The following section is packed with key information to help students make the most of their time at FIDM. We recommend that students carefully review it and refer any questions or concerns to their Advisor.

Admissions Process

Whenever possible, campus visits and personal interviews are encouraged for all candidates. However, out-of-state students may interview by telephone and apply online. International students should develop a relationship with an Admissions Advisor by email and apply online at FIDM.edu.

1. Submission of high school/secondary school transcript(s) and, if applicable, all college/ university transcripts. All candidates must possess or be a candidate for a high school/ secondary school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).

2. Submission of Admissions Essay (2 pages maximum) Contact the Office of Admissions or access admissions essay information at FIDM.edu

3. Submission of two recommendations from professionals such as faculty, counselors, school administrators, or employers.

4. Submission of portfolio/entrance project requirement for all majors. Contact the Office of Admissions or access portfolio/entrance project requirements at FIDM.edu

5. Submission of $25 initial application fee and a final application fee of $200 due upon acceptance (non-refundable fees).

ADMISSION TO THE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE PROGRAMS

Limited to high school graduates, applicants with strong GED test scores, or students who are transferring prior to obtaining a degree from another college.

ADMISSION TO THE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION DEGREE PROGRAMS

Limited to candidates who have a U.S. accredited degree or a certified international degree and wish to add a new field of specialization. Information about specific prerequisite coursework and approved professional experience may be obtained from the Office of Admissions.

ADMISSION TO THE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS ADVANCED STUDY DEGREE PROGRAMS

Limited to candidates who possess a prior academic degree from FIDM in a related discipline.

ADMISSION TO THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AND BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE PROGRAMS

Admission to the B.S. and B.A. programs is limited to graduates who have a prior FIDM Associate of Arts degree completed in good standing and have demonstrated a strong academic performance. Admission to the B.A. Professional Studies program is limited to graduates who have a prior FIDM Associate of Arts degree and a prior FIDM Associate of Arts Advanced Study degree. The application process for a Bachelor's degree includes an admissions essay and recommendations from professionals such as faculty, staff, or employers. A meeting/interview with the Department Chairperson may also be required. For further information, contact the Student Advisement Office.

ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DEGREE PROGRAM

Admission to the MBA program is limited to graduates who have a prior Associate of Arts degree from FIDM and a Bachelor's degree from FIDM or another accredited college or university. Students without an undergraduate Business Degree will complete the PreMBA Foundation coursework before starting the MBA coursework. With approval from the Department Chair, students with an undergraduate degree in Business Management and a strong academic background may go directly into the MBA coursework. The application process for a Master's degree includes an admissions essay and recommendations from professionals such as faculty, staff, or employers. A meeting/interview with the Department Chairperson may also be required. For further information, contact the Student Advisement Office.

OUT-OF-STATE ADMISSIONS

Students residing outside of the State of California may waive the requirement of a personal interview by contacting an out-of-state Admissions Advisor (by telephone, in writing, or online) to arrange for a telephone interview. A final application fee of $200 is due upon acceptance (non-refundable fee); a $150 fee is due after acceptance.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS

International students may apply online at FIDM.edu The following additional requirements may need to be satisfied by international students:

1. Developmental Writing Classes FIDM offers a transitional writing course entitled Developmental Writing which focuses upon grammar and structural elements or conventions in written communication and prepares students for Writing Skills. Placement into this course is typically based upon a TOEFL score or a writing sample and the EPT (English Placement Test) administered by FIDM.

2. TOEFL Applicants whose first language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a TOEFL equivalency test (check with an Admissions Advisor). The minimum TOEFL score for admission to FIDM is 65 Internet-based or 183 computer-based. FIDM's TOEFL school code is #4457.

3. Transcripts All international transcripts must be translated and may require an educational evaluation by an official agency.

4. Letter of Financial Support FIDM is on the approved list of the U.S. Department of Justice for non-immigrant students and is authorized to issue certificates of eligibility (Form I-20). International students are required to supply a bank statement verifying that they are able to meet their financial obligations. International students residing out of the U.S. are not required to attend personal interviews. International students should not depend on part-time employment for financial support while attending college. Industry experience may be gained by applying for practical training during the second year of enrollment.

Financial Aid

FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

FIDM offers several different types of financial assistance. Students may apply for federal and state grants and loans, merit- and talent-based scholarships, workstudy programs, and browse Career Center listings for part-time employment. FIDM is also a Military Friendly school and accepts most VA (Veterans Affairs) education benefits for veterans, spouses, and dependents. FIDM's Financial Aid, Admissions, Student Advisement, and Scholarship Foundation offices can provide guidance in applying for these types of aid. In addition, applicants should consult their high school counselors about any grants or scholarships that may be available. Local, state, and national scholarship competitions provide many scholarship opportunities. Employers and fraternal, alumni, and civic organizations with which the students or their parents are affiliated may be another source of financial assistance and should be explored. While applicants are encouraged to seek grants and scholarships, students should not rely upon them as the sole means of financing their education. Additional information can be found in the Financial Aid & Scholarships section on FIDM.edu. For more information about scholarship opportunities, visit the FIDM Scholarship Foundation website: fidmscholarshipfoundation.org. Also, if students have been accepted for admission to FIDM, additional FAQs can be found on the FIDM Portal myfidm.fidm.edu

Government Aid Programs

FEDERAL PELL GRANT

Money received from this program is a grant and does not have to be repaid. Aid is disbursed quarterly. This program is designed to provide financial assistance for students determined by the federal government guidelines to have financial need.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY GRANT (SEOG)

This grant is available to students who demonstrate extreme financial need and is used to supplement aid from other assistance programs. Funding received from this program does not need to be repaid. Aid is distributed quarterly.

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM

Aid received from this program consists of wages paid for work. Earnings are not applied to the student's account at FIDM. Students interested in participating in this program must contact FIDM's Financial Services Office.

FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN

This is a federal loan for students who demonstrate extreme financial need and is used to supplement aid from other programs. Repayment begins nine months after the student leaves college.

FEDERAL SUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOAN

This is a federal loan based on financial need and borrowed from the government. The federal government pays interest on the loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Repayment of the loan begins six months after the student leaves college or drops below half-time attendance.

FEDERAL UNSUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOAN

This loan is not based on financial need and the same process as the Subsidized Stafford loan determines eligibility. The terms of the loan are similar to the Subsidized Stafford loan; however, the student is responsible for the interest during in-school and deferment periods. The annual limits for Stafford loans can be found at: studentaid.ed.gov/types/loans.

FEDERAL PLUS LOAN

This program assists parents without adverse credit in borrowing for their dependent student's educational expenses. A credit worthy co-borrower may cosign the PLUS loan with the parent.

VETERANS EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

FIDM is approved to participate in a number of programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Information regarding eligibility for the veterans educational programs may be obtained by calling the toll-free number 1.888.GI.BILL.1 (1.888.442.4551) to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor or by visiting the website at gibill.va.gov. Additional information about the application process for VA Educational benefits can be found in FIDM's Veterans Information Bulletin (VIB) which may be obtained from the Registrar or the Financial Aid Office at FIDM, or at the Financial Aid & Scholarships section on FIDM.edu

CALIFORNIA STATE AID PROGRAMS

The following programs require California state residency:CAL GRANT A This grant provides tuition & fee assistance to low- and middle-income students. Eligibility is based on financial need and academic qualifications.CAL GRANT B This grant provides assistance for access and tuition & fees to disadvantaged and low-income students. Eligibility is based on financial need and academic qualifications.CAL GRANT C This grant provides assistance with tuition & fees and books & supplies to career-oriented low-and middle-income students. Eligibility is based on financial need.The annual deadline to apply for Cal Grants is March 2.

GRANT & SCHOLARSHIP SOURCES FOR OUT-OF-STATE STUDENTS

Aid programs from states other than California can be found at the following website: wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov Programs/EROD/org_list.cfm?category_ID=SHE. In most instances, state grants/scholarships are only usable in the states in which they are awarded. Government aid, other than earnings from workstudy employment, is disbursed quarterly. Federaland state-funded programs are based on legislative action, and funding and eligibility requirements are subject to change. For current financial aid eligibility requirements and additional information regarding program availability, applicants should refer to the FIDM Student Consumer Handbook in the Tuition and Financial Aid section of FIDM's website.

Private & Institutional Scholarships

Scholarship information can be found in the Financial Aid & Scholarships section of FIDM's website. For more information about scholarship opportunities, visit the FIDM Scholarship Foundation website fidmscholarshipfoundation.org. Also, if students have been accepted for admission to FIDM, additional FAQs can be found on the FIDM Portal myfidm.fidm.edu

General Guidelines for Financial Aid

Federal aid programs are awarded on an award-year basis, beginning July 1 and ending June 30, so an applicant may need to apply for aid more than once during an academic or calendar year. Important: The Federal Aid application is made available and can be submitted in October of each year. The same application is used by California residents to apply for the California State Grant programs. The filing deadline for Cal Grants is March 2. Students receiving any type of financial aid must make satisfactory progress toward the completion of a specific educational program. Failure to do so will result in the termination of financial aid eligibility for the program. Student eligibility for a maximum award requires full-time (minimum 12 units per quarter) attendance at the college. Federal financial aid is available for only one repeat of a specific course in which a grade of D- or better was received. Some aid types are given on a first-come, first-served basis. All financial aid documents must be completed before the student may register for classes.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

It is the student's responsibility to ensure that processing of the financial aid package is complete before clearance for registration. It is FIDM's responsibility to administer assistance programs as to insure strict compliance with regulations governing financial aid. To be considered for financial aid, students must first notify their Admissions Advisor, Student Advisor, or the Financial Aid Office directly of their intent to apply for financial assistance. It is the student's responsibility to complete and return all documents requested by the Student Financial Services Office. Applicants should check the status of their financial aid application on the FIDM Portal.

APPLICATIONS AND FORMS REQUIRED

All Financial Aid documents and applications can be obtained through guidance found on FIDM's Portal. Once students have requested financial aid after meeting with their Admissions Advisor, they may visit the Finance section (under the Student Services tab) on the FIDM Portal and go to the "What documents are still due?" section for detailed information. The FIDM Portal is found at myfidm.fidm.edu/wps/portal Students applying for assistance from the California aid programs or the Federal aid programs (Pell, SEOG, Perkins Loan, Work Study, and Stafford and PLUS Loans) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application can be accessed at fafsa.ed.gov To apply for a federal loan (Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans), visit the Direct Loan website at studentloans.gov. This site will allow students, parents, and endorsers to complete the steps for the loan application process, including: – Master Promissory Note (MPN) – Parent PLUS loan request – Endorsing a parent PLUS loan The student and parent borrower confirms the type and amount of their loan(s) on FIDM's Stafford or PLUS Authorization form. This form is accessed via the FIDM Portal as part of the financial aid documentation process. Students are advised to carefully review aid applications for deadline dates and any special requirements/instructions.

FEDERAL AID ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for assistance from the Federal Perkins, Federal Pell, Federal Work Study, Federal SEOG, Federal Stafford, and Federal Parent PLUS programs the student must:– Be admitted as a regular student. – Be enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, in an eligible program on at least a half-time basis. – Meet citizenship requirements, or eligible non-citizen requirements. – Have a valid Social Security number. – Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). – Maintain satisfactory progress in their course of study. – Not be in default on any type of Federal Student Loan (Perkins, Stafford or PLUS loans) received at any college. – Not owe a refund on a Federal Pell or Federal SEOG received at any college. – Meet current requirements for selective service. – Complete required loan entrance counseling before federal loans can be disbursed. Aid from the Federal Perkins, Federal SEOG, and Federal Work Study programs will be given on a "first come, first served" basis. Because funding is very limited, students who apply late or fail to provide documentation to substantiate need will not receive assistance from these programs.

NON-CITIZEN ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

NON-CITIZEN ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA To be eligible for federal aid programs, students must be either U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Eligible non-citizens (e.g., Permanent Residents) may be asked to provide a copy of approved documentation to determine citizenship eligibility before any estimated financial aid is awarded at the college. If primary confirmation is not received through the Federal Government, a secondary confirmation from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) will be required. California resident students who do not qualify as eligible non-citizens for federal aid purposes may be eligible for a Cal Grant via the California Dream Act. The California Dream Act Application must be submitted by the March 2 deadline. More information can be found at csac.ca.gov/dream_act.asp

FEDERAL COLLEGE WORK STUDY (FWS)

The Federal College Work Study program is a needbased program that provides employment assistance to eligible students working in FWS-approved positions. The student applying for FWS funds is responsible for completing all necessary employment forms before beginning work. Students accepting employment in the Federal College Work-Study Program are responsible for performing their work in a satisfactory manner. FWS employees must arrive at work on time and comply with reasonable employer requirements. During periods of enrollment student FWS recipients should not work more than 20 hours per week. The amount of a Federal College Work Study (FWS) award is an estimate based on the student's anticipated earnings during an academic year. Actual FWS earnings will depend on the hours worked by the student. An FWS award cannot be applied toward a student's FIDM account. Paychecks are issued to work-study recipients every two weeks, and checks are made payable to the student.

METHOD & FREQUENCY OF FINANCIAL AID PAYMENTS

Other than FWS wages, all financial aid will be credited to the student's tuition account. All forms of federal and state financial assistance are disbursed quarterly. Generally, private loans are disbursed quarterly but in some cases may be made in one disbursement. Students will receive a payment from FIDM if the financial aid disbursed in a quarter exceeds the institutional costs attributed to that quarter. Students and parents who borrow federal loans will receive a notification of each disbursement from the school. If the student or parent borrower wishes to cancel all or a portion of a loan, he or she must inform staff in the Student Financial Services Department within 14 days of the date of the notification.

STUDENT EXPENSE BUDGET

Average cost-of-living expenses are based on surveys completed by FIDM Students to compute the student's cost of attendance (student expense budget). The budget takes into consideration the following: – Tuition and fees – Room and board – Books and supplies – Transportation expenses – Personal and miscellaneous costs Standard costs of room and board, transportation and miscellaneous expenses for a 9-month academic year are: STUDENTS LIVING AT HOME Room / board Transportation Miscellaneous TOTAL $5,436 $2,043 + $2,142 $9,621 $700 for travel expenses is included for Out-ofState Students. When computing their expected cost of attendance, students should use these figures merely as a guide. Tuition/fees and book/supplies costs will be shown in the student's Schedule of Payments.

DETERMINING AID ELIGIBILITY

FIDM uses Federal Methodology to assess financial need (i.e. cost of attendance minus the federally calculated expected family contribution). TENTATIVE PACKAGE EXAMPLE Cost of Attendance* Expected Family Contribution NEED AID PACKAGE Pell Federal Stafford subsidized loan Federal Stafford unsubsidized loan TOTAL AID PACKAGE (UNMET NEED) $49,227 - $999 $48,228 $4,780 $3,500 + $6,000 $14,280 ($33,948) *This is one example of tuition/fees, books/ supplies, room/board, transportation/expenses, and personal/miscellaneous expenses. All figures with the exception of actual tuition/fees and books/supplies costs are obtained from FIDM Student Surveys.

CRITERIA FOR CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY

Students must be enrolled and be making satisfactory progress in order to receive aid funds. Registration will be checked before aid funds are disbursed. Full time enrollment at FIDM is considered to be a minimum of 12 units per quarter. Federal Pell and Cal Grant awards will be prorated for a student who initially registers full time and subsequently drops below full time enrollment. To maintain eligibility for Title IV Loans, students must maintain at least halftime attendance. Please contact the Student Financial Services Department for specifics. Students are responsible for reapplying for financial assistance on a timely basis. The federal financial aid award year begins each July 1st. Aid applications are made available to students beginning in October for the following financial aid year. Students returning from a Leave of Absence must contact their Student Advisor prior to their return to determine if they need to reapply for aid. Students meeting all program requirements will be considered to be eligible aid recipients.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Requirements

Students receiving federal financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in accordance with FIDM's SAP policy. A student who does not meet SAP standards is subject to loss of financial aid. The standards for financial aid SAP are stricter than those for students who do not receive financial aid.

FINANCIAL AID SAP STANDARDS

SAP is monitored periodically during the program of study. At each monitoring period, the student must meet SAP standards in three areas: 1. GPA 2. Unit completion 3. Pace

GPA: A student in an undergraduate program must maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. A student in the Master's program must maintain a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Unit completion: A student must successfully complete a minimum number of units at each monitoring point. See the chart on the next page for examples of unit completion standards for some programs.

Pace: A student must successfully complete a minimum of 67% of the units attempted on a cumulative basis. For financial aid SAP purposes, "units attempted" are defined as units for classes for which the student has a grade at the completion of a quarter, with the exception of the classes Math Skills, Writing Skills and Financial Skills Workshop. Units for classes dropped prior to the deadline to drop in a quarter are not considered attempted, but units for a class with a grade of "W" are considered as units attempted. "Successfully completed" units are units for classes with grades of "A", "B", "C", "D" or "P". Units considered to be not successfully completed are units for classes with grades of "F" or "W". Units for classes with a grade of "I" can be either successful or not, depending on the eventual resolution of the incomplete.

