from the College or from a course is the responsibility of the student. When a student withdraws from the College or withdraws from a course, the drop will be reflected on the electronic class list provided through the District’s electronic data system.
   2. Instructor Initiated
      Mandatory:
      A student who violates the District’s attendance policy within the first census period will be dropped by the instructor.
      Discretionary:

A student who violates the District’s attendance policy after the first census date may be dropped by the instructor prior to the last date for withdrawal specified above. Faculty members are strongly encouraged to notify a student before dropping the student from class by utilizing the Academic Alert Roster System to notify a student concerning an impending drop. (AP 5075, 12/13/12)

Withdrawal from Class - Short term, Irregularly Scheduled Classes, and Actual Hours of Attendance Classes

Students who withdraw from one or more courses on or before the last business day before the census day or date of the course will have no entries made on their transcripts for the courses enrolled in at the time of withdrawal.

Students who withdraw from one or more courses in the period between census day or date and 50% of the course will have a “W” entered on their transcripts for the courses in which they were enrolled at the time of withdrawal from the College.

Students who remain enrolled in one or more courses after the last day of the eighth week of instruction or 50% of the term, whichever occurs earlier of the fall/spring semester or 50% of Intersession, will have a grading symbol other than a “W” as prescribed in Administrative Procedure 4230, i.e., A, A-, B+, B, B-,C+, C, D, F, FW, CR, NC, P, NP, IP, RD, or I, entered on their transcripts.

Notwithstanding the above, students who are members of an active or reserve United States military service and who receive orders compelling withdrawal from courses at any time on or after the census day or date shall have the notation “MW” entered on their transcripts in accord with the provisions of Administrative Procedure 4230. (AP 5075, 12/13/12, 4/27/17)

Withdrawal Procedures

It is the student’s responsibility to manage their enrollment. This includes dropping classes for which the student has registered but no longer wishes to attend and classes the student is no longer attending. Classes must be dropped by the published drop dates by using the online registration system.

Withholding of Student Records

The Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services may withhold grades, transcripts, diplomas, certificates, and registration privileges from any student or former student who fails to pay a proper financial objection to the District. The student shall be given written notification and the opportunity to explain if the financial obligation is in error.

The definition of proper financial obligation shall include, but is not limited to: student fees; obligations incurred through the use of facilities; equipment or materials; library fines; unreturned library books; materials remaining improperly in the possession of the student; and/or any other unpaid obligation a student or former student owes to the District. A proper financial obligation does not include any unpaid obligation to a student organization.

Procedures for Notification Process

The Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services or designee shall notify the student or former student that records are being withheld and the reason therefore, including a statement of the amounts owed the College.

Release of Records

Records will be provided:

1. During a period when facts are in dispute.
2. When it is demonstrated to the Vice President of Student Services that reasonable progress is being made to pay the amount owed or that there exists a reasonable justification for delay in repayment.
3. Upon payment of amounts owed.

Appeal Procedure

A student whose records have been withheld may appeal the action through the Student Grievance Procedure (AP 5530).

(AP 5035 6/18/02)

Academic Freedom and Responsibility

The San Joaquin Delta College Board of Trustees believes that faculty and students have the right to pursue teaching and learning with full freedom of inquiry. In order to assure that this viewpoint is understood by all, the Board has adopted the following policy on Academic Freedom and Responsibility

1. Academic freedom and academic responsibility are inseparable. Academic freedom is the right of the faculty member to interpret findings logically, rationally, and dispassionately and to communicate conclusions without being subjected to any interference, molestation, or penalization because these conclusions are at a variance with those of constituted authorities or organized groups beyond the College.
2. Likewise, the academic freedom of the student is the freedom to express and to defend views or beliefs, the freedom to question and differ, without authoritative repression and without scholastic penalization by the faculty or the College.
3. Academic freedom carries with it corresponding responsibilities. Academic responsibility emphasizes the obligation to study, to investigate, to present and interpret, and to discuss facts and ideas concerning man, human society, and the physical and biological world in all branches and fields of knowledge. Since human knowledge is limited and changeable, the instructor will acknowledge the facts on which controversial views are based and show respect for opinions held by others. While striving to avoid bias, the instructor will, nevertheless, present the conclusions to which he or she believes the evidence points.
4. To ensure for San Joaquin Delta College these principles of academic freedom, the administration of the College and the Board as the governing body of the District, will at all times demonstrate their support by actively and openly working toward a climate which will foster this freedom. Such participation will extend to the point of defending and supporting any faculty member who, while maintaining the high standards of his profession, finds his or her freedom of expression attacked or curtailed. (Policy 6620, 1/21/69)

Catalog Rights

A student may choose to apply for a degree or certificate under either the completion requirements in effect at the time of application for graduation or the graduation requirements in effect at the time of initial enrollment at the college, provided continuous enrollment is maintained.

Continuous enrollment is the earning of college credit in at least one semester or summer intersession during an academic year without interruption of progress. To retain catalog rights for graduation under the year of initial enrollment, a student is required to maintain continuous enrollment through the completion of the requirements for graduation. An academic year begins with the summer intersession and includes the following fall and spring semesters.

