purchasing the new items. When a course is repeated, only the higher grade will be included in the cumulative grade point average.

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 retake a course for any reason or change their major and complete courses that do not apply to the new major will be responsible for the full course cost for those units, the course-related resource fees, and potentially added costs for books and supplies.

ADDING & DROPPING A CLASS

For classes that meet for the entire quarter, students have the first two weeks to add or drop a class. Charges for any dropped class(es) will be removed from the student's tuition account and the class(es) will not appear on their transcript.

After the drop period, Education Department approval is required to withdraw from a course which would result in a grade "W" on the transcript. Students will be charged full tuition and fees when they re-register.

If the student has not been withdrawn from a course by the last day of week six, their final grade will be based on the points earned on all assignments accepted by the instructor throughout the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 be an "F." Students will have to re-register and pay tuition and fees for any courses they fail to complete.

Students must acquire all required course materials before classes start. Books and supplies may be purchased at The FIDM Store or at thefidmstore.com.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

To qualify for 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, for special circumstances as determined by a Chairperson, additional Independent Studies can be granted. 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. 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 are opportunities for students to combine academic training with employment in fields related to their course of study. In addition, students apply classroom principles to "real life" situations and explore various career options while in their program. In order to qualify, students should meet with a Career Coach, must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average, have proof of medical insurance, and be in the second, third, or fourth year of a FIDM undergraduate degree. Students enrolled in Professional Designation, Bachelor's, and Master's degree programs are eligible to apply for internships after their first quarter. Internships must be secured and paperwork completed prior to the end of the quarter preceding the internship's start date (e.g., by the end of Winter quarter for an internship starting in Spring). To receive academic credit, students must confirm their plans with their department prior to applying and will be asked to complete specific coursework. International students may be eligible to complete internships, subject to federal/ state regulations, if they qualify for FIDM's Curriculum Practical Training (CPT).

Governance

INSTITUTIONAL GOVERNANCE PARTICIPATION

At FIDM, the authority to set policy is vested in the Governing Board and delegated to the Office of the President, who works with the Board of Administration and Faculty Council to propose changes, make recommendations, and implement those policies that impact operations at the college. The Board of Administration is charged with day-to-day oversight of all college operations and in that capacity works closely with the Office of Human Resources, FIDM's Education department management and faculty, and those departments charged with regulatory compliance to ensure that all policies support the long-term interests of the college and its students, faculty and staff.

The Faculty Council represents the faculty, exercising academic leadership in matters related to institutional governance and advocating for faculty welfare while supporting FIDM operations and initiatives.

Changes to existing college policy can result from regulatory action on the part of FIDM's accreditors and/or governmental oversight bodies, as a response to issues and initiatives that arise within the college, or as a result of changes in FIDM's industries.