MONITORING PERIOD

Except as noted*, a student's financial aid SAP will be monitored at the completion of three quarters of attendance (once per academic year). To be in compliance with SAP standards, the student must meet all three components of SAP at the point of monitoring, meaning the student must: 1) Have successfully completed at least 67% of the units they have attempted, 2) Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, (3.0 for Master's) and 3) Have successfully completed the minimum number of units during the monitoring period. A student who is not meeting all of these standards is subject to SAP disciplinary action. * Exception for students enrolled in the Master's program. A student's financial aid SAP will be monitored at the completion of two quarters of attendance. * Exception for students enrolled in a 3 quarter Professional Designation or Advanced AA Program. The SAP for students in a program of study of three quarters or less will be monitored on a quarterly basis. If a student in one of these programs fails to meet SAP standards, they will be placed on "Financial Aid Warning" status. A student in "Warning" status may receive financial aid for one additional quarter. If the student fails to meet SAP standards in that additional quarter, they are subject to SAP disciplinary actions as described in the next section.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

A student who has not met all of the financial aid standards and who wants to retain financial aid eligibility must appeal their SAP determination. If the student does not appeal, the student will lose their financial aid eligibility in the quarter immediately following the period of monitoring. For example, if the student is determined to have not met SAP standards at the end of their third quarter of attendance and does not appeal that determination, the student loses their aid eligibility beginning with their fourth quarter of attendance. Likewise, if the student appeals and the appeal is not approved, the student loses their eligibility for aid in the first quarter following the period of monitoring. The school will notify the student if the outcome of the review of the appeal affects the student's aid eligibility. A student who appeals their SAP standing may regain their financial aid eligibility only after the appeal has been reviewed and approved by FIDM staff. In some cases, adherence to an academic plan may be required for the student to regain their aid eligibility. An academic plan is specific to the individual student, and may require the student to successfully follow a schedule of specific coursework, unit loads, etc. If a student's SAP appeal is approved, they are considered to be on "SAP Probation" status, and are eligible for one additional quarter of financial aid eligibility. If the student's SAP appeal is approved and requires adherence to an academic plan, the student will retain financial aid eligibility as long as the student meets the terms of the plan. If a student who is on SAP Probation subject to the terms of an academic plan meets the minimum SAP requirements at a standard monitoring period, the SAP probation status can be removed at the discretion of FIDM financial aid staff. Should a student meet the terms of their financial aid academic plan but nonetheless be placed on FIDM academic disqualification or academic dismissal, the student would also be considered to be disqualified for financial aid purposes. If the student is allowed to return to school after academic dismissal or academic disqualification, a new SAP appeal and academic plan would be required.

APPEAL PROCEDURES

Students who have not met SAP standards at the point of monitoring (and are not entitled to "Financial Aid Warning" status) will lose their eligibility for financial aid. The student will receive a communication from the Financial Aid Office with instructions on how to appeal. The student must follow all the instructions, including the time frame for return of the appeal form. The appeal form must be returned to the Financial Aid Office at the student's campus of attendance, unless otherwise directed. FIDM Staff will review and respond to the appeal. The response will inform the student if: 1. The appeal has been accepted and aid has been reinstated 2. The appeal has been accepted and aid has been reinstated subject to the student's successful adherence to the terms of an academic plan, OR 3. The appeal has been denied and the student has been disqualified from receiving further aid.

SUBSEQUENT APPEAL

FIDM staff may accept a subsequent SAP appeal from a student who has failed to meet the terms of an Academic Plan. A subsequent appeal will only be approved if the student has encountered challenges in addition to those on which an original appeal was approved. A revised Academic Plan would be created. To maintain financial aid eligibility, the student would then need to meet the terms of that new Plan.

COURSE INCOMPLETES

For purposes of pace, units for a class with a grade of "I" are counted as units attempted but not completed. For purposes of unit completion, units for a class with a grade of "I" are counted as units successfully completed. If the grade is changed prior to the final SAP monitoring for the previous quarter, appropriate action will be taken, depending on the changed grade (SAP status will be changed to warning, suspension, disqualification, "OK", or no action if the SAP status is not affected). If the grade is changed after the final SAP monitoring for the previous quarter, the student's SAP will be monitored as usual at the next monitoring marker.

COURSE WITHDRAWALS

Grades for classes with a grade of "W" are not included in the calculation of GPA. Units for classes with a grade of "W" are counted as attempted but not successfully completed for purposes of pace. For purposes of unit completion, classes with a grade of "W" are considered not successfully completed.

QUARTERS OF NON-ATTENDANCE

Quarters of non-attendance are not included in SAP monitoring. Students are required to meet standards of attendance in addition to standards of SAP. FIDM's policies that limit the number of quarters of non-attendance can be found on page 28 of FIDM's Student Consumer Handbook for 2016-17.

COURSE REPETITIONS

If a student repeats a class for which they received a "D" or an "F", in subsequent SAP monitoring the original grade will not be counted in the GPA calculation, but the pace and unit completion calculations will include the units for the original grade. If a student repeats a class for which they received a grade of "C-" or better, SAP will be monitored normally as if the class was not a repeat. However, a student who repeats a class for which they received a passing grade ("D-" or better) may only receive federal financial aid for one repeat of that class.

CHANGES OF MAJOR

A change of major within a program (for example, a student in a two-year AA program changes major from Fashion Design to Product Development) will often result in an increase in the length of time required for completion of the program. In those situations, FIDM will recalculate the unit completion requirements for the new length of time. The student will be held to that new unit completion requirement, as well as the existing Pace and GPA requirements.

TRANSFER OF CREDIT FROM PREVIOUS INSTITUTIONS

For purposes of the measurement of pace, credit accepted in transfer from previous colleges is counted as both units attempted and units completed. The student's GPA at FIDM is not affected by transfer units. For purposes of the measurement of unit completion, credit accepted in transfer from previous colleges is counted as successfully completed units.

REESTABLISHING AID ELIGIBILITY

As described above, a student may retain their aid eligibility by meeting the terms of their academic plan. A student who has been disqualified for reasons of SAP may also regain aid eligibility if they meet the minimum standards of SAP for their program at the next period of monitoring.

Student Loan Information

If a student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund. Students should carefully review the promissory note for any loan which is accepted. The promissory note will give the borrower the legal requirements of the loan and deferment/cancellation provisions. Terms and conditions of federal loan programs may be found at the U.S. Department of Education's website studentaid.ed.gov/types/loans

FEDERAL STUDENT STAFFORD LOAN REPAYMENT

FEDERAL STUDENT STAFFORD LOAN REPAYMENT Questions regarding repayment of a Federal Student Stafford Loan may be directed to the Stafford Repayment Coordinator, at the Los Angeles campus at x4260. See sample Stafford Loan repayment schedule provided (page 203).

FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN REPAYMENT

Questions regarding the repayment of a Federal Perkins Loan may be directed to the Perkins Loan Assistant Director, in the Perkins Loan Department at the Los Angeles campus at x4211. See sample Perkins Loan repayment schedule on page 204. A loan is not a gift — it must be repaid with interest.

FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN EXIT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Federal Loan exit counseling will:

(i) Inform the student borrower of the average anticipated monthly repayment amount based on the student borrower's indebtedness or on the average indebtedness of student borrowers who have obtained Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans, student borrowers who have obtained only Direct PLUS Loans, or student borrowers who have obtained Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, and Direct PLUS Loans, depending on the types of loans the student borrower has obtained, for attendance at the same school or in the same program of study at the same school;

(ii) Review for the student borrower of available repayment plan options, including the standard repayment, extended repayment, graduated repayment, income-contingent repayment plans, and income-based repayment plans, including a description of the different features of each plan and sample information showing the average anticipated monthly payments, and the difference in interest paid and total payments under each plan;

(iii) Explain to the borrower the options to prepay each loan, to pay each loan on a shorter schedule, and to change repayment plans;

(iv) Provide information on the effects of loan consolidation including, at a minimum — (A) The effects of consolidation on total interest to be paid, fees to be paid, and length of repayment; (B) The effects of consolidation on a borrower's underlying loan benefits, including grace periods, loan forgiveness, cancellation, and deferment opportunities; (C) The options of the borrower to prepay the loan and to change repayment plans; and (D) That borrower benefit programs may vary among different lenders;

(v) Include debt management strategies that are designed to facilitate repayment;

(vi) Explain to the student borrower how to contact the party servicing the student borrower's Direct Loans;

(vii) Meet the requirements described in 34 CFR 685.304 (a)(6)(i), (a)(6)(ii), and (a)(6)(iv);

(viii) Describe the likely consequences of default, including adverse credit reports, delinquent debt collection procedures under federal law, and litigation;

(ix) Provide— (A) A general description of the terms and conditions under which a borrower may obtain full or partial forgiveness or discharge of principal and interest, defer repayment of principal or interest, or be granted forbearance on a Title IV loan; and (B) A copy, either in print or by electronic means, of the information the Secretary makes available pursuant to section 485(d) of the HEA;*

(x) Review for the student borrower information on the availability of the Department's Student Loan Ombudsman's office;

(xi) Inform the student borrower of the availability of Title IV loan information in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and how NSLDS can be used to obtain Title IV loan status information;

(xii) Explain to first-time borrowers— (A) How the borrower's maximum eligibility period, remaining eligibility period, and subsidized usage period are determined; (B) The sum of the borrower's subsidized usage periods at the time of the exit counseling; (C) The consequences of continued borrowing or enrollment, including: (1) The possible loss of eligibility for additional Direct Subsidized Loans; and (2) The possibility that the borrower could become responsible for accruing interest on previously received Direct Subsidized Loans and the portion of a Direct Consolidation Loan that repaid a Direct Subsidized Loan during in-school status, the grace period, authorized periods of deferment, and certain periods under the Income-Based Repayment and Pay As You Earn Repayment plans; (D) The impact of the borrower becoming responsible for accruing interest on total student debt; (E) That the Secretary will inform the student borrower of whether he or she is responsible for accruing interest on his or her Direct Subsidized Loans; and (F) That the borrower can access NSLDS to determine whether he or she is responsible for accruing interest on any Direct Subsidized Loans;

(xiii) A general description of the types of tax benefits that may be available to borrowers; and

(xiv) Require the student borrower to provide current information concerning name, address, Social Security number, references, and driver's license number and state of issuance, as well as the student borrower's expected permanent address, the address of the student borrower's next of kin, and the name and address of the student borrower's expected employer (if known).

*Section 485 requires the Secretary (i.e., the Department) to provide "descriptions of federal student assistance programs, including the rights and responsibilities of student and institutional participants," including "information to enable students and prospective students to assess the debt burden and monthly and total repayment obligations" for their loans. Section 485(d) also refers to information: – to enable borrowers to assess the practical consequences of loan consolidation, including differences in deferment eligibility, interest rates, monthly payments, finance charges, and samples of loan consolidation profiles. – concerning the specific terms and conditions under which students may obtain partial or total cancellation or defer repayment of loans for service. – on the maximum level of compensation and allowances that a student borrower may receive from a tax-exempt organization to qualify for a deferment and shall explicitly state that students may qualify for such partial cancellations or deferments when they serve as a paid employee of a tax-exempt organization. – on state and other prepaid tuition programs and savings programs; and disseminates such information to states, eligible institutions, students, and parents in departmental publications.

Cancellation, Withdrawal, & FIDM Refund Policy

When a student cancels (Cancels or Cancellation), withdraws from all classes (Withdraws or Withdrawal), or takes an Unapproved Leave of Absence, it is necessary to make a calculation of the FIDM Refund due to Cancellation or Withdrawal as described, as well as a calculation for Return of Federal Title IV Funds, if the student received federal financial aid. An Approved Leave of Absence occurs when a student leaves for a full quarter with the stated intention to return. An Unapproved Leave of Absence occurs when a student takes a leave during the quarter or takes more than one quarter off within a 12-month period. Requests for all Leaves of Absence must be submitted in writing to the Student Advisement Office prior to the leave.

STUDENT'S RIGHT TO CANCEL 

The student has the right to cancel an enrollment agreement and obtain a refund of institutional charges paid through FIDM's first week of scheduled classes or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later. Within 45 days of a written notice of cancellation, FIDM will refund all institutional charges paid, less the initial and final application fees totaling $225. If a student has been provided with a set of books and supplies, a refund will be made in accordance with FIDM's Refund Policy for Books and Supplies. Cancellation shall occur when the student gives dated, written notice of cancellation to FIDM Admissions Office, 919 South Grand Avenue, Suite 215A, Los Angeles, CA 90015. The written notice of cancellation, if sent by mail, is effective when postmarked.

STUDENT'S RIGHT TO WITHDRAW

A student has the right to withdraw from the College following the cancellation period. Withdrawals include withdrawing from all classes, academic dismissal and academic disqualification and may be effectuated by the student's notice or by the student's conduct, including, but not necessarily limited to, a student's lack of attendance and failure to meet financial obligations to the College. The date on which a student officially notifies the Student Advisement Office of his/her intent to withdraw will be used as the basis for calculating refunds and returns. In the absence of official notification of withdrawal, the withdrawal date will be the last date the College can determine that the student participated in academically related activity.

FIDM REFUND POLICY

Upon withdrawal, FIDM will refund tuition, courserelated resources and most fees, at a prorated amount through the 60% point of each quarter. The initial and final application fees totaling $225 are non-refundable. Once the student has attended past the 60% point of the quarter, no refund will be made for that period. To determine the quarterly amounts on which the refund will be based, tuition, refundable fees, and course-related resources for the total period of enrollment are allocated evenly among the number of quarters in the enrollment period as stated in the agreement ("the quarterly cap"). Should the student return, the refunded tuition will be reinstated. The quarterly cap amount will be the basis for calculating the pro-rata refund for any quarter in which the remaining balance is greater than the cap amount. Upon withdrawal, Books and Supplies are refundable in accordance with FIDM's Refund Policy for Books and Supplies.

FIDM'S REFUND POLICY FOR BOOKS AND SUPPLIES

Upon Cancellation, students will be charged for all Books and Supplies received. Charges paid for Books and Supplies will be refunded provided that the materials are returned new and unused within 20 days of the student's cancellation. Used items are non-refundable. eAccess cards and materials showing wear, damage, or not in the original packaging (including shrink-wrap) are not returnable. College Services will make these determinations. Upon Withdrawal from the College, students who have not attended past the 6th week of the quarter may return current quarter Books and Supplies that are new and unused and receive a refund for charges paid. They must be returned by appointment to the College Services Office within 20 days from the student's withdrawal date. Used items are non-refundable. eAccess cards and materials showing wear, damage, or not in the original packaging (including shrink-wrap) are not returnable. College Services will make these determinations.

If a student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund. If the student receives federal student financial aid funds, the student may be entitled to a refund of the moneys not paid from federal financial aid funds.

Return of Title IV Funds

FEDERAL RETURN OF TITLE IV FUNDS POLICY

The funds will be returned by FIDM and/or the student, as applicable, according to federal regulations. These federal regulations require that funds be returned to their original source in the following order. In some cases 50% of the federal portion of the Federal Pell and Federal SEOG grants is subject to return by the student. 1. Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program 2. Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan Program 3. Federal Perkins Loan Program 4. Federal PLUS (Parent) Loan Program 5. Federal Pell Grant Program 6. Federal SEOG Grant Program

REAPPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Students returning from any absence must reapply for financial aid upon returning to FIDM. Previously awarded financial aid may not be available upon returning depending on funding levels and the remaining units in the student's program.

STUDENTS WHO ARE SUBJECT TO THE RETURN OF TITLE IV FUNDS POLICY ARE:

A. Students who are awarded Title IV loans and/or grants in the quarter in which they have withdrawn. This includes funds that were or could have been disbursed under federal regulations, as students may be entitled to a Post Withdrawal Disbursement for funds that could have been disbursed by the withdrawal date but were not. —AND— B. Students who withdraw through the 60% point of the quarter. The percentage is calculated by dividing: a. the number of days from the first day of school to and including the withdrawal date by b. the total number of days in the quarter from the first day to and including the last day of the quarter.

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES TO BOTH THE REFUND AND RETURN OF TITLE IV FUNDS POLICIES Debit Balances In some instances, the FIDM Institutional Refund and/or Return of Title IV Funds Policies may result in funds being returned by FIDM on behalf of the student to the Federal and/or other financial aid programs. The student agrees that any monies owed to FIDM, including those as a result of the FIDM Institutional Refund and/or Return of Title IV Funds Policies, are payable within 30 days. Credit Balances If the student has a credit balance on his/her account after any FIDM Institutional Refund and/or Return of Title IV Funds calculations, the funds will be returned to the original source, according to the rules set forth by the source, and then to the student or parent (if a PLUS loan recipient) by credit to charge card(s) or by check as applicable. If the amount to be returned to a student who received only Title IV Funds is less than $1 (one dollar), the amount will be retained by FIDM and no return will be made; for all other students, balances of $25 or less will be retained.