An emergency leave of absence for a term may be granted in those instances where it is warranted. Leaves of absence must be requested and approved in advance of the term for which absence is anticipated. Leaves of absence must be approved by the Vice President of Student Services. (AP 4100, 2/24/09)

The College reserves the right to change program requirements based upon legal mandate and/or accreditation standards at any time.

Educational Privacy Rights of Students

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (Section 438, Public Law 93-380), as amended, requires educational institutions to provide: student access to official educational records directly related to the student; explanation of educational records and an opportunity for a hearing to challenge such records on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate; that the College must obtain the written consent of the student before releasing personally identifiable information about the student other than to a list of persons and agencies specified by the Act; and that these rights extend to present and former students of the College. The act provides that the College may release certain types of directory information, unless the student submits a request in writing to the Admissions and Records Office that certain or all such information shall not be released without the student’s consent.

Directory information at Delta College includes the student’s name, address, date and place 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. The student may also need his/her parents’ consent before financial aid statements on file can be released to the student. The student should confer first with the Admissions and Records Office regarding any inquiries of the student’s educational records.

No Habra Discriminación

De acuerdo con la legislación de los Derechos Civiles, San Joaquin Delta College provee servicios y beneficios a sus estudiantes sin importar la raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, edad o cualquier incapacidad. La falta del conocimiento de la idioma inglés no sera obstáculo para ser admitido y participar en los programas de educación vocacional.

(Títulos VI y VII Acta de Derechos Civiles de 1964; Titulo IX de las Enmiendas de Educación de 1972; las Secciones 503 y 504 del Acta de Rehabilitación de 1973).

Para más información acerca de estas leyes y reglamentos comuníquese con: Coordinadora del ADA/Sec. 50 Directora de Programas y Servicios para Estudiantes Incapacitados edificio DeRicco 104 (209) 954-5151, ext. 6104 (V/TDD) or the Director of Human Resources, (209) 954-5056.

Student Affirmative Action

The College will provide equal educational opportunity for all students, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, age (over 40), gender, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran, who have met admission qualifications and course/program prerequisites.

The College will aggressively pursue affirmative action goals and objectives by continuing leadership and programs to provide the educational opportunities available to all historically under-represented groups in all areas of instruction.

Through adoption of a Student Equity Plan, the College will establish and continually revise goals for recruitment of historically under-represented groups.

The California Community Colleges Board of Governors has determined that, on a state-wide basis, ethnic minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are historically under-represented groups. (Title 5 section 53001) (Policy 5060, 2/6/96)

Student Right to Know (SRTK)

Student Right-to-Know Rates for Fall 2013 Cohort
Completion Rate: 29.30 %
Transfer Rate: 10.32 %

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 2013, 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 2013 to Spring 2016. 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 2014 to Spring 2016, are transfer students.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

It is very important for students to know their rights and responsibilities. In addition, it is also important for students to know the rights and responsibilities of Delta College. Students who believe their rights are being violated or the College is not meeting its responsibility in serving them, should contact the Vice President of Student Services. Students may appeal the matriculation requirements for pre- and co-requisites, limitations on enrollment, admissions, orientation, assessment, and counseling and advisement by petition.

Admissions

Student Rights:

• The College will provide equal educational opportunity for all students, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, age (over 40), gender, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam era veteran, who have met admission qualifications and course/program prerequisites. (Policy 5060, Sec. A)
• All courses of the District shall be open to enrollment in accordance with a priority system consistent with AP 5055. Enrollment may be limited to students meeting properly validated prerequisites and co-requisites, or due to other non-evaluative, practical considerations as determined by the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instructional Services.
• No student is required to confer or consult to receive permission to enroll in any class offered by the district, except as provided for in Administrative Procedure 5055 and District programs that permit restricted enrollment: the ADN program; the LVN program; the Psychiatric Technician program; the Radiologic Technician program; P.O.S.T. Academy; and the Firefighter I Academy. (TITLE 5, ARTICLE 4, 55532 Exemptions, AP 5052)

Student Responsibilities:

• Each student has the responsibility to select an educational goal in the application for admissions, i.e., A.A./A.S. degree, transfer, vocational certificate, personal development, improvement of basic skills, or undecided. (Title 5, Article 4, 55530 Student Rights)
• The student has the responsibility to meet all course prerequisites. (AP 5052)
• Each student must assume responsibility for compliance with the instructions and regulations set forth in the College Catalog for selecting courses which will permit achievement of individual educational objective, and for satisfying course prerequisites.
• The student should attend class and study regularly. (Title 5, Article 4, 55530 (d)(3) Student Rights)
• Withdrawing from a class is the responsibility of the student. The student should drop the class by using the Internet registration system. As a matter of courtesy and to assist the instructor in maintaining accurate class records, the student should also inform the instructor of the decision to drop the course. (Title 5, Article 4, 58106, AP 5075)

College Rights:

