In general, FIDM does not consider an Individualized Education Program ("IEP") as sufficient medical documentation to evaluate the need and reasonableness of potential accommodations. However, we will consider a current IEP (less than three years old) as reasonable medical documentation for students who request the following accommodations: (1) a test reader or (2) a quiet place to take a test. Any other requested accommodation(s) will require medical documentation completed by a qualified professional in the area of the student's disability, as specified in the chart located within this policy.

After the ADA 504 Compliance Coordinator receives the Request Form and the required documentation, they will engage the student or applicant in an interactive process to determine what accommodations may be reasonable.

The ADA 504 Compliance Coordinator will maintain a list of all students receiving accommodations and will coordinate the implementation of those accommodations with each student's instructors at the beginning (or in advance) of each quarter.

Students may file a grievance using the Grievance Process below or may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights or a similar state entity.

FIDM will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that disabled persons are provided other accommodations, if needed, to participate in this grievance process. The ADA 504 Compliance Coordinator will be responsible for such arrangements.

Grievance Process

FIDM has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504 and/or the ADA. Any person who believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability, including disagreements regarding requested accommodations, may file a grievance with the Vice President of Education: Barbara Bundy, 919 South Grand, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213.624.1200 ext. 3000; bbundy@fidm.edu. Grievances must be in writing, contain the name and address of the person filing it, state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought.

FIDM will investigate each complaint filed, and will not retaliate against anyone who files a grievance or cooperates in the investigation of a grievance. All reasonable efforts will be made to provide a written determination to the student or applicant within 30 days after its filling. If a written determination cannot be made within 30 days of the complaint's filing, the student will be advised and provided an update as to the status of the investigation. The student may also inquire as to the status of the investigation at reasonable intervals. Based on the results of the investigation, the College will take all appropriate actions to prevent any recurrence of the discrimination and/or to correct any discrimination effects.

The availability and use of this grievance procedure do not prevent a person from filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of disability with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights and/or a similar state agency.

ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT & PERFORMANCE FACT SHEET

A prospective student is encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. The student is also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to the student 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 Department Advisor's Office to fill out the Grade Appeal Petition form. The appeal will be reviewed, and the student will be notified of the petition results within three weeks.

PREGNANT STUDENTS

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities. This prohibition includes discrimination against pregnant students, extending to childbirth. To ensure access to educational programs, when necessary, FIDM will make reasonable adjustments for pregnant students. A student in need of an educational adjustment should submit a request to the Title IX Coordinator. Medical information may be required.

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 civilly express opinions on issues without jeopardizing their relationship with the instructor.
• To be evaluated based on academic merit and performance and not on matters irrelevant to that performance.