Academic Information & Policies

ORIENTATION

All new students are strongly encouraged to attend on-campus orientation, during which they will be informed about college facilities, student services, and general policies, including scheduling of classes, grading, transfer of coursework, finances, and job placement. All Education Department handouts are posted on the FIDM Portal under eOrientation.

FINANCIAL CLEARANCE

Financial clearance is the initial step in the process leading to registration for classes each quarter. All students must complete financial clearance through a Fiscal Counselor in the Student Financial Services Office. Typically, this process may include: – Making all scheduled tuition and fee payments per their schedule of payments, including any adjustments – Fulfilling other non-tuition financial obligations such as library fines and other book charges – Requesting financial aid (if applicable), completing and turning in all information or other documentation requested by the student's Financial Aid Officer – Resolving issues with other departments that are non-tuition related obligations such as I-20 status, or leave of absence paperwork

NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION

New students register for classes with assistance from Admissions/Education before the beginning of their first quarter or on Orientation Day. Education Department representatives will be available at both times to advise students, who must then submit their schedules to the Registrar for final approval.

CONTINUING STUDENT REGISTRATION

Registration for each upcoming quarter will take place during the latter part of the previous quarter and is done online through the FIDM Portal. All students must be financially cleared by the Financial Services Office before registering. Any student who does not register for classes during this period will go through Late Registration during the first two weeks of classes. A late fee will be charged to students submitting Late Registration Forms after the deadline.

SUCCESS SEMINAR PROGRAM

Success Seminar is a required program for all firsttime college students. Students with previous college experience are invited, but it is not mandatory. Making a smooth transition into college life is an important step towards achieving success. The seminar teaches techniques to help improve study skills, time management, stress management, and online research skills; it provides a chance to get to know FIDM Students, Faculty, Staff and other first-quarter participants.

FIRST WEEK OF CLASS

In order to hold an enrolled place in class, students must be present at the start of the first class session.

ATTENDANCE

FIDM does not take attendance, and attendance does not have any direct effect on a student's final grade. However, attending class regularly does have a positive effect on a student's experience and overall performance. FIDM highly encourages students to attend classes regularly in order to be the most successful.

INSTRUCTION

All classroom instruction at FIDM is taught in English.

PROGRAM COURSE SEQUENCE / ADVISEMENT SHEETS

Each student is provided with an advisement sheet, which outlines the course of instruction in proper sequence based on the student's enrollment agreement. Students who follow the sequence precisely will meet all class requirements and will complete courses in the designated time period. Students who wish to make changes in the sequence of course requirements must have the approval of the Education Department and may have to purchase separate books or supplies. If students take courses out of sequence without approval, this may cause a delay in their graduation date. Any student's program that extends beyond one quarter from the scheduled completion date may be subject to a tuition increase.

CHANGES TO DEGREE LOCATION / COMPLETION

FIDM schedules program starts and class sections to help students meet their education goals and graduate on time. In many majors, the first year of study is offered on all four campuses (LA, SF, OC and SD). Prior to enrolling, however, students should be aware that not all programs can be completed at all FIDM campuses. In particular, all students enrolling at the OC campus will be required to complete their second year in Los Angeles or San Francisco, as will San Diego students enrolled in programs other than Merchandising & Marketing. Occasionally, branch campus programs are started at non-traditional times, which can cause a program to stretch beyond its published dates; these programs may also fail to maintain a minimum cohort size of five (5) students. In such a case, the program will continue but will be moved to the Los Angeles campus (919 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90015). FIDM also makes every effort to maintain stability in its scheduling of class days and times at the branch campuses. Sufficient numbers of class sections to accommodate demand will always be available to students in the quarters in which they are scheduled to take those classes. Once a student has enrolled at FIDM and has received his/her schedule, the day and time a class meets will not be changed without consent from at least 90% of the students enrolled in the class. Very rarely, a course section may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Students will be offered another section of that course.

PREREQUISITES

Prerequisites are preliminary courses covering information that is required prior to enrolling in another course. The intent of prerequisites is to ensure that any student enrolling in a course will have obtained specific prior information that is required to successfully complete a more advanced course.

STUDENT ACADEMIC LOAD OR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT'S STATUS

In accordance with federal regulations (8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)) International students must attend a full course of study, which for undergraduate studies, consists of at least 12 quarter hours of instruction per academic term except when the student needs a lesser course load to complete the course of study during the current term.

REPEAT COURSES

Any student who fails a required class must repeat that course in order to graduate. Any failed course will result in a repeat fee and course-related resource fee charge to the student account. In most cases, course books and supplies may be used when repeating the class. If the Department Chairperson has changed any of the course books or supplies in a subsequent quarter, the student will be responsible for purchasing the new items. If a student repeats a course in which a grade of "D+, D, D-" or "F" was received, the original grade is no longer counted in the student's cumulative grade point average calculation, but will remain as part of the permanent record and quarterly grade point average for the quarter in which the class was taken. All repeats must be completed at FIDM. General Studies courses may be an exception with the approval of the Department Chairperson. Credits for GNST courses that have been approved to be taken elsewhere are transferable for failed courses; however, the "F" earned at FIDM remains as part of the cumulative GPA. Federal financial aid may be received for only one repeat of a class for which a student has received a passing grade ("D-"or better).

ADDITIONAL COURSES

Additional charges are applied when the student exceeds the number of units for an enrollment agreement. Students who change their major and complete courses that do not apply to the new major are required to complete an additional enrollment agreement for the extra units. Any student who retakes a course with a passing grade ("D-"or better) will be responsible for the full course cost, and required to complete an additional agreement for the units and course-related resource fees. The student will be responsible for purchasing course books and supplies that are changed in subsequent quarters.

ADDING & DROPPING A CLASS

A Class Change Form is used to add and drop classes during the first two weeks of the quarter. Students have the first two weeks to add a class, and the first six weeks to drop a class that meets for the entire quarter. Students adding a class must be officially registered in the course and elect FIDM's Method of Book and Supply Distribution to receive books and supplies for the added class. Between weeks three and six, the FIDM Portal or a Course Withdrawal Form is used to drop courses. If a student does not officially drop a course by the last day of week six, his/ her final grade will be based on the points earned on all assignments accepted by the instructor throughout the quarter, and in many cases, that final grade may result in an "F." A repeat fee, as well as book, supply, and course-related resource fees may be incurred. The student will be responsible for purchasing course books and supplies that are changed in subsequent quarters.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

To qualify for an Independent Study, a student must have a strong background in the subject matter or a valid reason determined by the college, and a 3.0 grade point average at FIDM. Qualified students are allowed one Independent Study during their program; however, a second Independent Study can also be assigned for special circumstances as determined by a Chairperson. An Independent Study is typically available during the second year and must be approved by the Department Chairperson or the Education Department, and the instructor.

CREDIT FOR ACADEMICALLY RELEVANT EXPERIENCE (CARE)

In some cases, students may challenge courses by participating in the Credit for Academically Relevant Experience (CARE) program. Information and application forms are available to students from the Education Department at each campus. Documentation of equivalent skills, employment, military training or subject matter expertise acquired through independent learning is required. Approval from the Dean of Academic Development is required before credit (15 units maximum) can be awarded. Students may appeal adverse decisions with the Vice President of Education. There is a $350 fee for each 3-unit course accepted through the CARE program.

INTERNSHIPS

Internships blend theory and practice. Students combine academic training with employment in fields related to their course of study. In addition, students apply classroom theory to "real life" situations and explore various career options while in their program. Students who are interested must see a Career Advisor. Students from all majors, including international students, may apply to participate. In order to qualify, students must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average, have proof of medical insurance, and be in their second-to-last or last quarter of their program. Internships must be secured and paperwork completed prior to the end of the quarter preceding the internship's start date. Approved interns must complete specific coursework to receive academic credit. In addition, international students must follow current federal guidelines.

Transfer Credit Policies

TRANSFER OF COURSEWORK

Coursework taken at another accredited college will be considered if there is an equivalent course at FIDM that is required for a specific major and the grade on a course already completed elsewhere is a pass ("C-" or better). Students must request a transfer credit evaluation from the Education Department before or during the first quarter of attendance at FIDM. Applicants for Veterans benefits must be evaluated prior to attending the first class. All documentation of transferred work must be submitted and evaluated prior to the start of the student's second quarter so the student can select the correct classes. Transcripts must be official (stamped and signed by the Registrar of the college previously attended). They become a part of the student's academic file and are not returned or copied for distribution. If a course was transferred in to FIDM but the student enrolled in that class, once brought to the attention of the college, a grade of "W" will replace the grade earned and the transfer class stands. Students currently registered in a class for which the prerequisite course was waived, or equivalent units were transferred from another institution, must go to their Department Advisor (LA) or the Education Department (SF, OC, SD) for approval to receive necessary books (if applicable) distributed in the prerequisite course through College Services. Corresponding supplies may be purchased.

FIDM TRANSFER CREDIT POLICIES

Advanced Placement (AP) Students entering from high school may apply for college credit by taking examinations given by the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Students who have taken any of these examinations should arrange to have the results forwarded to FIDM by the College Board if the AP score is not indicated on the official high school transcript. As determined by FIDM, applicable credits will be awarded for AP scores of three (3) or higher and awarded credits may count toward general education requirements of student's intended major.

Credit Through Standardized Testing (CLEP and DANTES) Students may earn college credit through College Level Examination Placement (CLEP) with a Score of 50 or higher, or Defense Activity for Non-Tradition Education Support (DANTES). Examinations must have been taken before the student has been granted A.A. or B.A./B.S. degree-seeking status at FIDM.

International Baccalaureate (IB) FIDM awards academic credit for test scores of four (4) or higher on individual higher-level IB courses. Credit is awarded at the time of matriculation and is based on the scores earned on the IB examinations. All credit awarded will be recorded on the student's permanent record and will be included in the credit total toward degree requirements. Credit will be awarded for 100and 200-level course work. Credits awarded may count toward general education requirements. Questions regarding IB credit equivalencies should be directed to the Chairperson of General Studies.

Military Credit The American Council on Education (ACE) collaborates with the Department of Defense to review military training and experience and recommend appropriate college credit for members of the Armed Forces. ACE provides quality assurance and policy guidance for the Joint Services Transcript (JST) used by the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard. FIDM will consider the guidelines set forth by ACE.

Transfer Credit From Overseas Institutions Credit is granted from recognized overseas institutions. Awarding of advanced standing varies depending on the educational system of the country. All applicants educated outside the U.S. are required to have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services (WES). WES evaluations constitute non-binding advisory opinions only. Where FIDM's assessment of any credential(s) differs from that of WES, FIDM makes all final determinations regarding course/grade/credit/GPA equivalencies, degree equivalencies, and the award of any transfer credit for coursework completed (as provided in FIDM's transfer credit evaluation).

TRANSFER GRADE POLICIES

All transfer courses graded Pass/No Pass or Credit/No Credit are computed at neutral value, except in those cases where the specific grading symbol is identified by the source institution as equivalent to a grade less than C in which case it will be taken at face value. All transfer course grades or symbols used to designate unsatisfactory, failing, or non-passing work at time of withdrawal such as UW, WU, or WF are evaluated as failing grades (F) unless otherwise defined by the source institution. FIDM only awards applicable course credit for courses taken at other institutions to which the student received a grade of C- or higher.

TRANSFERRING TO FIDM

FIDM creates and maintains Unilateral Course Equivalencies Guides that stipulate which curriculum offerings from the sending institutions will receive specific course credit at FIDM. If contemplating a transfer to FIDM from another institution, students should check with the transfer counseling office at their current school to verify if they are currently utilizing FIDM's Course Equivalency Guide. If the current college does not have an agreement on file with FIDM, check with an Admissions Advisor at FIDM who can request that one be created to assist in the transfer preparation. It is important to note that when using FIDM's Course Equivalency Guide created for other colleges not every course on the list will be applicable to an intended major at FIDM; therefore, prospective FIDM Students and Transfer Counselors at sending institutions need to specifically note the course requirements of their intended major to properly select applicable, transferable course work at their current college. FIDM currently maintains Course Equivalency Guides with several institutions which can be found at http:// fidm.edu/en/admissions/transfer+students/Transfer +to+FIDM/:

FIDM additionally maintains Agreements with ROP and BOCES. In 1948 the New York State legislature created Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to provide shared educational programs and services to school districts within the state. The Regional Occupational Program (ROP) in California provides high-quality career preparation classes and services to prepare youth (16 years of age and older) and adults for successful careers in response to the needs of the local labor market. The Southern California Regional Occupational Center (ROC) is intended to provide training for trades in traditional occupational settings. With an emphasis on the contemporary workplace, ROC believes that Career Technical Education is for everyone — from the individual seeking to enter the job market with upgraded skills, to the college-prep student desiring greater academic challenge and the opportunity to apply their knowledge. FIDM currently maintains Articulation Agreements with the following BOCES, ROP, and ROC programs:

1. Eastern Suffolk BOCES (NY) 2. Eastern Suffolk BOCES-Fashion (NY) 3. Kern High School ROC (CA) 4. King Career Center (AK) 5. Lake Elsinore Unified School District 6. Las Virgenes Unified School ROP (CA) 7. Manteca Unified School District ROP (CA) 8. Mission Valley ROP (CA) 9. Nassau BOCES Advertising program (NY) 10. Nassau BOCES Fashion Design program (NY) 11. Quincy High School (MA) 12. San Ramon Valley 13. Ventura County ROC (CA) 14. Western Suffolk BOCES (NY) 15. Yorktown BOCES (NY)

TRANSFERS TO OTHER COLLEGES

How credit for a course at FIDM transfers to another educational institution depends on how that college or university will accept the course and how clearly defined a student's transfer goal is. Students who wish to explore their transfer options should consult with transfer advisors at FIDM's campuses in San Francisco, Orange County, and San Diego or with FIDM's Articulation Officer on the Los Angeles campus. Students graduating from FIDM must complete the graduation requirements for their specific degree. FIDM requirements, however, do not necessarily meet all lower division or general education requirements for other colleges. FIDM currently maintains articulation agreements with selected colleges with the intent of enhancing a student's transfer opportunities. Articulation is the planned, documented pathway between two or more colleges or universities and their academic programs. Articulation agreements are also called transfer agreements, transfer guides, and transfer pathways by various audiences. FIDM currently has articulation agreements with the following institutions:

California College of the Arts (San Francisco and Oakland campuses) cca.edu/admissions/undergrad/transfer-credit See Articulation Guidelines. Humanities and Science Curriculum articulated for B.A.; B.F.A.; and B.Arch degrees; Interior Design curriculum articulated for B.F.A. degree. Visual Studies electives and seminar, required by CCA can be met with articulated courses from different design A.A. majors from FIDM.

California State University system (CSU) calstate.edu/app/general-ed-transfer.shtml CSU GE Certification has provided for articulation of lower division general education courses from FIDM as being readily transferable to the CSU Academic Breadth requirements systems for any of the 23 CSU campuses. Major specific coursework in the past was articulated with specific CSU campuses that provide equivalency confirmations and/or course-to-course articulation. FIDM has maintained articulation with specific CSU campuses: CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge. Students in most instances will have to supplement FIDM course offerings with additional coursework to complete upper division transfer requirements and supplemental requirements that may be required to program impaction.

LIM (Laboratory Institute of Merchandising) limcollege.edu Basis of Agreement: 1. LIM will accept all course credits earned at FIDM for which the transferring student receives a grade of C or better and will allow any FIDM Student with fewer than 59 semester credits (90 quarter credits) to make up the deficiencies at LIM; 2. FIDM Graduates with an Associates Degree may enter LIM with full junior status. Currently, transfer pathways have been created for graduates of FIDM's A.A. programs in Merchandising & Marketing, Visual Communications, and Merchandise Product Development.

Mount Ida College mountida.edu/admissions-aid/transfer-students articulation-agreements/ Program articulation to facilitate block transfer for FIDM's Interior Design, Fashion Design, Merchandising & Marketing, and Graphic Design program graduates.

Notre Dame de Namur University ndnu.edu/admissions/transfer/transfer-agreements/fidm Articulation agreement describes how courses taken at FIDM will transfer to meet Notre Dame de Namur University requirements for General Education and lower division major preparation. Students do not need to complete all of the requirements before transferring to NDNU.

Otis College of Art & Design otis.edu/financial-aid-office/consumer-information Foundation/Freshman Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses, Foundation Studio Courses and Architecture/ Landscape/Interiors Courses articulated to facilitate upper division transfer into the B.F.A. program in Architecture/Landscape/Interior program at Otis.