• The College assumes no responsibility for the misinterpretation of policies and procedures as presented in the College Catalog, Schedule of Classes, and Student Handbook.
• The College reserves the right to change the regulations, fees, and other information contained in the College Catalog as required without prior notice.
• The College reserves the right to refund enrollment, non-resident tuition, and differential fees upon request for courses dropped before the end of the first two weeks of instruction for full-term classes or before the end of 10% of the length of the class for short-term classes. Refunds will be made upon request for courses dropped later if the program change is a result of action by the District to cancel or reschedule a class or to drop a student from a class where the student fails to meet a prerequisite. Refund request forms must be received by the Admissions and Records Office no later than after the final date to qualify for refund. Refunds are subject to a $10.00 processing fee. (AP 5030, Sec. A and B)
• It is the right of an instructor to drop any student who fails to attend any of the first three class sessions at the beginning of a term unless the student has advised and obtained an absence approval from the faculty member. (BP 5075)
• It is the right of the instructor to drop a student from class when absences become excessive. (Policy 5075)

College Responsibilities:

• San Joaquin Delta College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and operates in compliance with Title IX, VII, and VI regulations. San Joaquin Delta College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, or disability in its criteria for admission, employment, or participation in educational programs and activities. (Policy 5060)

Student Success and Support Program Services

Student Rights:

• All students have the right to participate in Student Success and Support Program services for the purpose of achieving the student’s educational goal and completing the student’s course of study. (AP 5050)

Student Responsibilities:

• It is the student’s responsibility to enroll in a guidance orientation course,  attend an appropriate orientation, and take advantage of counseling services.

College Rights:

• San Joaquin Delta College has the right to establish appropriate Student Success and Support Program services. (AP 5050)

College Responsibilities:

• Delta College has the responsibility to provide students with the appropriate guidance based upon the student’s need.

Academic Assessment

Student Rights:

• Students have the right to know their academic skill level. This right is ensured through several mechanisms including the Academic Assessment Program, articulated programs with high schools, holistically scored essays, and transcripts from other colleges.
• Students who believe their reading, writing, or mathematics assessment is not reflective of their skills may challenge the results by taking the Challenge Test in the specific skill area. Students are limited to no more than two Challenge Test attempts per academic term for each of the three subject areas. Students who have exhausted the challenge process may appeal to the Vice President of Student Services.
• Students have the right to career/vocational interest assessment, which is available in the Career Center at a minimal cost to the student. (Title 5, Section 55520 Required Services)

College Rights:

• In all programs and classes requiring special screening and entrance examination, San Joaquin Delta Community College will make the final selection of students. (Policy 5070, Procedures 5070.1, 5070.2, 5070.4, 5070.6, 5080, 5080.1)
• Academic Assessment is required for all first time Delta College students prior to class registration. Assessment will include reading, writing, and mathematical skills. An alternate to academic assessment may be met by one of the following:
  • Associate or Bachelor Degree (official transcript required);
  • Alternative assessment from other colleges;
  • Transfer students who have completed Delta College’s English 1A or above or equivalent and Delta College’s Math 82 or above or equivalent, each with a grade of “C” or better as verified by a transcript;
  • One course per semester waiver where appropriate (AP 5051);
  • Granted scholastic recognition at admission - provide copy of letter from the President to Assessment Office;
  • Decided to enroll in Level I basic skills course(s) in reading, English, and mathematics only.

Guidance and Counseling

Student Rights:

• All students have the right to receive personal, academic and career guidance. Counseling services are available on a voluntary basis with the exception of students whose status is classified as:  academic and progress probation, or academic dismissal, financial aid probation or disqualification status, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), international, veterans, and selected Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) students. (AP 5110)
• Students have a right to the confidentiality of information shared and disclosed during a counseling session. Information of a personal nature disclosed by a student 12 years of age or older in the process of receiving counseling from a counselor is confidential, and shall not become a part of the student record without the written consent of the person disclosing the confidential information.  However, the information shall be disclosed when permitted by applicable law, including but not limited to disclosure as necessary to report child/adult abuse or neglect; reporting to the Superintendent/President or other persons when the counselor has reason to believe that disclosure is necessary to avert a clear and present danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the student or other persons living in the college community; reporting information to the Superintendent/President or other persons as necessary when the student indicates that a crime involving the likelihood of personal injury or significant or substantial property losses will be committed or has been committed; reporting information to one or more persons specified in a written waiver by the student. (AP 5110)
• A student who is exempt from counseling may elect to meet with a counselor for a Student Education Plan (SEP) or any other service provided by Counseling (AP 5110). For a complete list of exemptions, please refer to AP 5050.