Regents University London regents.ac.uk/aiul Sufficient course content from FIDM's Merchandise Product Development; Merchandising & Marketing; Fashion Design, Graphic Design and Visual Communications programs articulated as equivalent, to that delivered in the first two years (levels 3 and 4) of the B.A. (Hons) Fashion Marketing; B.A. (Hons) Fashion Design with Marketing; B.A. (Hons) Fashion Design; and B.A. (Hons) Communication Design programs at Regent's University.

University of Phoenix phoenix.edu/admissions/transfer_information transfer-guides/courses/ca/fashion_institute_of_ design_and_merchandising.html Block transfers for all FIDM majors; details of the application of transfer credit outlined on UOP's website.

Vanguard University vanguard.edu Block transfer for students transferring into the institution's School for Professional Studies Organizational Management Bachelor's program (does require the supplement of additional lower division general education courses). Here are examples of the unit requirements for FIDM transfers who meet the articulated general education requirements: – Transfer A.A. from FIDM = 60 semester/ 90 quarter units – General Education Electives = 19 semester units/27 quarter units – Upper Division Major = 45 semester/ 60 quarter units For assistance in applying to graduate schools after completing a FIDM Bachelor of Science and/or Bachelor of Arts program, contact FIDM's Articulation Officer at the Los Angeles campus to discuss the necessary requirements and application procedures.

NOTICE CONCERNING TRANSFERABILITY OF CREDITS AND CREDENTIALS EARNED AT OUR INSTITUTION

Each institution is responsible for determining its own policies and practices with regard to the transfer and award of credit. It is the receiving institution's responsibility to provide reasonable and definitive policies and procedures for determining a student's knowledge in required subject areas. All institutions have a responsibility to furnish transcripts and other documents necessary for a receiving institution to judge the quality and quantity of a student's work. Institutions also have a responsibility to advise students that the work reflected on the transcript may or may not be accepted by a receiving institution. The transferability of credits you earn at FIDM is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the degree you earn is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending FIDM to determine if your credits or degree will transfer. Please note that completing a program at FIDM does not necessarily qualify students for upper division transfer.

GRADES

GRADES Final grades are issued at the end of each quarter and are accessible through the FIDM Portal. A student's performance in a course is expressed in terms of the following letter grades, with their numerical equivalents for computation purposes.

HONOR ROLL/PRESIDENT'S HONOR ROLL

Students in any quarter with a minimum of 12 units who obtain a grade point average of 3.5 will be placed on the Honor Roll. If students earn a grade point average of 3.95 in any quarter, with a minimum of 12 units, they will be placed on the President's Honor Roll.

INCOMPLETE GRADES

Students receiving a grade of Incomplete ("I") must complete the coursework during the following quarter or by a specified date determined by the Education Department or instructor. An Incomplete will be given only in cases in which a student has a "C-" or higher grade point average in the course and has extreme personal difficulties that prevent the student from completing a final project or taking the final examination. If by the end of the following quarter the coursework has not been completed, the "I" will automatically be changed to an "F." Incomplete grades cannot be completed once a grade of "F" is assigned.

ACADEMIC FREEDOM

ACADEMIC FREEDOM Faculty members are free to teach and discuss the facts and ideas within their curriculum which they believe to be in accord with available evidence, and to examine unpopular or controversial ideas in classroom teaching when appropriate to course content.

ACADEMIC DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Students are expected to maintain a 2.0 grade point average at all times. Below are the academic disciplinary stages for students that fail to maintain the standard of 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

ACADEMIC DISCIPLINARY STAGES ACADEMIC WARNING Quarterly GPA falls below a 2.0, but the cumulative GPA remains 2.0 or higher. ACADEMIC PROBATION* Cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0. ACADEMIC CONTRACT** Cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0 for two quarters in a row. ACADEMIC DISMISSAL Cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0 for the third consecutive quarter. Student must apply for reinstatement. ACADEMIC DISQUALIFICATION Quarterly and cumulative GPA below 2.0 in any quarter subsequent to reinstatement.

To be reinstated, students must submit a letter to the Education Department explaining their academic record and requesting readmission. A final decision is determined by the College Review Board. Once approved to return from dismissal, the return is expected within a year or the student will be subject to an additional meeting with the College Review Board. * While a student is on probation and earns at least a 2.0 GPA for the quarter, but the cumulative is still below a 2.0 GPA. the student will remain on probation. ** While a student is on contract and earns at least a 2.0 GPA for the quarter, but the cumulative is still below a 2.0 GPA. the student will remain on contract. A student must earn a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 to graduate. Failure to do so will result in the additional cost of class(es) to raise the GPA to a 2.0.

REINSTATEMENT POLICY

A student who wishes to be reinstated and has not attended class for eight consecutive academic quarters or more, and who left in good academic standing, must complete a new application from the Student Advisement Office to re-enter the college. Graduation requirements will be determined from the catalog in effect on the date of acceptance for reentry, and the student may incur additional costs and fees to complete the program. Disqualified students are not eligible to be reinstated.

Student Rights

ACCREDITATION

Students may review letters of accreditation. Students seeking such a review should contact the college Vice President of Education. Additional information is available from FIDM's institutional accreditor, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission, at wascsenior.org institutions/fidmfashion-institute-design-merchandising and from its design program accreditor, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, at http:// nasad.arts-accredit.org/index.jsp?page=List_Accredited _Members

BUREAU FOR PRIVATE POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833 or P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818, bppe.ca.gov, (888) 370-7589; or by fax (916) 263-1897. A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the bureau's Internet website (bppe.ca.gov).

CONSUMER INFORMATION

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

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

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

ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT & PERFORMANCE FACT SHEET

As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.

GRADE APPEAL

Students may appeal a final grade during the subsequent quarter and not beyond such time. The student contacts the instructor to discuss how the final grade was determined. If no resolution is achieved, the student may go to the Education Department to fill out the Grade Appeal Petition form. The appeal will be reviewed, and he/she will be notified of the petition results within two weeks.

POLICIES & SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

FIDM complies with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 amended in 2008 (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act at 29 U. S. C. § 794 (Section 504), and any other federal, state and local law regarding students and applicants with disabilities. It is college policy that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability, shall, solely by reason of disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the college. Each FIDM Campus has staff representatives designated to assist students with academic accommodations. Students are required to provide verification of a disability and consult with the campus representative to develop a plan of reasonable accommodations upon matriculation to FIDM. In order to receive reasonable accommodations, students diagnosed with a learning, psychological, medical (including pregnancy) or physical impairment are required to meet with the campus representative to verify the disability. Examples of documentation accepted by FIDM for a learning, psychological, medical or physical disability are an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a 504 Plan, a psycho-educational evaluation, a psychological evaluation, or a medical letter. Documentation remains confidential for a period of seven years with the designated staff representative and is only released with the student's signed consent. Accommodations cannot be provided unless verification is provided directly to the campus representative. Students requesting accommodations receive the Services for Students with Disabilities form from the campus representative. Once verification is established, the student and the campus representative discuss options for reasonable accommodations and complete the Student Academic Accommodations & Instructor Guidelines form. The student then distributes the form to his/her instructor(s). Questions concerning FIDM's policy, procedure, and accommodations should be forwarded to the campus representative.

REQUIRED CONSUMER DISCLOSURES

College Information as reported to the U.S. Department of Education may be accessed at the College Navigator site at nces.ed.gov/COLLEGENAVIGATOR. The site has a large amount of statistical information about expenses, financial aid, enrollment, admissions, retention rates, and much more. The site allows consumers to compare information from different colleges.

RIGHTS OF EXPRESSION

Students are expected to acknowledge the existence of different opinions and to respect the right of others to hold those views, specifically: – To hear, discuss, and study any issue related to the academic content of the class in an atmosphere conducive to learning. – To have easy access to all academic information. – To receive competent instruction in an atmosphere of respect, free from favoritism, prejudice, discrimination, and harassment. – To form and express opinions on issues without jeopardizing his or her relationship with the instructor. – To be evaluated in accord with academic merit and performance and not on matters irrelevant to that performance.

STUDENT GRIEVANCE The student grievan

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

STUDENT HOUSING GRIEVANCE

The student housing grievance process aims to provide a prompt and equitable resolution for any student who believes a decision or action by FIDM Housing has adversely affected his/her status, rights, or privileges. The student must first make a reasonable effort to resolve the issue on an informal basis with the Resident Advisor. If there is no satisfactory resolution, the student(s) should provide a written statement about the grievance to the LA Housing staff (see FIDM Portal Staff Directory). The FIDM Housing staff may arrange a meeting with the student(s) for further investigation of grievances filed. Should a student concern remain unresolved, the student then forwards the written complaint to the Executive Director of Admissions (LA Campus) who will consult with the FIDM Housing Committee and provide final resolution.

STUDENT WORK

FIDM is proud of the work produced by its students and reserves the right to photograph, publish, display, or retain work done by students and alumni. Final projects must be picked up no later than the first two weeks of the next quarter. After that time, the projects become the property of FIDM.

STUDENTS' EDUCATION RECORDS

Student records are retained for five (5) years after the date of completion or withdrawal. Transcripts and imaged files are retained in a system database. All FIDM student records are kept private in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Schools are permitted to disclose education records without the students' consent in some circumstances, for example: – When the student has violated a federal, state, or local law; or the school's policies governing substance abuse – When the information is needed to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals – When there is a legitimate educational interest, student education records may be shared between departments within FIDM

As of January 3, 2012, regulations also allow for disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII), without student or parent consent, where institutions have contracted with organizations to conduct studies or audits of the effectiveness of education programs. Written consent from the student is required for release of records to outside parties, except for those agencies authorized by law. Signing FIDM's enrollment agreement provides written consent authorizing FIDM to release information from the agreement to individuals and entities necessary to secure payment of any obligation arising from the enrollment agreement. FIDM keeps a record of the disclosure and provides it upon request to students who wish to know if their parents or an outside party has been notified. Under this act, students may: – Review their educational records – Challenge information (not including grades) they believe to be inaccurate, misleading, or not in accord with their right to privacy – Contact the U.S. Department of Education if they feel that the FERPA policy is not being administered correctly – Exercise limited right to refuse Questions about this policy should be directed to the Vice President of Education at the Los Angeles campus.

TITLE IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its regulations, protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities operated by recipients of Federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment of students, which includes acts of sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination and is prohibited by Title IX. FIDM's Title IX Coordinator oversees the centralized review, investigation, and resolution of reports of non-discrimination and sexual harassment. The Title IX Coordinator ensures the college's compliance and fulfillment of its obligations with regards to policies, procedures, and relevant state and federal laws, inclusive of VAWA, The Clery Act, Campus SaVE Act, and California SB 967 (Affirmative Consent). Refer to Affirmative Consent under FIDM's Student Conduct Policies. Further information regarding Title IX and college policies are found in the Annual Security Report on FIDM.edu/en/about/title+ix, the FIDM Portal, or by contacting the Title IX Coordinator.

WITHIN THE CLASSROOM

LABS provide students with an environment for planned, structured, and directed analytical exploration and experimentation. Three hours in duration, labs immediately follow formal classroom instruction in designated courses. Courses with labs are noted on the Program of Study sheets for each major.

STUDIOS assist students with assignments and projects, giving them an avenue to explore and express creativity. Expert advice and constructive critiquing appropriate to the subject matter are provided. Each campus posts studio schedules quarterly on the FIDM Portal.

WORKSHOPS are concise educational programs for groups of students focusing on techniques and skills in a particular subject area. Workshop information is announced on the FIDM Portal.

CLASS SIZE & SCHEDULING The college has an obligation to provide the optimum scheduling and faculty staffing for the programs offered. Should changes of any sort be necessary, they will not affect the student's ability to fulfill all requirements. Every effort is made to maintain class limits based on the subject matter and nature of activity in the course.

BOOKS & SUPPLIES Students electing FIDM's Method of Book and Supply Distribution will receive all books and supplies required for each course for which the student is enrolled. Required books and supplies are distributed to students at the first class meeting of each quarter and charges for these books and supplies are included in total charges for the period of the Enrollment Agreement. A current FIDM Student Photo ID is required to pick up books and supplies. Students will electronically confirm receipt of books and supplies for each registered class. Students determine that all items are in perfect condition before leaving the first class session. Any defective book or supply received from FIDM's distribution must be exchanged in the Bookroom by the last day of week two of the current quarter. Students who are absent when books and supplies are initially distributed are responsible for obtaining them from the Bookroom during posted Bookroom hours. The deadline for picking up current quarter books and supplies is the last day of the quarter. Students who drop a class may return the complete 3:45 p.m. 7:15 p.m. LABS provide students with an environment for planned, structured, and directed analytical exploration and experimentation. Three hours in duration, labs immediately follow formal classroom instruction in designated courses. Courses with labs are noted on the Program of Study sheets for each major. course kit of books and supplies received from the current quarter class. When a complete course kit is returned, the student will be eligible to pick up a new course kit in a future quarter. The course kit must be returned unused and in perfect condition. Deadline for returns is the last day of week six of the quarter. Note: For five-week/Saturday classes, books and supplies must be returned the Monday after the third class meeting. For four-week/one unit electives, books and supplies must be returned no later than the Monday after the second class meeting. Students electing to Opt-Out of FIDM's Method of Book and Supply Distribution accept the responsibility to locate and purchase all required books and supplies and be prepared for class. Students electing this option will have their student account credited for charges associated with books and supplies not yet distributed during the period of the Enrollment Agreement. However, the student would no longer be protected from increases in prices or changes in books and supplies not yet distributed during the period of the Enrollment Agreement.

FIELD TRIPS Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field trips.

Facilities and Equipment

All of the equipment listed within this document is owned by FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising with the exception of the computer systems, which are leased.

FIDM FACILITIES (LA, SF, OC, SD)

Classroom and laboratory equipment on all FIDM campuses reflects the most advanced educational and technical practices, enabling students to work on challenging projects in a realistic setting. All equipment has been selected to enable students to achieve the educational program learning outcomes of each major.

GENERAL CLASSROOMS

FIDM has general purpose classrooms and technology classrooms that are equipped for faculty to use technology in their classes. Room layouts vary, with some rooms offering individual student stations (drafting tables, tablet armchairs) and others offering collaborative student stations with chairs and larger tables designed to be flexible in arrangement so that classes can transform the spaces as needed. Rooms range from general classrooms that hold 20 students to large lecture spaces with room divider walls that can open up to accommodate up to 400. Portable Edu-carts (with DVD/video/computer output projection), as well as slide projectors, VCRs, overhead transparency projectors, and other audio-visual equipment are available to faculty to incorporate various types of media into the classroom. Some rooms contain fixed carts for enhanced lectures with projectors containing a computer, DVD, and a port to plug in additional equipment. Rooms that are used for classes and majors which involve hands-on projects contain a sink for clean-up.

THE ANNEX

FIDM's Annex facility in the Standard Oil Building is located at 605 West Olympic Boulevard across the street from the Los Angeles campus. In addition to conducting classes on the second and third floors, there are two Design Studios located on the first floor (Design Studio East and Design Studio West). Hours of operation can be found on the FIDM Portal. A current FIDM Student Photo ID is required for entrance.

The Design Studio East offers: – The IDEA Center (Individual Development and Educational Assistance)—Tutoring – Assistance in the areas of writing, mathematics, computer competency, study skills, research skills, and reading comprehension – International Student Workshops – PC and Mac computer terminals with Internet access – Scanners – Printing and copying (color and black & white) – 3D Printing (by appointment) – Fax service

The Design Studio West offers: – Studio labs with qualified instructors in Illustrator, Photoshop, Drafting, Fashion Sketching, and other subjects – PC computer terminals with Internet access – Drafting tables – Study area – Printing (color and black & white) – Painting and clean-up facilities

HOPE STREET ANNEX

FIDM's Hope Street Annex facility is located at 800 South Hope Street, Los Angeles. The Hope Street Studio, located on the fifth floor, houses FIDM's state-of-the-industry Textile Design Studio, Print Lab, Pigment Lab, Pattern Labs, and Sewing Rooms.

JEWELRY DESIGN STUDIO

FIDM's Jewelry Design Studio is located on the 7th floor of the St. Vincent Jewelry Center at 640 South Hill Street, Plaza 3, Suite 754, Los Angeles. This custom-designed, state-of-the-industry facility provides hands-on experience in rendering, soldering, metalsmithing, wax carving, and casting.

PARK ANNEX

The Park Annex is located in the Los Angeles Renaissance Building at 501 West Olympic Boulevard, and provides lecture classrooms on the first floor for students of all majors.

COMPUTER FACILITIES

FIDM's standard offering for technology is to provide each student access to a single computer in Computer Lab classrooms. Other learning areas provide for mixed or casual-use computers to assist with shared research or demonstration, i.e., Design Studio, Library, IDEA Center, or student lounge area. Each student-use computer is acquired new, and has a planned 3-year refresh cycle to provide the most current computing technology for students. Each student-use Windows computer has the Windows 7 or Windows 10 operating system, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Sketchup Pro, and The Autodesk Auto CAD software suite. Multi-purpose Classrooms have only Microsoft Office since those computers are intended for research and demonstration use. PC Labs have access to Gerber WebPDM for creation of garment "tech packs" used in classroom exercises in the Merchandise Product Development and Apparel Technical Design programs. Other specific PC Labs offer Rhino software utilized in the Jewelry Design Program, and access to AIMS360 ERP software in the Apparel Industry Management program. San Francisco and Los Angeles campuses have selected classrooms that provide Gerber Accumark technology, with Silhouette tables, digitizers, and large and small plotters that mirror the technology used in apparel manufacturing centers worldwide. Students in these programs have supervised access to an industry-grade Gerber cutter table to experience their computerized designs being cut into fabric. Apple Mac Labs host the Graphic Design programs and offer the Apple Mavericks OS X operating system, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Cloud. In addition, the Digital Media Mac classrooms (Media Lounge 101 and Mac Lab 414) offer Toast Titanium 10, Avid Media Composer and Pro Tools, Reason, Final Cut X, and Autodesk Maya. Every PC and Mac Lab offers audio-visual projection capabilities, printing, and scanning functionality. Multi-purpose rooms offer audio-visual projection and printing. Libraries and Studios also offer printing and scanning capabilities. For classrooms that do not have permanent technology installed, FIDM offers portable technology carts and podiums across all four campuses that feature a computer CPU and projector. There are laptop carts that offer 24 laptops for student use on the Los Angeles campus. The Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego campuses have a wireless network available to students that is often used in the Libraries and classrooms for in-class exercises. Students can opt to use these instead of or in conjunction with FIDM-provided technology.

LIBRARY FACILITIES

The Library provides an effective environment for study, offering students a space that supports research and learning. The main reading rooms at each campus Library are commonly used by students to work on course assignments, prepare for class, or meet with classmates. Both the Los Angeles and San Francisco campus Libraries also include a multi-purpose Conference Room which students may use for quiet study during peak times (e.g., midterms and finals). Each campus Library also offers a variety of technology options. And while technologies vary by campus, they may include PC workstations, Wifi, and self-service printers. The Los Angeles campus Library also has a laptop area where students may connect their devices or use Library laptops. To copy or print in the Library, students at all campuses use the FIDMPrints print management system. Depending on the campus, additional equipment may include standard-size and oversize scanners, portable light boxes or light pad (San Francisco campus Library only), a Macbeth Judge light box, digital scales, and microscopes (including digital) to assist students working with textiles and other fabrics in the practice of measurement and identification, and viewing construction details. Students often need to match and convert color from a variety of resources to electronic files for course assignments. To assist with this process, each Library provides access to a Pantone color scanner, a professional tool that captures color properties and converts the data into a corresponding Pantone code (number). And while each campus Library offers a variety of textile and material collections, the Los Angeles campus Library has a designated Textile and Design Research Room where students access the Material ConneXion® tableau library and database. Each campus Library also includes a designated media area where students can view general news and industry-related programming on a large-screen monitor. There is also a variety of audiovisual equipment such as videocassette, DVD and Blu-ray players, slide projectors and other viewers, used to view titles in the media collections curated to support the different program majors that the college offers.

TEXTILE SCIENCE FACILITIES

The Textile Science labs on the Los Angeles campus are on the fifth floor of the main building and are comprised of three rooms, 512A, 512B, and 513. Room 512A contains a Kenmore washer and dryer, a heat press, a stove top, and a microwave. This equipment is used to test consumer wash and dry standards, apply color or print to fabric and apparel, and activate dyes. Room 512B houses an SP III Light Box which is used for color analysis and scale, as well as a Spectrophotometer which is used to measure color and quality. Room 513 holds the textile testing equipment. Students utilize a quick wash, Perspirometer, electric crockmeter, Martindale, flammability chamber, digital Elmendorf, textile scales, fabric cutters, microscopes, Elmendorf tear tester, sun tester, and a jet press. The students use the aforementioned equipment to test the abilities of fabrics such as consumer wash standards, reactions to body heat and perspiration, colorfastness, resistance to abrasion and pilling. This equipment is also used to measure the fabrics ability to withstand flame and the ability to ignite based on industry standards, as well as the tear strength of fabric. Fabric is also weighed and examined in order to classify yarn fibers, testing the resistance to aging and sunlight, and also to apply color and print to fabric and apparel. Several programs of study utilize the labs.

FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT USE BY MAJOR

APPAREL INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT

The Apparel Industry Management Program offers both years on the Los Angeles campus with the first year available on the San Francisco and Orange County campuses and the second year completed on the Los Angeles campus. There are three pattern rooms and two sewing rooms at the Hope Street building of the Los Angeles campus. Manual pattern drafting and sewing are taught at this facility for both Apparel Industry Management and Merchandise Product Development majors. The equipment at this facility includes drafting tables, dress forms, irons, ironing boards, rabbit punches, single needle sewing machines, overlock sewing machines, coverstitch sewing machines, merrow machines, blind sewing machine, coverstitch sewing machine, buttonhole machine, punch, and rolling racks. Students utilize the full suite of equipment in the Textile Testing Lab for their studies in fabric management and quality assurance. The program requires training on computer-aided patternmaking systems. The system used on both the Los Angeles campus and the San Francisco campus is Gerber Accumark. On the Los Angeles campus there are three dedicated labs and on the San Francisco campus there are two dedicated labs for the Gerber Accumark system. In addition, the Los Angeles campus has a room for the Gerber Cutter. These labs are used by Apparel Industry Management, Fashion Design, Menswear, and Apparel Technical Design majors. The equipment includes the following: Accumark software, digitizing tables, digitizing pens, silhouette tables, large plotters, small plotters, projectors, and a cutter with computer and cutting software. PC Labs are used for Web PDM, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, FastFit360, and ERP software.

APPAREL TECHNICAL DESIGN

In addition to standard equipment (see Computer Facilities) Apparel Technical Deign students are required to be trained in the use of computer-aided patternmaking systems to develop proficiency in pattern making and pattern correction skills. The system used on the Los Angeles campus is Gerber Accumark. There are three dedicated labs and a separate room for the Gerber cutter on the campus. All spaces are shared with students in the Apparel Industry Management, Menswear and Fashion Design majors. The full package of equipment includes the following: Accumark software, digitizing tables, digitizing pens, silhouette tables, large plotters, small plotters , projectors, and a cutter with computer and cutting software. The students in this major also utilize the full suite of equipment and dye chemicals available in the Textile Testing and Dye labs on the Los Angeles campus for their studies in fabric management, denim design and quality assurance. This program is offered on the Los Angeles and San Francisco campuses.

BEAUTY INDUSTRY MERCHANDISING & MARKETING / BEAUTY INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT

In addition to standard equipment (see Computer Facilities), the Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing students have access to a fragrance organ used in their Fundamentals of Fragrance class in order to mix oils and create fragrances.

DIGITAL MEDIA

DIGITAL MEDIA FIDM's Digital Media major is based in the Digital Media Center, built expressly to house both FIDM Productions and the primary Digital Media lab. The major also uses an additional lab dedicated solely to Digital Media and Graphic Design. Both labs are fully equipped with cutting-edge hardware and software (see Computer Facilities), including Apple computers with large display monitors and high quality speakers designed and placed to disperse sound throughout the lab. Ceiling mounted high-definition LED projectors are provided for detailed instructions as well as top-mounted automated screens with high resolution displays and Tectronic printers and scanners that are capable of outputting professional-grade projects. The Digital Media major provides Canon digital DSLR cameras with video capability and other professional level production equipment for checkout by the students, as well as granting students access to FIDM Productions' professional facilities and technology, including an insert stage, several professional-grade editing bays, professional audio equipment, and a fully equipped machine room. The technology in the labs and in the professional facility is updated every year. Digital Media facilities and equipment are currently available only on the Los Angeles campus.

FASHION DESIGN

Students in the Fashion Design Program use industrial single needle sewing machines in order to produce completed sewn garments, applying all the techniques taught in each course. Overlock machines are also used to sew over the edge of the fabric to prevent fraying and provide a finished look. Some overlock machines in FIDM's facilities have cutters to remove excess material and are known as sergers. Merrow machines and four thread/overlock machines are used by students to complete the edges of fabrics. Two types of dress forms are used in the program, torso only, and full body dress forms. They provide students with the ability to fit sample garments, measure and establish a pattern, and to drape garments using muslin or fabric. Irons and ironing boards are used to press garments. Students also use pattern tables to draft patterns, cut fabrics and paper, or any other use in order to support the process of creating and completing a garment. Throughout their program, students use rolling racks to hang their patterns, garments, and muslin samples. Fashion Design sewing labs are also used by Merchandise Product Development and Apparel Industry Management students. All Fashion Design facilities and equipment are also used by the Advanced Study programs. They include Advanced Fashion Design, Film & TV Costume Design, and Theatre Costume Design. All first-year Fashion Design equipment and facilities are available on the Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, and San Diego locations. Second-year facilities and equipment are only available on the Los Angeles and San Francisco campuses. Students also use CAD (Computer Aided Design) programs. There are several computer rooms with Mac computers equipped with Adobe programs such as Illustrator and Photoshop. Computer programs, hardware, and systems are also used in Computer Pattern Drafting classes, where students use the Gerber Accumark system.

FASHION KNITWEAR DESIGN

There are two Knitwear labs that support both the Fashion Knitwear Design and Textile Design students. The first of the labs has eight CAD stations, a scanner, and a color printer. All computers in the Knitwear lab are loaded with Adobe Creative Cloud, Stoll M1 Plus, and WeavePoint software for programming both computerized knitting and weaving machinery. There are several punch card handloom knitting machines available for students to use during class and studio time. The handlooms have double beds for reverse stitching. A linker is available for garment assembly. The second lab has two STOLL industrial knitting machines, one 14 multi-gauge, and one seven multi-gauge. The STOLL Knitwear Lab has one computer station loaded with the same software as listed above. The studios have bi-weekly staffing to support the use of the equipment. The weaving lab is used by both Fashion Knitwear Design and Textile Design students and includes eight harness Baby Wolf Looms and an AVL 24 Dobby loom. There is one CAD station in the lab loaded with the same software as listed above. There are also four warping stations. All the looms are set-up with different design capabilities to maximize pattern versatility. The Fashion Knitwear Design program, facilities, and equipment are only available on the Los Angeles Campus.

FOOTWEAR DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

Aside from the Fashion Design facilities available, the Footwear Design & Development program has a dedicated shirt last machine. The machine is used with styrene plastic boards and a plastic shoe last. The machine heats up the styrene, then the cover is pressed down on the last. The result is a "shirt" covering in the shape of the shoe last. This "shirt" is then used by students to draw on, designing the details of a shoe.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

FIDM has four dedicated, fully equipped labs on the Los Angeles campus and one on the San Francisco campus. The technology in place for this program includes the Apple platform in all graphic labs. In addition, dedicated graphic labs are designed with sound, ceiling mounted high-definition LED projectors for detailed instruction, and top-mounted automated screens for color and resolution. All labs have Tectronic printers, scanners, Canon digital SLR cameras with video capability, and camera equipment available for checkout by students. The Graphic Design program, facilities, and equipment are available on the Los Angeles and San Francisco campuses.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The Interior Design major utilizes PC Labs to facilitate the software requirements for the on-site classes to include AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Students receive all of the necessary software for off -site usage. Use of the 3D printer is an accessed collaboration with the IT department. The Textile Testing Lab is used in conjunction with the Textile Science for Interior Design course required for the major. The students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts Interior Design program access specialized equipment in Textile labs and digital camera equipment as specified for checkout purposes.

JEWELRY DESIGN

Dedicated facilities and equipment are available to Jewelry Design students in the heart of the Los Angeles Jewelry District. The FIDM Jewelry Lab is located five blocks from the main campus on the 7th floor of the St. Vincent Jewelry Center at 640 South Hill Street. Shuttle service is provided to and from classes. The Lab has 12 jewelers benches equipped with oxygen-assisted gas torches. Each bench is also outfitted with a compliment of hand tools. This allows students to work on projects without having to wait for access to resources. The limited number of benches also ensures that courses taught in FIDM Jewelry Lab are small and students have ample access to instructors. The majority of tools and equipment maintained in the FIDM Jewelry Lab enable students to investigate a wide range of traditional "bench" activities including: direct fabrication techniques, wax carving and casting, chasing and repoussé, and stone setting. In addition to traditional bench equipment, the Lab also includes cutting edge technology. A computer loaded with computer aided design (CAD) software allows students to develop and refine digital designs. Likewise, the Lab's 3-D printer allows students working with CAD software to output their designs. The Lab is also equipped with an eyewash station and first aid kits. Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are maintained for review by students and emergency responders. The Jewelry Design Program, facilities, and equipment are only available on the Los Angeles Campus.

MERCHANDISE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

MERCHANDISE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT In addition to standard equipment (see Computer Facilities) Merchandise Product Development students utilize the three pattern rooms and two sewing rooms at the Hope Street building of the Los Angeles campus for training in manual pattern drafting, sewing, draping and fit analysis. The equipment at this facility includes drafting tables, dress forms, irons, ironing boards, rabbit punches, single needle sewing machines, overlock sewing machines, merrow machines, blind sewing machine, coverstitch sewing machine, buttonhole machine, and rolling racks. There are comparable facilities and equipment for first year classes on the San Francisco, San Diego and Orange County campuses. Second year facilities and equipment are only available on the Los Angeles and San Francisco campuses. All spaces are shared with the Apparel Industry Management and Fashion Design students. The students in this major also utilize the full suite of equipment and dye chemicals available in the Textile Testing and Dye labs on the Los Angeles and San Francisco campuses for their second-year coursework in color management and textile testing.

MENSWEAR

MENSWEAR FIDM's Menswear Major is an Advanced Study Program offered on the Los Angeles Campus. The Menswear program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the design, marketing, and operational functions of today's global menswear industry. The pattern and sewing portion of this program is taught in the Hope Street building and the rest of the course in PC Labs, Gerber Labs, and multipurpose classrooms. The equipment and computer programs used are the same as Apparel Industry Management with the following additions: men's torso forms, men's full body forms, and a rolling presentation rack.

TEXTILE DESIGN

There is a connected suite of Textile labs for the printing, painting, and dyeing of textiles. It is comprised of a print lab, dye lab, and a darkroom. These labs are shared by Fashion Knitwear Design, Textile Design, and Theatre Costume Design students. The darkroom is equipped for the photo sensitive screen development processing and contains a 4' x 4' backlit washout sink, a 20" x 24" exposure unit, a dehumidifier, and a 1.7 cubic foot refrigerator. The room also has an area for coating silkscreens with a photo-emulsion, and drying racks. The dye, or pigment lab, is for the mixing of dyes and dye past, vat drying, and the post treatment of steaming and washing of fabrics and yarn. There is a 20-gallon dye kettle and an induction stove used for large and small dye vats. This lab also has several large sinks, a ventilated drying area, and several large work tables. There is a CAD station with Adobe Creative Cloud and Wasatch Rip software for support of a Mimaki JV4 digital printer. The printer is for direct printing onto fabric with fiber reactive dyes. The print lab is for the printing and painting of textiles and has 4' x 7' padded print tables and a 4' x 15' table. All tables have a built-in established registration system. Students also have use of silkscreens and squeegees in a variety of sizes.

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS

In addition to standard equipment (see Computer Facilities) the following equipment is used to design, develop, and fabricate shadow boxes, windows, and other displays: Laserjet Printer, cutawls, hotwire machines, a hot knife, dremel tools, a graphic 24" vinyl cutter and a spray booth. The Visual labs on the Los Angeles and San Francisco campuses are used for over 75% of the Visual Communications classes. Labs and studios are also held in these rooms. The Prop Room is shared and stores mannequins, paint, and other miscellaneous props. It also contains a sink. Each of the work tables in the Prop Room contains cutting matte boards. The Prop Room and Visual Labs are also equipped with an eyewash station and first aid kits. The Entertainment Set Design & Decoration Advanced Study Program shares all Visual Communications facilities and equipment, including Drafting Rooms on the Los Angeles Campus. The Visual Communications Programs and facilities are available on all campuses, with only first-year students on the San Diego and Orange County locations.

FIDM eLearning System

The eLearning System is composed of three parts: web-enabled courses, online (distance learning) courses, and collaborative sites (used by FIDM Faculty). The FIDM eLearning System is a course management system which allows learning to take place in a virtual environment, beyond the traditional classroom setting. The eLearning system offers two types of online learning: fully online (distance learning) courses and web-enabled courses.