Student Responsibilities:

• Students are required to:
  • Identify and education and career goal
  • Diligently attend class and complete assigned coursework
  • Complete courses and maintain progress toward an educational goal and completing a course of study
  • Participate in counseling, advising or other educational planning service to develop, at a minimum, an abbreviated educational plan
• The student should meet with a counselor to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP) - a program of study and services needed by the student to enable the individual to obtain his/her educational objective. (AP 5110)
• It is the student’s responsibility to seek assistance in achieving the declared educational goal i.e., make an appointment for appropriate guidance and counseling.
• It is the student’s responsibility to make progress toward the declared educational goal. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

College Rights

• Delta College has the right to establish appropriate student services i.e., guidance services, orientation, academic advisement, etc. (AP 5050)

College Responsibilities

• Delta College has the responsibility to provide staff to facilitate the counseling process.
• Delta College has the right to recommend the necessary services for students to achieve the stated academic goal.
• Delta College will make available to all students organized educational, vocational and personal-social counseling. In those instances where there is counseling specialization, individual counselors may be designated for each specific area. A student will be encouraged to request counseling for personal-social problems which might interfere with satisfactory academic progress. (AP 5110)

Counseling Services will primarily be responsible for:

• Development of student education plan(s) that are either (1) Abbreviated or (2) Comprehensive as required by Title 5, Sections 55523 and 55524.
• Administering and interpreting tests.
• Counseling on any academic, career, or personal problems that are related to the student’s education.
• Providing, directly and by referral, occupational information services.
• Providing, by referral, assistance in the securing of employment.
• Providing referral for students who are in need of psychological services including emergency mental health counseling and/or long-term therapeutic support.
• Providing special assistance to students who are on academic dismissal status, to improve scholastic performance or pursue reinstatement to the college as provided in Title 5, Section 55523.
• Providing assistance to students who are applying for financial aid requiring an academic progress report or financial aid disqualification appeal.
• Providing academic instruction in orientation to college, personal development, self-esteem, career awareness, and job-seeking skills.

(AP 5110)

Student Rights:

• Students have the right to be informed of the procedures to claim equivalency to courses or other requirements. (AP 5052)
• Students have the right to be informed through the Student Handbook, College Catalog, and Schedule of Classes of the definitions of prerequisites, corequisites and limitations on enrollment including the differences among them and the specific prerequisites, corequisites and limitations on enrollment which have been established. (AP 5075, AP 5052)
• Students have the right to be informed through the Student Handbook, College Catalog, and in the Schedule of Classes of the procedures to challenge prerequisites, corequisites, and limitation on enrollment and the grounds for which a student may make such a challenge. The information about challenges will include, at a minimum, the specific process including any deadlines, the various types of challenge that are established in law, and any additional types of challenge permitted by the College. (AP 5052)

Student Responsibilities:

• Students have the responsibility to become informed and to follow established policies and procedures regarding declaration of equivalency process.
• Students have the responsibility to become informed about the definitions of prerequisites, corequisites and limitations on enrollment including the difference among them.
• Students have a responsibility to become informed of the specific prerequisite, corequisites and limitations on enrollment which have been established.
• Students have a responsibility to become informed of the procedures to challenge prerequisites, corequisites, and limitations on enrollment as well as the circumstances to make such challenges.
• Students have the responsibility to follow the prerequisite or corequisite challenge process. (AP 5052)
• Students have the responsibility to provide satisfactory evidence that the challenge should be upheld if such facts are not in the College’s own records. (AP 5052)

College Rights:

• The College assumes no responsibility for misinterpretation of policies and procedures as presented in the Student Handbook, College Catalog, or the Schedule of Classes.
• It is the College’s right to establish prerequisites, corequisites, and limitations on enrollment per its policies and procedures. (Policy 5043)
• The decision of the Matriculation Appeals Committee shall be final. (AP 5052)

College Responsibilities:

• The College has the responsibility to establish a process to establish prerequisites and corequisites only upon the recommendation of the Academic Senate. Certain limitations on enrollment must be established in the same manner. (AP 4260)
• It is the College’s responsibility to enforce prerequisites, corequisites, and limitations on enrollment which have been established per current policies and procedures.
• The College has the responsibility to establish, implement, and publish a prerequisite, corequisite challenge process. (AP 5052)
• The College has the responsibility to provide information, for a specific challenge if said information is in the College’s own records. (AP 5052)

(AP 4260 & 4260.1 10/11/12; AP 5052 12/13/12; BPAP 5075 6/19/12, 12/13/12, 4/20/17; Policy 5043 03/06/96)

Student Rights, Grievances, and Grade Disputes

1. Purpose
   The purpose of this procedure is to provide a prompt and equitable means of for resolving student grievances, a District decision or action has adversely affected his or her status, rights or privileges as a student. The procedures shall:
   1. The exercise of rights of free expression protected by state and federal constitutions and Education Code Section 76120.
   2. Infringement of any right specifically granted to the student by a duly established District rule or regulation.
   3. Academic Grade Dispute Procedures, which are only allowed to the extent permitted by Education Code Section 76224(a), which provides, “When grades are given for any course of instruction taught in a community college district, the grade given to each student shall be the grade determined by the professor of the course and the determination of the student’s grade by the professor, in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency, shall be final.”
      • Mistake - an unintentional errors or omissions made by a professor in calculating a student’s grade, and/or clerical errors.
      • Fraud - the deliberate misrepresentation, of the truth to secure an unfair or unlawful gain.
      • Bad Faith - an intentional or malicious act that infringes on the rights of another.
      • Incompetence - Lack of ability, legal qualification, or fitness to discharge a required duty.
   4. Prior to filing a grievance to dispute a grade, students shall request a grade change by completing a petition for Change to Academic Record within one year from the end of the term in which the grade was received (Refer to AP 4231, Education Code 76224, Title 5 Section 55025 for further details.)
2. Exclusions
   This procedure does not apply to:
   1. Student disciplinary actions, which are covered under separate Board Policy BP 5500 Standards of Student Conduct and Administrative Procedures, AP 5500 Standards of Student Conduct, Student Misconduct Report Form (Form 5510 available on the District’s Student Services Webpage), and 5520 Student Discipline Procedures;
   2. Challenges of Course or Program pre-requisites or co-requisites, which must be resolved through policies and procedures of the applicable academic department; and/or the, Matriculation Appeals Committee.
   3. Financial Aid eligibility which must be appealed through the online appeal process on the District’s Financial Aid, Scholarships & Veterans Services web page.
   4. Parking Citations which must be appealed through the online appeal process on the District’s Police Department webpage.
   5. Police Citations (i.e., “tickets” for moving violations, alcohol, etc.) which must be directed to the criminal justice system (court) in the same way as any traffic violation.
   6. Students with concerns regarding professional, clinical, standards or training issues within specialized programs must follow the specialized grievance procedures listed in the specific program handbook:
      1. Law Enforcement Police Academy (Peace Officers Standards & Training - POST)
      2. Nursing Program - Associate Degree and Vocational (Health Sciences Division)
      3. Psychiatric Technician Program (Health Sciences Division)
      4. Radiologic Technology Program (Health Sciences Division)
   7. Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment complaints which must be handled through the District’s Administrative Procedures (See AP 3535/AP 3535.1). Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedure and Investigative Process, available from the District’s Human Resource and Employee Relations Office or on the College’s web site.
3. Definition of Terms
   1. Academic Grade Dispute/Grade Grievance: A claim by a student that his/her final grade was given by the professor in violation of Education Code Section 76224(a).
   2. Day: Unless otherwise provided, day shall mean a day during which the District is in session and regular classes are held, excluding Saturdays and Sundays.
   3. Grievance: A complaint related to the exercise of rights of free expression protected by state and federal constitutions and Education Code Section 76120; infringement of any right specifically granted to the student by a duly established District rule or regulation; or grade dispute that qualifies under Education Code Section 76224(a). No other issues qualify as a grievance.
   4. Grievant: The student who is filing a grievance.
   5. Hearing Officer: The Superintendent/President shall appoint a Hearing Officer to assist students with the grievance process, coordinate hearings and/or student grievances (other than academic grade dispute grievance, AP 5530), and train Hearing Panel members to facilitate fair and efficient hearings. The Hearing Officer shall remain neutral. This person may be the Assistant Superintendent/ Vice President of Student Services, or designee, usually the Dean of Counseling and Special Services.
   6. Hearing Panel: A panel that is composed of members appointed in accordance with this procedure.
   7. Non-Participant: A non-participant is any person invited to attend the hearing by either party to the grievance, who may not participate in hearing discussions and only attends as an observer.
   8. Party: The student or any person or persons named as responsible for the student’s alleged grievance together with their representatives. “Party” shall not include the Hearing Panel, the District Hearing Officer or Non-Participants.
   9. Respondent: Any person claimed by a grievant to be responsible for the alleged grievance.
   10. Senator for Student Advocacy: A student appointed by the Associated Student Body Government (ASBG), who may assist the student a grievance policy and in organization of documents, grievance hearing presentation and related materials.
   11. Student: A currently enrolled student, a person who has filed an application for admission, or a former student. A grievance by a non-student applicant (for admission to the College) shall be limited to a complaint regarding denial of admission. Former students shall be limited to grievances relating to course grades to the extent permitted by Education Code Section 76224(a).
   12. Superintendent/President: The Superintendent/President of the San Joaquin Delta Community College District.
   13. Time Limits: For good cause, the Hearing Officer or Panel may adjust time limits described in this procedure.
4. Informal Resolution (Other than Academic Grade Disputes)
   1. A student, believed to have been adversely affected by the act of a professor, administrator or other staff of the District, must make a reasonable, good faith attempt to resolve the matter within ten (10) days of the alleged act. To this end, the student shall complete a Grievance Mediation Form (Form 5535, available on the District’s Student Services Webpage) and then attempt to discuss the matter with the staff member involved, or with the staff member’s immediate supervisor, or the District administrator in charge of the program or department, usually a Dean or Director. Note: unless the student timely files a Grievance Mediation Form, the student shall be precluded from pursing a formal resolution of the grievance as provided below.