– Web-Enabled Courses — Web-enabled courses are on-campus course sites in the eLearning system. The site is a supplement to an on-campus course; it does not replace the traditional in-class meeting/interactions.

– Online Courses — Online courses are distance learning classes that take place in a virtual classroom, where students can review lectures, participate in classroom discussion, work on projects, and access exams. Students don't need to be in a specific physical location to take part in an online course. These courses are also part of the FIDM eLearning System. For student communication, questions, and requests for information, online instructors must respond to students within 24 hours. For feedback on submitted work: papers, projects, and other course assignments, the online instructor must review student work and post grades within a week after the student has posted their work online.

Student Conduct & Responsibilities STUDENT CONDUCT

All students must conform to federal, state, and local laws. They must respect the rights of others and conduct themselves in a manner conducive to the educational mission of the college. Below are important policies, which FIDM must enforce in order to maintain a safe and compliant environment for all faculty, staff, and students.

ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE-FREE ENVIRONMENT

FIDM is committed to providing a workplace and school environment free of alcohol, illegal drugs, un-prescribed drugs, or paraphernalia used for these substances. Violation of this policy may result in immediate dismissal from academic programs or college-related employment. All FIDM campuses are smoke-free environments. Smoking includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, nicotine-delivering devices, chemicals or devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances; and any other tobacco innovation. Information on substance abuse programs, prevention awareness, and all other counseling services is available upon request and accessible on the FIDM Portal.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

ACADEMIC HONESTY All academic work submitted by a student must be original work. Cheating or academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, all forms of giving or getting unauthorized help or using unauthorized materials on examinations and projects. Plagiarism, a form of cheating, involves obtaining or attempting to obtain academic credit by copying the words or ideas of another (from a book, magazine article, or website, for example) and passing them off as one's own without documentation — that is, without acknowledging the source with quotation marks, footnotes, and lists of works cited. Cheating and plagiarism are cause for formal counseling. Students who cheat or plagiarize will receive a zero "0" on the assignment and may be subject to further disciplinary action. Violations of the academic honesty policy are reported to the Department Chair designate in Los Angeles or the Education Department (SF, OC, SD).

CAMPUS CONDUCT

FIDM is committed to a collegiate environment in which respect for others and proper conduct is demonstrated. Hateful language—including profanity, racial, gender, or religious slurs—is unlawful and in direct opposition to an education environment. FIDM promotes a professional environment free from hostility and will not tolerate harassing, bullying, intimidating, or threatening behavior or communication. Any violation will result in disciplinary action including suspension of services, and/ or privileges, or dismissal. Students are responsible for conducting themselves as professionals while in the classroom, on campus, or using any online or offline platform to complete FIDM coursework. Eating and drinking are not permitted in FIDM's classrooms, computer labs, halls, Library, or elevators. Excessive talking, rudeness or disruption of class will not be tolerated. Electronic devices (mp3 players, cellular phones, etc.) are considered disruptive and must be turned off during class time and in any environment in which other students are studying, researching, or gathering for educational purposes, unless permitted by an instructor or designated staff member. In addition, FIDM respects the student's right to individual expression through dress and appearance; however, we ask that they exercise discretion in regard to their choices to reflect a professional college student that does not cause undue attention or interfere with the educational process.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

FIDM in compliance with Civil Rights Legislation does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment practices on the basis of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristic or condition protected by federal or state law. These practices include, but are not limited to, hiring, employment promotion and transfer, admissions policies, the administration of its scholarship and loan programs and participation in the benefits and services of educational programs or related activities sponsored by the College. This policy is in accordance to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, California SB-195 Equity in Higher Education Act, and any other applicable federal, state, and local law. Inquiries concerning FIDM's policy may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator.

HARASSMENT & SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY

FIDM is committed to providing a safe learning/working environment for students and employees that is free of all forms of discrimination, harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Sexual misconduct is a form of discrimination. All members of the college community should be aware that the college strongly opposes harassment and sexual misconduct and such behavior is prohibited by federal and state law and college policy. This policy applies to all FIDM community members, including students, faculty, administrators, staff, and third parties conducting business or having any official capacity with the college or on college property. FIDM is prepared to take prompt action to prevent and correct such behavior of individuals who engage in sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct, as well as any other unlawful harassment based on factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age. Violation of this harassment and sexual misconduct policy will not be tolerated and corrective action up to and including disqualification or termination may be taken. We encourage all students to report these incidents to the Title IX Coordinator. FIDM is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals involved in a report of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence. Throughout the process of investigation of a report of harassment and sexual misconduct, every effort will be made to protect the privacy interests of all individuals, and respect and safeguard private information, to the extent possible consistent with the legal obligations of FIDM to investigate and respond effectively. Retaliation against a person who properly reports, complains about, or participates in the investigation of such harassment is strictly prohibited. FIDM's harassment and sexual misconduct policy and procedures are available in full on the FIDM Portal (under College Policies FAQs). Reports of sexual misconduct and inquiries concerning FIDM's policy may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator.

Affirmative Consent — In alignment with California statute, FIDM's policy concerning sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking includes an affirmative consent standard in the determination of whether consent was given by both parties to sexual activity. Affirmative consent means affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. It is the responsibility of each person involved in the sexual activity to ensure that he or she has the affirmative consent of the other or others to engage in the sexual activity. Lack of protest or resistance does not mean consent, nor does silence mean consent. Affirmative consent must be ongoing throughout a sexual activity and can be revoked at any time. The existence of a dating relationship between the persons involved, or the fact of past sexual relations between them, should never by itself be assumed to be an indicator of consent.

CAMPUS SAFETY & ACCESS

FIDM is committed to the safety of its students, faculty, and staff. Students are prohibited from bringing firearms, hoverboards, electronic skateboards, and any other motorized board onto any FIDM campus. Illegal weapons or threatening gestures with an object that can be used as a weapon will lead to immediate dismissal. Students are required to wear their valid FIDM Student Photo Identification cards where visible while on FIDM premises. FIDM Student Photo ID cards may not be altered, copied, or forged and are non-transferable. If a student is discovered loaning or altering a FIDM Student Photo ID card, that card will be confiscated and the student will face a mandatory appointment with the Dean of Education (LA), or the Education Department (SF/OC/SD). Campus access is restricted to posted hours of operation. Please see FIDM Portal for hours of operation. Only registered students are permitted in the classroom. Authorized guests/visitors are allowed on campus with prior approval and notification to Security from FIDM Staff for college business purposes (i.e., guest presenter, authorized vendor, campus meeting, etc.). All authorized visitors are required to check-in with the Security desk (LA) / Building Security (SF) /front desk (OC/SD) to obtain a guest/visitor pass. Students and faculty are not permitted to bring family, friends, or business acquaintances on campus.

DEFACING FIDM PROPERTY

Any student who defaces, vandalizes, or destroys FIDM property (including but not limited to library materials, computers, elevators, restrooms, parking structure, etc.) will be dismissed from the college. All types of spray mount adhesive and spray paint are prohibited from being used on all FIDM campuses.

SOLICITATION/DISTRIBUTION

The solicitation and distribution to students of nonFIDM materials and the use of the college facility for non-FIDM business purposes is prohibited. Posting flyers, pamphlets, posters, or other means of advertising on the walls or bulletin boards and selling products on campus is not allowed.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

PREPARATION & STUDY

FIDM values the importance of learning, preparation, and study. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with the assigned readings and homework and to manage his/her time. A minimum of two hours preparation for each hour in class is recommended for research and study time outside of class.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP)

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) FIDM requires students attending the college to make reasonable progress toward the completion of their educational objective. All students are expected to maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average and complete a specified minimum number of units each quarter. Students who fail to meet FIDM's Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements may lose their eligibility for financial aid and/or veterans benefits. Additional information is available from the Student Financial Services Department.

UPDATING CONTACT INFORMATION

It is the students' responsibility to provide current contact information to the college. Students can make the following changes:

– Cell Phone and Email can be updated on the FIDM Portal.

– Address and Home Phone Number can be updated on all campuses in the Student Advisement Office and the Financial Services Department. In addition on the SF, OC, and SD campuses, this information can be updated in the Education Department.

Name Change can be updated in the Financial Services Department by presenting a current California Driver License, a State Identification Card, or a Passport.

INSTITUTIONAL GOVERNANCE PARTICIPATION

FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising's Board of Administration formally approves institutional policies. FIDM's approved policies are available in print and/or on the ePortal. FIDM has maintained a practice of policy review by the Board of Administration for over thirty years. Policy changes may result from suggestions from within the FIDM community or be a response to issues that arise on one of the campuses; or actions taken by the Faculty Council; or may result from regulatory action at the city, county, state, or federal level. These policies are presented to supervisors and/or the Board of Administration for review. If the policy is approved, it is then implemented. All FIDM policies and the procedures for implementing the policies are reviewed annually or as needed.

FIDM STUDENT TRAVEL POLICY

FIDM requires students who participate in college-related activities that necessitate travel within the United States to complete and submit the following: – Confidential Emergency Information form – FIDM Code of Conduct document – Proof of Medical Insurance*

*The cost of travel medical and evacuation insurance is included in the cost of a FIDM Study Tour and is purchased on behalf of the student if the trip is 100 miles or greater from campus. If the Study Tour is within a 100 mile radius of the campus then students must provide proof of medical coverage. Without existing medical coverage, the student will be required to purchase short-term medical insurance in order to participate. Students traveling on FIDM sponsored Study Tours, outside the United States, will be required to attend all pre-trip meetings and to comply with the Study Tour procedures.

STUDENT TECHNOLOGY USE POLICY

OFF CAMPUS

In an effort to provide FIDM Students with a quality education which keeps pace with our rapidly changing world, it has been essential to implement new technology standards for email, Internet, and computer access.

 Email — All students should check their FIDMCloud Mail on a regular basis. It is necessary to have an email account not only for maintaining contact with instructors, but also to maintain access to the FIDM Portal and Career Network. All students are issued FIDMCloud Mail accounts.

– Access to a Computer — FIDM strongly recommends each student buy or have access to a personal computer. Students who have access are more proficient and better prepared for the workforce.

– Internet Access — Given the increasing use of the Internet as a source of information for research, class assignments, job-hunting, and personal enjoyment, FIDM strongly encourages all students to have access to the Internet from home, in addition to access available at FIDM.

ON CAMPUS

Students may not:

1. Advocate or encourage violence against any government, organization, group, individual, or property, or provide instruction, information, or assistance in causing or carrying out such violence, regardless of whether such activity is unlawful. Violations will be reported to the appropriate civil authorities.

2. Change FIDM computer or hardware system settings or disconnect, connect, or switch off any hardware from computers, including, but not limited to, printers, projectors, or other FIDM technology resources.

3. Introduce or activate any viruses, worms, harmful code, and/or Trojan horses; evade spam filters to the FIDM network.

4. Use FIDMCloud Mail accounts, web-related content, or computer resources for personal gain, gambling activities, partisan political purposes, or with the intent of harming a particular individual.

5. Create, download, install, or store programs and software on FIDM systems.

6. Use FIDM network resources to send or post unsolicited messages or email, whether commercial or not: a. to any recipients who have requested that messages not be sent to them. b. to a large number of recipients, including users, newsgroups, or bulletin boards, at one time; send or post a message or email with deceptive, absent, or forged header or sender identification information. c. resell FIDM's services, in whole or in part, to any entity or individual. d. hold FIDM, or its affiliates to public scorn or ridicule.

7. Use the FIDM network or computer resources to play games, use non-FIDM chatrooms, download, display, perform, send, receive, or store any content that is obscene, pornographic, lewd, or lascivious.

8. Have food or beverages near computer terminals or in the computer labs.

9. Search, read, copy, alter, or delete another person's files or use another person's user ID or password.

10. Transmit intimidating, harassing, threatening, discriminating messages, or forge electronic communication. Propagate chain letters or pyramid schemes, whether or not the recipient wishes to receive such mailings.

11. Communicate with their instructor via personal telephone number or email address, text messaging or any social media, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

12. Use the FIDM network or computer resources to plagiarize or reproduce copyrighted materials, trademarks, or other protected material in any electronic form without express written permission from the material's owner. This includes FIDM's trademarks, college logo, and seal.

13. Distribute or duplicate copyrighted software or programs without appropriate licensing agreements. Access, send, receive, display, perform, disclose, store, or execute any content: a. in violation of any copyright, right of publicity, patent, trademark, service mark, trade name, trade secret, or other intellectual property right. b. in violation of any applicable agreement, —OR— c. without authorization.

14. Distribute or reproduce, in any digital form, copyrighted music, video, or other multimedia content without the express written permission of the owner. Violating this policy in whole or in part could result in restrictions to computer resources access or further disciplinary action by the college (such as dismissal from school) and/or criminal prosecution by appropriate legal authorities. The computer labs are designated for students working on academic projects. Out of consideration for all students, recreational computer use is not allowed at busy times when students with academic work are waiting. Use of computers for recreational purposes is not permitted within the classroom when the class is in session.

HOW TO AVOID PENALTIES

– Do not use file sharing software, (also known as peer-to-peer or p2p software) to download copyrighted media. Students MUST have the copyright owner's permission or the download is considered infringing and illegal. – Most programs that allow for the download of songs and movies without payment will share the recipient's computer's files and personal information to the Internet by default. – Popular file sharing programs used to distribute and obtain media illegally include: DropBox, BitTorrent, Gnutella, Warez P2P and many others. While these sites are not illegal, they are used for illegal activities. – Students should only use legal downloading or subscription streaming services, such as Amazon, iTunes, YouTube, Netflix, to view media. – Students should not share media obtained legally, except as the copyright holder permits (iTunes streaming, etc.). Most file sharing software, by default, finds, advertises and shares all music and movies on the recipient's computer regardless of whether or not they have the right to share/upload these files. – Students should protect their computers from malicious software by not installing file sharing software. While malware rarely installs file sharing software, that software is routinely exploited by criminals to provide a distribution channel for 'free' files that let them steal information. Students should make sure they have obtained virus scanning and malware detection software above and beyond what Windows or Apple provides by default.

RECOMMENDED COMPUTER SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS

For up-to-date information, visit the FIDM Portal at myfidm.fidm.edu. Recommended computer specifications by department can be found under the Resources tab. Computer Specifications are also found on FIDM.edu under Admissions > Parents > Computers and Software.

FIDM PORTAL

FIDM PORTAL The FIDM Portal website offers the following essential online tools, services, and information for students: – FIDM Student Email – Web Registration – Student Messaging Center – Transcript Request Information – Campus Event Calendar – Check Financial Clearance for Registration – Tuition Payments – Financial Aid Documents Due Dates – Faculty & Staff Directory – Campus Hours – Student Services – Information on Continuing your Education

FIDMCLOUD MAIL

FIDMCLOUD MAIL The FIDM web-based email system for students is provided by IBM Connections Cloud. Students email account username will in most cases be student's first initial and last name. For example, Jane Doe's username is jdoe, and her email account would therefore be jdoe@us.fidm.edu. This may be a different username than the student's FIDM Portal username.

To log in to student's FIDMCloud Mail: – Go to us.fidm.edu – Enter student's FIDMCloud Mail address in the Address field – Enter student's Password in the Password field. – Click the Log In button to sign in. Note: Forgot the password? Click the "Forgot password" to reset the password and enter in the FIDMCloud Mail address. An email will be sent to the student's personal email account. Download the FIDMCloud Mail mobile app Use the FIDMCloud Mail mobile app to easily check your FIDM email. It is available for iOS and Android. Search for 'Verse Mail" in your App Store. If you have a different device, you can easily set up your phone's own Mail app for checking FIDMCloud Mail. For questions or support, email elearning@us.fidm.edu

Student Services

CAREER CENTER

CAREER CENTER From the first day of class, students begin to integrate into a network of industry leaders, FIDM Faculty, and influential FIDM Graduates. The Career Center works with FIDM Students and Graduates one-on-one to ensure a targeted and efficient job search. The Career Center believes that what is learned in the FIDM classroom, combined with the experience gained from working alongside industry professionals, enhances career growth post-graduation. Career Center staff provides students and graduates with the best resources to help them hone the skills they have learned at FIDM and effectively apply them to the working world. Some of those services include: – Career Network: 24/7 access to connect directly to the Career Center; resources, documents, employment opportunities, industry job links, and appointment scheduling – One-on-one individual career advising and planning – Resume and portfolio review – Interviewing and networking assistance – Internship assistance – Part-time and full-time employment opportunities through Career Network – Academic and paid internships through Career Network – Volunteer opportunities – Career Center events: Career Connections, Industry Partnerships, Industry Expo, Open Portfolio Day, On-campus Recruitment, and Job Fairs

Internships

Internships are opportunities for students to combine academic training with employment in fields related to their course of study. Students who are interested in gaining this type of "real life" experience should meet with a Career Advisor. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average, have proof of medical insurance, and be in their second-to-last or last quarter of their program.