   2. An equitable solution should be attempted before persons directly involved in the case have stated official positions that might tend to polarize the dispute and render a solution more difficult. At no time shall any of the persons directly or indirectly involved in the case use the fact of such informal discussion, the fact that a grievance has been filed, or the character of the informal discussion to strengthen the case for or against persons directly involved in the dispute, or for any purpose other than the settlement of the informal grievance
   3. In the case of grievances related to Section A.1. Violation of the exercise of rights of free expression protected by state and federal constitutions and Education Code Section 76120, and/or Section A.2. Infringement of any right specifically granted to the student by a duly established District rule or regulation:
   4. The District’s Hearing Officer shall facilitate informal meetings and discussion between persons directly involved in a grievance at the outset of a dispute. In an attempt to resolve a grievance informally, the student may seek the assistance of the Associated Student Body Government’s (ASBG’s) Senator of Student Advocacy.
   5. In the case of grievances related to Section A.3., Academic Grade Disputes, the student must first request a grade change by completing a Petition for Change to Academic Record (AP 4231) within one year from the end of the term in which the grade was received. (Refer to AP 4231, Education Code 76224, Title 5 Section 55052 for further details.) If the student has completed this process, see Section J. of this procedure.
5. Formal Resolution (Other than Academic Grade Disputes)
   1. The burden shall be upon the grievant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the facts alleged are true and that a grievance has been established as specified in this procedure.
   2. A Grievance Mediation Form (Form 5535 available on the District’s Student Services Webpage) shall be filed by the student with the Hearing Officer within ten (10) days of the date that the student knew or should have known of the basis of the grievance. Failure of the student to file the completed grievance form within the specified time period shall constitute a waiver of any right to further proceedings.
   3. Within ten (10) days following receipt of the Grievance Mediation Form, the Hearing Officer shall advise the student of his or her rights and responsibilities under these procedures.
   4. If, at the end of five (5) days following the student’s first meeting with the Hearing Officer, there is no resolution of the complaint which is satisfactory to the student, the student shall have the right to request a grievance hearing, by completing a Request for Grievance Hearing Form (Form 5540 available on the District’s Student Services Webpage) and submit it to the Hearing Officer.
   5. The Hearing Officer will perform a preliminary review of the Request for a Grievance Hearing to determine if the student has met the conditions to pursue a formal hearing.
   6. If the Hearing Officer determines that any of the grounds for a grievance have has not been satisfied, the Hearing Officer will notify the student in writing that the request for a grievance hearing has been rejected, and state the specific reason(s) for the rejection.
   7. If the Hearing Officer determines that all the conditions for a grievance hearing have been met, the Hearing Officer shall notify the student of the hearing date, time and location at least two (2) days in advance of the hearing. At this time, the person(s) against whom the grievance is filed shall be notified of the status of the grievance, and shall be given a copy of the Grievance Mediation and Request for Grievance Hearing forms, along with any other documentation that has been provided.
6. Determination to Grant or Deny a Request for Grievance Hearing (Other than Academic Grade Disputes)
   1. The formal hearing shall be held within fifteen (15) days after a formal request for a hearing is received. Within ten (10) days following receipt of the Request for Grievance Hearing, the Hearing Officer shall notify the Hearing Panel members.
   2. At a regularly scheduled meeting of the Hearing Panel, the panel shall first meet in private, without the parties present, to review the Request for Grievance Hearing form, and determine if there are sufficient grounds for a hearing based on the following:
      1. The grievant is a student as defined in these procedures, which include applicants and former students;
      2. The statement contains facts which, if true, would constitute a grievance under these procedures;
      3. The grievant is personally and directly affected by the alleged grievance;
      4. The grievance was filed in a timely manner;
      5. The grievance clearly is not without foundation and has not been filed for purposes of harassment.
   3. If the Hearing Panel finds that the request satisfies each of the requirements, the Hearing Panel Chair shall notify the parties that the Grievance Hearing will proceed.
   4. If the grievance does not meet each of the requirements, the Hearing Panel Chair shall notify the parities present that the hearing will not proceed. The Hearing Panel Chair will notify the student in writing of the rejection of the Request for a Grievance Hearing, together with the specific reasons for the rejection, and provide the procedures for appeal to the Superintendent/President. This notice will be provided within two (2) days of the date the decision is made by the Grievance Hearing Panel.
   5. Any appeal relating to a Grievance Hearing Panel’s decision that the Statement of Grievance does not present a grievance as defined in these procedures, shall be made in writing to the Superintendent/President within five (5) days of that decision. The Superintendent/President shall review the Statement of Grievance and Request for Grievance Hearing in accordance with the requirements for a grievance provided in these procedures, but shall not consider any other matters. The Superintendent/President’s decision whether or not to grant a grievance hearing shall be final and not subject to further appeal.
7. Request for Hearing Panel (Other than Academic Grade Grievance)
   1. At the beginning of the academic year, the Superintendent/President, the presidents of the Academic Senate, Management Senate, Classified Senate, and Associated Student Body Government (ASBG) shall each establish a list of at least five (5) persons who will serve on Disciplinary Appeal Hearing Panels (AP 5520) and/or Student Grievance Hearing Panels (AP 5530), (other than an Academic Grade Grievances). Those who accept appointment to serve on hearing panels, agree to be available when a hearing panel is convened. Members will serve a term of two years.
   2. Hearing Panels for a Grievance (other than an Academic Grade grievance) shall be composed of one (1) Superintendent/President appointee, one (1) administrator, one (1) faculty member, one (1) classified staff member, and one (1) student. The Hearing Officer shall compose (5) five-member Hearing Panels from the names on these lists described above and shall designate who shall act as chair of the panel.
   3. When a student’s grievance is related to an Academic grade dispute the Hearing Panel will be formed per Section J. of this procedure.
      1. No administrator, faculty, classified member or student shall serve on any hearing panel who has any personal involvement in the matter to be decided, who is a necessary witness, or who could not otherwise act in a neutral manner. Any party to the grievance may challenge for cause any member of the Grievance Hearing Panel prior to the beginning of the hearing by addressing a written challenge to the Hearing Officer, who shall determine whether cause for disqualification has been shown.
      2. If the Hearing Officer finds that sufficient grounds for removal of a member of the panel have been presented, the panel member shall be removed and a new member designated.
      3. The Hearing Officer shall coordinate scheduling of hearings; and shall assist all parties and the Hearing Panel to facilitate a fair and efficient resolution of the grievance. The Hearing Officer will not participate in the hearing, but will be available for questions and clarification of process.
      4. The District Hearing Officer shall remain neutral.
   4. Hearing Panel Training: Members appointed to serve on Disciplinary Appeal or Student Grievance Hearing Panels shall be regularly trained on responsibilities; including the requirements of Board Policy and Administrative Procedures in the area of student discipline, student grievances, effective hearing protocol, roles and responsibilities of panel members and the chair, and other issues bearing upon the integrity and effectiveness of these Hearing Panels.
8. Grievance Hearing Procedure (Other than Academic Grade Disputes)
   The Hearing Panel Chair shall maintain an orderly meeting and permit no person to be subjected to abusive treatment. In this regard, the Hearing Panel Chair may eject or exclude any person who refuses to be orderly. The decision of the Hearing Panel Chair shall be final on all matters relating to the conduct of the hearing unless there is a vote of a majority of the other members of the panel to the contrary.
   1. The members of the Hearing Panel shall be provided with a copy of the Statement of Grievance and Request for Grievance Hearing Form, all evidence, statements, reports, and any written response provided by the respondent before the hearing begins.
   2. Each party to the grievance may call witnesses and introduce oral and written testimony relevant to the issues of the matter.
   3. Formal rules of evidence shall not apply. Any relevant evidence may be admitted if it is the sort of evidence upon which reasonable persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of serious affairs regardless of the existence of any common law or statutory rule which might otherwise exclude such evidence.
   4. Unless the Hearing Panel determines to proceed otherwise, each party to the grievance shall be permitted to make an opening statement. Thereafter, the grievant shall make the first presentation followed by the respondent(s). The grievant may present rebuttal evidence after the respondent(s)’ evidence. The burden shall be on the grievant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the facts alleged are true and that a grievance has been established as specified above.
   5. Each party to the grievance may represent him or herself, and may be represented by a person of his or her choice. The Hearing Panel may also request legal assistance through the Superintendent/President’s office. Any legal advisor provided to the Hearing Panel may sit with the panel in an advisory capacity to provide legal counsel but shall not be a member of the panel nor vote with it.
   6. Grievance Hearings shall be closed and confidential unless all parties request that it be open to the public. Any such request shall be made no less than five (5) days prior to the date of the hearing. The Grievance Hearing Panel may approve or deny such a request.
   7. Non-party witnesses shall not be present at the hearing when not testifying unless all parties and the Grievance Hearing Panel agree to the contrary.
   8. The District shall record the hearing either by audio or stenographic recording. This shall be the only official recording made of the hearing. No witness who refuses to be recorded may be permitted to give testimony. In the event the recording is by audio recording, the Hearing Panel Chair shall, at the beginning of the hearing, ask each person present to identify themselves by name and, thereafter, ask witnesses to identify themselves by name. The audio recording shall remain in the custody of the District at all times, unless released to a professional transcribing or copying service. The student may request a copy of the recording. If the District causes the recording to be transcribed, the District shall provide a copy of the transcription to the student after receipt of the completed transcription by the District. However, the District is under no obligation to cause the recording to be transcribed.
   9. All testimony shall be taken under oath. The oath shall be administered by the Hearing Panel Chair or court reporter. Written statements of witnesses under penalty of perjury shall not be used unless the witness is unavailable to testify, as determined by the Hearing Panel Chair. A witness who refuses to be audio recorded shall not be considered to be unavailable. In other words, mere refusal by a witness to be recorded is not an acceptable excuse for submitting written testimony.
   10. Within ten (10) days following the close of the hearing, the Hearing Panel Chair shall prepare and send to the Superintendent/President a written recommendation by the Panel. The recommendation shall include specific factual findings regarding the grievance and include specific conclusions regarding whether a grievance has been established as defined above, and shall include a specific recommendation regarding the relief to be afforded the grievant, if any. The recommendation shall be based only on the record of the hearing and not on matters outside of that record. The record consists of the original grievance, any written response, and the oral and written evidence produced at the hearing.
9. Superintendent/President’s Decision (Other than Academic Grade Disputes)