Industry Relations

Career Center staff constantly works to build and maintain relationships with employers to find quality industry jobs and internship leads within all the FIDM majors. Through on-campus recruitment, site visits, and job/internship postings, the Career Center stays in tune with the latest industry career trends. Job opportunities are posted daily in the Career Center employer database. Students and Alumni have full access to job leads, internship leads, resume builder, and employer company history through Career Network, which is accessible from the FIDM Portal.

COLLEGE SERVICES

College Services provides books, supplies, and course-related resources to students electing FIDM's Method of Book and Supply Distribution to enable their full participation in coursework leading to the successful completion of their degree program.

HOUSING 

The Housing Department is committed to assisting students with finding the residential plan that best suits their needs. FIDM does not own or operate any dormitory or apartment facilities. The FIDM Housing Department offers third-party apartment rentals through FIDM (FIDM Student Housing) as well as independent housing referrals. FIDM Student Housing consists of privately owned and operated apartment complexes with locations in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Numerous units in these apartment buildings have been reserved for FIDM Students only. This popular option creates an exciting community of FIDM Students in each location with FIDM Housing Staff on-site or easily accessible. Space is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. All apartments are two bedroom/two bathroom units. FIDM LA Housing options are within walking distance of the campus. The current quarterly cost for FIDM Housing consists of a one-time, non-refundable, initial placement fee of $300 along with one quarter of rent ($3,300* for a shared bedroom or $6,600* for a private bedroom) *Subject to change annually. Currently, FIDM Housing in San Francisco handles independent housing options and works closely with students to assist with their housing needs. Independent Housing listings are available through the FIDM Portal and provide students on all campuses with apartment and roommate referrals. Students are responsible to contact the different apartment complexes and potential roommates directly, as FIDM Housing does not verify any listing. Independent referrals come from current FIDM Students, FIDM Alumni, and students from other local colleges. Referral housing location distances range from less than a mile to a 17-mile radius of the campus. Prices vary from $600 to $800 monthly to share a room, and $850 to $1,000 to rent a private room. Please visit the properties website for the most up to date rates. The properties that are used by FIDM Student Housing are also available to students independently; however, the leasing packages and rates may vary.

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE (IDEA CENTER)

The IDEA Center at all campuses provides students with assistance in the areas of writing, math, reading comprehension, study, research, time management, Photoshop, Illustrator, sketching, and more.

LIBRARY

The FIDM Library provides a variety of resources and services focused on meeting the unique information and research needs of the FIDM community. There are four FIDM campus libraries, each staffed by a team of librarians and specialists that provide instruction, reference, and other research support services. One collection type that sets the FIDM Libraries apart from other libraries is its collection of trend forecasting reports. These exclusive reports offer market intelligence for designers and product development professionals across many creative industries including fashion, interior design, and visual communication. The resources and services at each campus are curated to support the program majors offered at that campus. The Los Angeles campus library maintains the largest, most diverse collections including a Textile & Design Research Room where students can explore and gain experience with materials and tools used in the various design industries. In addition, students can also access the renowned Material ConneXion Library® and database, and an extensive collection of fabric swatches, trims, and findings for projects. Special Collections includes rare and unique items reflecting the design aesthetic of the mid-19th and 20th centuries. The Library's electronic resources collection includes research databases and ebooks that are accessible on and off-campus, as well as on mobile devices. No matter where students are located, the Library's resources are always available and accessible to inform and inspire.

PERSONAL COUNSELING

The Personal Counseling Department provides counseling support for all students who self-refer or are referred by staff or faculty to address emotional, social, and academic issues pertaining to their personal and professional goals. The counseling session focuses on basic counseling needs such as problem solving, conflict resolution, goal setting, communication improvement, time management, and stress management related to academic and personal issues, as well as crisis counseling. Mental health related referrals for licensed therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as clinics and agencies, are provided to all students who are seeking mental health and healthcare support while attending FIDM. All counseling sessions are held in a supportive, safe, and confidential environment. In the event of any emotional situation or crisis, students should contact a personal counselor for an appointment immediately. If the student has an urgent need to speak with a counselor and the counselor is not immediately available, please contact the Front Desk at any campus. FIDM will make every attempt to reach a Personal Counselor, a family member or friend, or they will call 911.

REGISTRAR

REGISTRAR The Registrar's Office manages student records, produces strategic reports, and supports the college's mission by facilitating students timely program completion. The Registrar's Office (LA, SF) and Education Department (OC, SD) provide the following services: – Verifies enrollment, including student deferments – Provides Veterans Administration Enrollment Certification* – Processes FIDM transcript requests – Issues Late Registration Forms – Supplies Advisement Sheets listing the quarterly sequence of courses for each program/major – Provides registration materials and the Schedule of Classes prior to web registration for each quarter (also available online on the FIDM Portal) – Processes grades submitted by instructors (Note: Questions regarding a specific grade should be directed to the instructor or the Education Department). *Students should contact the VA Education Specialist at the Orange County campus.

Student Advisement

The Student Advisement Office assists with the advancement and completion of a student's academic program by providing direction and support for all aspects of the FIDM educational experience.

WITHDRAWAL AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Each academic program is considered an uninterrupted sequence. If it becomes necessary for a student to withdraw or take a leave from the college, a Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Form must be completed with the Student Advisement Office. An Approved Leave of Absence may be taken for only one full quarter. Any student taking an Unapproved Leave of Absence or withdrawing from the college after the sixth week of classes may incur repeat fees, course-related resource fees and be responsible for purchasing books and supplies that are changed in repeated classes in subsequent quarters. Students on a Leave of Absence are required to continue their schedule of payments and are eligible to receive assistance from the Career Center. Students receiving a Cal Grant award must also notify the California Student Aid Commission of their Leave of Absence or they will lose their award. – Regarding a Refund: A refund will be calculated when a student either withdraws from all classes or takes an Unapproved Leave of Absence. Students are reminded that when a refund is calculated based upon a student's Leave of Absence, it is the student's responsibility to reapply for all financial aid prior to returning to the college.

TUITION

TUITION Tuition policies are reviewed bi-annually. A current tuition schedule is available from the Student Advisement Office as a supplement to this catalog.

FOR SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

– Visit a Student Advisor. – Utilize the FIDM Scholarship Foundation, Inc. website FIDMscholarshipfoundation.org.

F-1 Visa International Students

INSTRUCTION

All classroom instruction at FIDM is taught in English.

MAINTAINING F-1 STATUS

After an international student obtains a visa and enters the U.S. in F-1 status he/she must continue to maintain that status and follow F-1 regulations upon entry until final departure. The key requirements for maintaining F-1 status include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Report to FIDM's Designated School Official (DSO) for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) registration upon arriving at FIDM. Students must be registered in SEVIS no later than 30 days after the program start date.

2. Attend the school authorized on the I-20.

3. Maintain a full course of study (minimum of 12 units) each quarter and make normal academic progress towards completion of program. Nine of the 12 units must be in the classroom (not online), unless approved under a specific exception, in advance (before dropping a class), by the FIDM International Students Office.

4. Transfer or extend program in a timely manner or file timely requests for extension of stay, change of status, transfer, optional practical training, and other benefits.

5. Keep continuity in program of study (absence from the U.S. or any other academic break of more than 5 months terminates F-1 status).

6. Refrain from unauthorized work or illegal activity.

7. When traveling abroad, always return in proper F-1 status.

8. Keep the passport valid for six months into the future.

9. Report any changes of address to FIDM's Designated School Official within 10 days of the change.

10. Abide by the aggregate unemployment rules while on post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

At normal conclusion of studies or practical training, F-1 students usually have 60 days (grace period) in which to prepare to leave the U.S., to move to a new academic program, or to transfer to another institution. However, certain factors may reduce that grace period.

EMPLOYMENT IN F-1 STATUS

An F-1 student may only work under the following conditions (any work not authorized by this section will violate F-1 status and serve as grounds for cancellation).

– On-campus employment: Must be performed on campus, and is limited to 20 hours a week while school is in session. – Off-campus work authorization: In general if an F-1 student wishes to work off-campus before graduation, one of the following circumstances must exist:

1. ECONOMIC HARDSHIP Student must have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year. The student must prove to U.S. Citizens and Immigration Service (USCIS) that employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond his/her control that arose after obtaining F-1 status. It is designed for off-campus employment, but there is no specific prohibition against it being used on-campus. It is granted by USCIS in increments of one year at a time, or until the program end-date, whichever is shorter. Authorization ends if a student transfers schools. It is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; can be full-time during official school breaks. The work can be in any job; it does not have to be related to the course of study. The student must apply for Employment Application Document (EAD) from USCIS, and receive EAD before employment begins.

2. INTERNSHIP/APPRENTICESHIP/CURRICULUM PRACTICAL TRAINING (CPT) Student must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis at a Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-approved school for one full academic year before being eligible for CPT. Additional requirements per FIDM policy are: – Student may only be authorized for CPT during his/her last or second-to-last quarter of his/her program and must maintain a 3.0 grade point average or higher to be eligible. – Student may engage in CPT only for the specific employer, location, and period approved and recorded by FIDM's International Students Office in SEVIS. CPT must be an integral part of student's established curriculum to qualify. – Student must first receive an offer letter from his/her potential employer specifying the job title, job duties, days and hours of employment, and the company's Employment Identification Number. – The potential CPT must be approved by both FIDM's Career Center and the Education Department/Office of Academic Support prior to being submitted to FIDM's International Students Office for processing.

3. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) To qualify, an F-1 student must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis at a DHS-approved school for one full academic year before being eligible for OPT. Students may engage in OPT for any employer for the duration of their OPT authorization, as long as the employment qualifies under OPT standards. Standard OPT is available for a cumulative maximum of 12 months per educational level (none of FIDM's majors qualify for STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) degree recipients, no extension of OPT will be available). OPT must be directly related to the student's course of study. Students on post-completion OPT are limited to a maximum of 90 days of unemployment. Student files I-765 application for EAD with USCIS. Work can begin only after receiving EAD issued by USCIS. F-1 International Students may apply for OPT as early as 90 days before their program end date, the application must be RECEIVED by the USCIS no later than 60 days after students program end date. OPT must start and end within a 14-month period.

STUDENTS: Please see the Designated Student Officer (DSO) at your campus of attendance for a complete employment policy form. Refer to the FIDM Portal for more information regarding International F-1 students.

Campus & Personal Safety

PERSONAL SAFETY & CRIME PREVENTION ON CAMPUS

FIDM is dedicated to providing a working and learning environment that is attractive and safe. While Campus Security plays a role in ensuring that campuses remain as safe as possible, the responsibility for crime prevention and personal safety rests with each individual. Therefore, each individual must take personal responsibility for their own safety, as well as for the safety of others. FIDM also strives to provide timely warnings to the campus community about crimes that pose an ongoing threat to students and employees as well as providing 24-hour security. Working together, FIDM will continue to be one of the safest urban colleges in the country.

TO REPORT A CRIME OR EMERGENCY

Off-campus: Report any crime to the local police. For emergencies, please call 911. On-campus: Report any crime, emergency, and/or suspicious or potentially criminal activity immediately to the Campus Security.Los Angeles Campus: 213.624.1200 x2020 Orange County Campus: 949.851.6200 San Diego Campus: 619.235.2049 San Francisco Campus: 415.675.5200

PREPARING ANNUAL DISCLOSURE OF CRIME STATISTICS

To ensure the safety and well-being of the campus community and in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (1990), the Clery Act, FIDM publishes and distributes the Annual Security Report disclosing campus security policies and three years' worth of specified Clery Act crimes and arrest statistics, and schedules seminars on crime prevention, substance abuse prevention, and campus safety on all campuses. Campus crime reports and surveys are made readily available to the general public on our website FIDM.edu. The reports include statistical information about criminal offenses, hate offenses, disciplinary actions/judicial referrals, and arrests — whether reported by local and state police or occurring on-campus, at non-campus buildings, or on public property. The preparation of the Annual Security Report is an ongoing process. The Title IX Coordinator makes every effort to ensure that the report is complete and accurate. The process includes gathering crime statistics from Campus Security Authorities and local law enforcement agencies, as well as verifying current policies for Federal compliance with the Department of Education. After collecting crime statistics from all sources, theTitle IX Coordinator reconciles them to ensure no incident has been double counted and that the report is accurate. Upon completion of the Annual Security Report the crime statistics are submitted to the Department of Education Campus Crime and Security website and can be viewed by the public at ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#. FIDM will provide a paper copy of campus crime report information upon request. Each year, an email notification is made to all enrolled students, current staff, and faculty who provide web addresses to access the full report.

DAILY CRIME LOG

The Daily Crime Log records all alleged crimes reported to a campus security authority on each campus. It is organized by the date of the report and includes the date of the crime, in addition to the nature, location, and disposition of each crime. Each campus has the Daily Crime Log available at the front desk of San Francisco, Orange County, and San Diego; and the Security Desk at the Los Angeles campus. The crime log for the most recent 60-day period is open for public inspection, upon request, during normal business hours. Any portion of the log that is older than 60 days must be made available within two business days of a request for public inspection. Crime logs must be kept for three years following the publication of the last annual security report to which they apply (in effect, seven years).

EMERGENCY ALERT NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE

In the event of an emergency, FIDM students receive "FIDM Alert" messages via cell phone, email, and text messaging. It is the student's responsibility to provide current contact information quarterly through the FIDM Portal to be sure he/she receives timely communications. To ensure the optimal level of performance in an emergency, occasionally the college will send a test FIDM Alert. It is important that students reply to this alert to confirm that FIDM has their correct contact information and they are able to receive an alert in a real emergency. Phone calls and text messages are subject to the conditions and rates of the student's particular calling plan. FIDM will not be held responsible for connectivity issues or any charges billed by cell phone providers in efforts to relay information.

General Information

STUDENT PHOTO IDENTIFICATION CARDS

All current students must display their FIDM Student Photo ID along with their valid quarter sticker while on campus. This card is required for access to any FIDM campus, and it also allows students to check out books in the Library, pick up books and supplies from the Bookroom, and receive student discounts around town. The fee for a lost FIDM Student Photo ID is $10.

FIDMPRINTS

Color and black/white printing and copying is available to students on printers and multi-function copiers in the Library and computer labs. Use of the FIDM Student Photo ID card is required in order to print or copy. There is a fee for using multi-function copiers in the libraries. Students can add funds to their FIDMPrints account online with a credit card or by using the cash-only pay stations located in the FIDM Library on all campuses. FIDMPrints balances on student accounts are non-refundable.

TRANSPORTATION

All FIDM campuses are located in key cities with many public transportation options available to meet students' needs. For information on selective transportation schedules, student discounts on public transportation, and directions, students should contact the Student Activities Office on their campus.

PARKING INFORMATION

Parking is not guaranteed and fees may be subject to change. Students should contact the Student Activities Office or see the FIDM Portal for parking information for their campus and surrounding community.

THE FIDM STORE

The FIDM Store stocks college-related reference books, supplies, notebooks, art materials, stationery, and gifts. The store also sells FIDM-branded clothing, accessories, tote bags, and gifts made especially for FIDM. The store hours are posted on each campus. The website is theFIDMstore.com.

FIDM SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION & FIDM SCHOLARSHIP STORE

The FIDM Scholarship Foundation Inc. was established in 1978, with the sole purpose of helping students and their families afford a college education. We do that in two ways: The FIDM Scholarship Store, located on the corner of 9th Street and Grand Avenue on the LA campus, sells merchandise donated by top fashion companies. All prices are below wholesale and proceeds from store sales generate scholarships for current FIDM Students. The FIDM Scholarship Foundation provides information about scholarships from organizations outside of FIDM. An up-to-date list, including links to applications can be found online at FIDMscholarshipfoundation.org. The site is updated weekly so check back often; over 70 scholarships are currently posted.

FIDM MUSEUM & GALLERIES

The FIDM Museum & Galleries was organized as a nonprofit in 1978 to provide a research facility of garments and visual materials to serve the needs of students, scholars, designers, and the public. Housed within the Los Angeles campus, the 15,000 piece collection represents over 250 years of fashion history, including haute couture and ready-to-wear, non-western dress, film costumes, accessories, jewelry, textiles, fragrance, and ephemera. Two major archives — Rudi Gernreich and Gianni Versace Menswear — are the only collections of their kind. The Annette Green Fragrance Collection is housed and displayed on the second floor. On permanent loan is the Hollywood Costume Collection from the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks. The Museum Collections are split into two major parts: the Permanent Collection, used for exhibition and research; and the Study Collection, used by students for hands-on inspection. The Study Collection is divided among the four FIDM campuses: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, and San Diego. The collections are constantly researched, exhibited, and published nationally and internationally. The Galleries offer 8,000 square feet of exhibition space. The FIDM Museum mounts two major shows each year, in addition to smaller installations and conferences. At the entrance to the galleries is the popular Museum Shop, with an online site FIDMmuseumshop.org. The volunteer FIDM Museum Fashion Council supports educational endeavors through fundraising and outreach. The FIDM Museum & Galleries is committed to the development of educational exhibitions that explore the limitless relationships of fashion with the arts, history, society, and technology. Additional satellite galleries are located on the San Francisco and Orange County campuses. FIDMmuseum.org / blog.FIDMmuseum.org.