   1. Within ten (10) days following receipt of the Grievance Hearing Panel’s recommendation(s), the Superintendent/President shall send to all parties his or her written decision, together with the Hearing Panel’s recommendations. The Superintendent/President may accept or reject the recommendation(s) of the Hearing Panel. The factual findings of the Hearing Panel shall be accorded great weight. If the Superintendent/President does not accept the recommendation(s) of the Hearing Panel, the Superintendent/President shall review the record of the hearing and prepare a new written decision which contains specific factual findings and conclusions. The Superintendent/President’s decision shall be final.
10. Academic Grade Dispute Grievance - Informal Resolution.
    1. A student shall first challenge a grade by completing a Petition for Change to Academic Record (AP 4231) and provide documentation to support the request. The petition will be sent to the professor for review and input. Once the professor responds, the student will be notified via student email by the Director of Admissions, Records and Registration. Only one Petition for Change to Academic Record (grade change petition) is allowed per course (AP 4231, EC 76224, Title 5 Section 55025) and must be submitted within one year from the end of the term in which the grade was received. (Refer to AP 4231, EC 76224, Title 5 Section 55025 for further details.) .
    2. A student who believes a final course grade was assigned due to mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetence, EC 76224(a), must meet first with the faculty member to resolve his or her concern.
       1. If meeting with the professor does not resolve the issue, the student may obtain a Grievance Mediation Form (Form 5535) from the Division Dean of the course of study. The student will return the completed Grievance Mediation Form to the applicable Division Dean with a specific statement of the alleged wrong-doing, the name of the faculty member, name of the course, and the nature of relief sought by the grievant. The burden shall be upon the grievant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the facts alleged are true and that a grievance has been established.
       2. The Division Dean may schedule a meeting of all parties concerned, if appropriate. The Division Dean shall make a recommendation to the parties within ten (10) instructional days.
11. Academic Grade Dispute Grievance - Formal Resolution
    1. If either party is dissatisfied with the recommendation of the Division Dean, he or she may appeal the matter to the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction, or designee, within ten (10) days of the Division Dean’s recommendation by submitting a Request for Grievance Hearing Form (Form 5540, available on the District’s Student Services Webpage). The burden shall be upon the grievant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the facts alleged are true and that a grievance has been established.
    2. Upon receiving the student’s request for a formal Grade Dispute Grievance Hearing, the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction or designee will review the request to determine whether the Request for a Grievance Hearing presents sufficient grounds for a hearing. Grade grievances are only allowed to the extent permitted by Education Code Section 76224(a) which provides, When grades are given for any course of instruction taught in a community college district, the grade given to each student shall be the grade determined by the professor of the course and the determination of the student’s grade by the professor, in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency, shall be final.
       1. Mistake may include, but is not limited to, unintentional errors or omissions made by a professor in calculating a student’s grade, and/or clerical errors.
       2. Fraud An intentional perversion of the truth for the purpose of inducing another to part with something valuable or to surrender a legal right.
       3. Bad Faith Synonymous with fraud, neglect, or refusal to fulfill some duty or contractual obligation, not prompted by an honest mistake as to one’s rights or duties.
       4. Incompetence Lack of ability, legal qualification, or fitness to discharge a required duty.
    3. If the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction or designee determines that the grounds for a Grade Dispute Grievance have not been satisfied, the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction or designee will notify the student in writing within then (10) days of the determination that the grievance has been rejected, and state the specific reason(s) for the rejection.
    4. If it is determined that there are sufficient grounds, the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction or designee shall notify the student in writing and convene a Hearing Panel within fifteen (15) days of the determination, in accordance with the following:
       1. California Teachers’ Association (CTA) contract language states in Article XVI- Evaluation of Faculty, 16.1.3 Definitions, 16.1.1., Authorized evaluators include Division Deans, Directors, Immediate Supervisors, Deans, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction, and outside evaluators.
       2. Therefore, only the administrative positions listed above shall have authority to evaluate whether or not a faculty member made a mistake, committed fraud, bad faith, or was incompetent in assigning a grade. Thus, the Hearing Panel for Academic Grade Dispute Grievance hearings shall be composed of the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction, the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services, an Instructional Dean and the Division Dean/immediate supervisor of the faculty member.
    5. Within five (5) days following the close of the hearing, the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction or designee shall prepare and send a written recommendation of the Panel to the Superintendent/President. The recommendation shall include specific factual findings regarding the grade dispute, and include specific conclusions regarding whether a grade dispute has been established, and include a specific recommendation regarding the relief to be afforded the grievant, if any. The recommendation shall be based only on the record of the hearing and not on matters outside of that record. The record consists of the original grade dispute consisting of the Grievance Mediation Form, the Request for Grievance Hearing Form, any written response, and the oral and written evidence produced at the hearing.
    6. The Superintendent/President shall review the recommendation of the panel. The Superintendent/President shall make a written decision within ten (10) instructional days and notify the parties involved.
    7. The Superintendent/President’s decision shall be final.

(AP 5530 5/14/14)