FIDM MUSEUM SHOP

The FIDM Museum Shop, located on the Los Angeles campus, features unique jewelry, accessories, home décor, and books. Many of these distinctive pieces are designed by FIDM Faculty, Alumni, and LA designers. Contact the Los Angeles campus for shop hours. Check the FIDM Museum website FIDMmuseum.org for upcoming book signings and guest speakers. Shop online at FIDMmuseumshop.org.

STUDENT LOUNGE

Each FIDM campus has a Student Lounge. This is a place to eat lunch, catch up on homework, get information, participate in campus events and activities, or to relax. Microwaves and vending machines are also available for student use.

STUDENT NEWSLETTER

The Student Newsletter is published weekly at all campuses and is available in the Student Activities Office, the Student Lounge on each campus, or online through the FIDM Portal. All FIDM departments make important announcements for students in the Newsletter.

FIDM TOTE BAG

FIDM TOTE BAG The FIDM tote bag will be provided to students during the first quarter of each contracted program. Tote bag distribution days and hours are posted quarterly. Additional FIDM tote bags may be purchased in the FIDM Store.

LOST & FOUND

Each campus has a Lost & Found. Students should see the receptionist on their campus.

HEALTH INFORMATION

Each campus provides minor first-aid supplies, even though FIDM does not have a health office or a nurse's center. Students should see their campus receptionist for the specific location of the minor first aid supplies. FIDM does not require vaccinations of staff or students. Students needing information regarding vaccinations should contact a health care professional. Links to health insurance options are available on the FIDM Portal. Students may also see the Student Activities Office or the Personal Counseling Office for health insurance brochures and other health information. Health resources are not affiliated with FIDM.

Student Activities

GETTING INVOLVED

Student Activities is committed to the development of the students' collegiate experience by supporting their educational goals and career objectives. Student Activities fosters a comfortable environment that provides personal growth through the implementation of co-curricular events pertaining to cultural awareness, civic awareness, personal development, and social activities. Current FIDM Students can learn about upcoming events through the Student Activities Office, the Student Newsletter, or campus Facebook pages.

Benefits to Involvement in Student Activities – Promote and develop leadership skills – Participate in community awareness activities – Enhance opportunities and awareness in all industry professions – Develop relationships with peers – Develop an interest in current issues – Network with industry professionals – Enhance awareness of various customs and cultures

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The FIDM Alumni Association keeps FIDM Grads connected and provides up-to-the-minute alumni news and information. Currently there are 35 FIDM alumni chapters in the United States, Europe, and Asia -providing graduates with a valuable personal network throughout the world that includes 65,000 alumni members. The Alumni Relations Office communicates monthly about alumni chapter events and news through LiveWire, a monthly eNewsletter. Annually, alumni can review the online award-winning Alumni Magazine DIALOGUES featuring a wealth of industry and career focused information about alumni achievements. Membership in the FIDM Alumni Association is free upon graduation. It brings endless opportunities: valuable networking events to create connections to talented alumni and Human Resources professionals in FIDM related industries, industry related workshops, and seminars providing new information and opportunities to update technical skills. Contact the Alumni Relations office at the FIDM Los Angeles campus for more information about the Alumni Association.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS (ASID) STUDENT CHAPTER

ASID is the largest professional association for Interior Designers in the United States and Canada. Through education, knowledge sharing, advocacy, community building, and outreach, the Society strives to advance the interior design profession and, in the process, to demonstrate and celebrate the power of design to positively change people's lives. Student members prepare for their career by joining the ASID network. In addition to ASID, professional design organizations for areas of specialization include International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH), Retail Design Institute (RDI), and Set Decorators Society of America (SDSA) offer educational and scholarship opportunities for student participation.

CROSS-CULTURAL STUDENT ALLIANCE (CCSA)

The CCSA is a student organization that encourages participation by both international and domestic students. Students engage in a variety of cross-cultural activities, and provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment.

FIDM MODE™

FIDM MODE is a publication written, photographed, and designed by students interested in promoting awareness in the fashion and design industries, student life, and current events. Students from all majors and campuses may participate.

THE INDUSTRY CLUB

The Industry Club offers opportunities for students of all majors to network with peers, hear industry speakers, and participate in field trips and round table discussions about hot topics of interest in the apparel industry.

PHI THETA KAPPA INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

The mission of the honor society is to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service, and fellowship programming. Currently enrolled students who have completed 12 units with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 are eligible to apply for membership. Interested students should come to a scheduled meeting. All meetings are advertised in the Student Newsletter. Formal induction is offered bi-annually at all campuses.

FIDM RED DOT AIGA STUDENT GROUP

Red Dot is a student group associated with the Los Angeles AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) Chapter that aims to foster the innovative, creative professionals of tomorrow by offering discounts, exclusive job listings, exposure/real-life application of design, networking opportunities, and professional development. The organization is open to Digital Media and Graphic Design students.

SET DECORATORS SOCIETY OF AMERICA (SDSA)

The Set Decorators Society of America is the only national nonprofit professional organization dedicated to the support of the past, present, and future of set decorators in motion pictures, television, commercials, and music videos. Students at the Los Angeles campus may join the SDSA Student Chapter as a non-voting member. Students are mentored by professionals, attend discussions by set decorator/industry partners, tour film/TV sets, prop houses, and participate in networking opportunities.

STUDENT COUNCIL

The Student Council promotes student rights and provides effective representation of student interests and concerns. The Student Council also strives to keep students informed of available resources/services and promotes the development of student leadership, service, and school spirit. All current students are eligible to join. Students simply need to come to a scheduled meeting. All meetings are advertised in the Student Newsletter.

STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA (SVA)

The FIDM Student Veterans of America Chapter provides military veterans, dependents of veterans, and supporters with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation. The SVA helps students use their veteran benefits to achieve their academic goals and find meaningful employment, as well as involvement in community service. Please note: Not all student organizations are offered at each campus, every quarter.

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

COTTON UNIVERSITY™

The mission of Cotton University is to increase and enhance the understanding of cotton textiles for professionals, faculty, and students through education and community. FIDM Students and Faculty may register for free membership to Cotton University and obtain access to valuable online community resources to help achieve their goals and enrich their textile understanding and expertise about cotton.

DEBUT RUNWAY SHOW

FIDM Students are invited to attend the DEBUT Runway Show, which is held in Los Angeles each winter quarter. DEBUT showcases the work of graduating students in FIDM's Advanced Study Fashion Design and Theatre Costume Design programs, as well as the work of Interior Design and Textile Design students.

DEVELOPMENTAL WORKSHOPS

Each quarter, Student Activities offers a variety of leadership, personal, professional, and career development workshops that help to enhance the students experience and growth outside the classroom. Civic Awareness, Wellness Week, Dining Etiquette, Stress Management, Cultural Celebrations, and Fashion District Tours are just a few of the many workshops offered.

INDUSTRY EVENTS & SPEAKERS

Industry-related events give students an opportunity to become familiar with a variety of positions and understand how their classroom knowledge relates to the real world. These events are a platform for students to network with industry professionals and to obtain firsthand knowledge of their professional experience.

NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION STUDENT ASSOCIATION (NRFSA)

FIDM is one of 60 colleges and universities who have joined the non-profit organization NRF Foundation as partners through a program that provides educators and students exclusive access to retail industry research, educational events, industry networking opportunities, and scholarships. The NRF Foundation's mission is to promote retail as a career path by providing students with the tools needed to be successful in retail, while demonstrating that paths in the retail industry include marketing, operations, merchandising, logistics, IT, analytics, criminal justice, and dozens of others. This group is open to all majors at FIDM.

TEXTILE DESIGN EXHIBITION

Fashion Knitwear Design and Textile Design students exhibit their portfolios and design collections in the third floor Museum windows of the Los Angeles campus each year. The exhibition features the creative components of textile design and fashion knitwear design.

VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SERVICE

Volunteer community service is any activity or job performed without pay that goes to benefit a nonprofit organization and/or community. Volunteer community service provides a critical component to the educational experience and future employability by giving students the opportunity to strengthen their resume while making an important difference in the world. FIDM highly encourages students to take full advantage of their time in college and participate in volunteer community service, either through FIDM student organizations or on their own. There are volunteer community service opportunities in just about any area. Read the Student Newsletter or visit the Student Activities Office and the Career Center for upcoming volunteer community service events and outside volunteer community service opportunities. Examples of volunteer community service opportunities are: – Beach clean-ups – Fundraisers – Tutoring young children or spending time with the elderly – Food/clothing drives – Working at a soup kitchen – Donating blood or organizing a blood drive – Working at a pet shelter

Graduation

GRADUATION COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

Graduates of the summer, fall, winter, and spring quarters are encouraged to attend the formal graduation ceremony held in June in Los Angeles and San Francisco. With the exception of the Bachelor's degree programs, a $250 non-refundable cap and gown and graduation fee is applicable upon matriculation regardless of whether a student participates in the ceremony or not.

GRADUATION CHECK

(Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego campuses) Prior to registering for the last quarter, students are responsible for completing the "Apply for Degree" request. This link is found on the FIDM Portal. A final graduation check is done to ensure that all course requirements have been met. A tentative graduation list is posted, based upon applications that are received. A 2.0 grade point average is required for graduation. Students are encouraged to complete the Graduation Checklist found on the FIDM Portal prior to leaving campus.

COMMENCEMENT HONORS

Any student receiving a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade point average graduates cum laude, a 3.8 or higher cumulative grade point average graduates magna cum laude, and a 3.95 or higher cumulative grade point average graduates summa cum laude. This is noted on the student's diploma.

DIPLOMAS

Final degrees are not awarded at the commencement ceremony. Diplomas are mailed to all graduates four to six months after their graduation date if the student is financially cleared. It is the graduates' responsibility to complete the online application for their degree in order for their diploma to be sent to the appropriate address.

VALEDICTORIAN

Students from each graduating class who have achieved a 3.98 cumulative grade point average or above are eligible for consideration as Class Valedictorian. Candidates will be asked to submit a written valedictory speech. The submitted speeches are reviewed by a panel of college staff and faculty. One speech is chosen to represent the class based on an oral and written presentation of the proposed speech.

GRADUATION AWARDS—FIDM LOS ANGELES & SAN DIEGO

APPAREL INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT AWARD

This award is given to an outstanding Apparel Industry Management graduate. The winning graduate is chosen by the Apparel Industry Management faculty based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher, professional attitude, creativity, leadership capabilities, managerial skills, industry experience, and community involvement.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN DESIGN AWARD

The Design Award recognizes the outstanding achievement of a graduate in the Bachelor of Arts Design program who has applied an outstanding innovative and critical approach to the creative and technical processes of design. The Bachelor of Arts in Design faculty selects a winner based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher, professionalism, creativity, and technical skills. Finalists submit a website or electronic portfolio for faculty review.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN APPAREL TECHNICAL DESIGN AWARD

The Apparel Technical Design Award recognizes an outstanding baccalaureate graduate in the Bachelor of Science degree program. The recipient is selected by the faculty and chairperson based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher, exceptional technical skills, professionalism, leadership capabilities, and industry involvement.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AWARD

The Business Management Award recognizes an outstanding baccalaureate graduate in this Bachelor of Science degree program. The recipient is selected by the Business Management faculty and Chairperson based upon a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher, demonstrated understanding of management concepts, exceptional leadership, professionalism, and creativity in thought.

BEAUTY INDUSTRY MERCHANDISING & MARKETING AWARD

The Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Award is presented to a graduate for outstanding achievement in the Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Program. Faculty choose the recipient, using criteria based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or higher, professionalism, leadership capabilities, industry experience, and creativity.

DIGITAL MEDIA AWARD

The Digital Media Award is presented to a graduate for outstanding achievement in Digital Media. Instructors select the winner based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher, dedication, creativity, excellent technical skills, and a strong passion for the industry.

FASHION DESIGN AWARD

The Fashion Design Award recognizes the outstanding achievement of a graduate in the Fashion Design program who has exhibited remarkable awareness of the creative and technical process of producing apparel. The Fashion Design faculty selects nominees based on graduates who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or higher. Finalists submit a portfolio and participate in an interview process.

GRAPHIC DESIGN AWARD

The Graphic Design Award is presented to a graduate for outstanding achievement in the Graphic Design program. The Graphic Design faculty chooses a winner based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or higher, professionalism, creativity, and technical skills.

INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD

The Interior Design Award honors a graduate for outstanding achievement in the Interior Design program. Nominees submit a portfolio and resumé for consideration. The winner is selected by the Interior Design faculty and Chairperson based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher, excellent technical skills, design aesthetic, professionalism, and industry involvement.

JEWELRY DESIGN AWARD

The Jewelry Design Award recognizes the graduate who exhibits an exceptional understanding of the creative and technical process of designing jewelry. The Jewelry Design faculty determines the winner from a circulated list of graduates who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

MERCHANDISING & MARKETING AWARD

The Merchandising & Marketing Award is presented to a graduate for outstanding achievement in the Merchandising & Marketing program. The department faculty selects the winner based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or higher, leadership capabilities, professionalism, dedication to the industry, and industry experience.

MERCHANDISE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AWARD

The Merchandise Product Development Award recognizes outstanding achievement in the Merchandise Product Development program. Faculty select the winning graduate based on a 3.8 or higher cumulative grade point average, leadership capabilities, professionalism, and industry involvement.

SOCIAL MEDIA AWARD

The Social Media Award is presented to a graduate for outstanding achievement in the Social Media program. Faculty choose the recipient based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or higher including the criteria of professional attitude, leadership capabilities, creativity, industry experience, and involvement.

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS AWARD

The Visual Communications Award recognizes the graduate who has made an exceptional and sustained effort to achieve excellence in the art of visual communication. Faculty selects the winner based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or higher, creativity, craftsmanship skills, professional attitude, and industry involvement.

GRADUATION AWARDS—FIDM SAN FRANCISCO

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AWARD

The Business Management Award recognizes an outstanding baccalaureate graduate in this Bachelor of Science program. Candidates are determined based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher and a faculty nomination. Final candidates are interviewed by an industry panel who selects the recipient based on aptitude for understanding management concepts along with professional and personal leadership behaviors.

CYRIL MAGNIN AWARD

The Cyril Magnin Award is given to a Merchandising & Marketing graduate who shows outstanding promise in the field of merchandising and marketing, and best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of one of FIDM's founding Advisory Board members, Mr. Cyril Magnin. Nominees are selected based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher coupled with a nomination by department faculty. Ellen Magnin interviews the finalists and selects the winner.

GRAPHIC DESIGN AWARD

The Graphic Design Award is awarded to one graduate for outstanding achievement in the field of Graphic Design. Graduates are qualified for the award by achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher. A panel of industry professionals interviews candidates. The award recipient is determined based on presentation of professional skills, creativity, and craftsmanship skills.

HENRY ADAMS AWARD

The Henry Adams Award is awarded to an outstanding Interior Design graduate who exhibits exceptional design creativity and imagination, combined with exemplary technical skills and dedication to the pursuit of excellence in interior design. Nominees are selected based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher and nomination by the department faculty. Candidates are interviewed and a winner selected by an industry professional.

LEVI STRAUSS AWARD

The Levi Strauss Award is presented for outstanding achievement in Fashion Design. This award recognizes a graduate who exhibits an exceptional understanding of the creative and practical process of developing and producing an apparel collection. The Fashion Design faculty, from a circulated list of graduates who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher, votes on the finalists. Levi Strauss design team members interview nominees for the award.

ROBERT J. MAHONEY AWARD

The Robert J. Mahoney Award recognizes the achievements of an outstanding Visual Communications graduate who exhibits exceptional creativity and technical skills from concept to project execution in the area of visual communications. Nominees are selected based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher and voted on by the department faculty. The award winner is selected following interviews with San Francisco visual communications professionals.

WILKES BASHFORD AWARD

The Wilkes Bashford Award is awarded to a Merchandise Product Development graduate for excellence in the field. Students who attained a 3.7 or higher cumulative grade point average are nominated by the department faculty. The award recognizes a graduate who possesses exceptional skills in understanding the product cycle and demonstrates expertise in the technical aspects of product development. A representative from the company interviews nominees and determines the recipient.