STUDENT ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE

The student academic 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 their status, rights, or privileges. The student must make a reasonable effort to resolve the issue on an informal basis. Within 30 days, the student must meet with the Department Chairperson 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 their 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 Housing staff. 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 Vice President of Admissions 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 & FERPA POLICY

Student files reside permanently on the system database. Transcripts are generated on demand.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising fully complies with FERPA regulations.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when they reach the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students." In accordance with FERPA, students have the following rights:

• The right to review their educational records.
• The right to seek correction of the contents of these records.
• The right to a formal hearing if seeking the correction of these records.
• The right to place a note of explanation in the records if their requested correction was unsuccessful.
• The right to request disclosure of the contents of the records.
• The right to file a complaint with the Department of Education if the Institute fails to comply with FERPA policies.

Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave SW Washington, DC 20202-5920

Students who wish to inspect and review their records may do so by submitting a written request to the Vice President of Education. An appointment for the student to review the requested record will be made within 45 days of the request; a college official will be present at the time of review. FIDM will not release personally identifiable information without written consent of the student, unless the student is under the age of 18 and the request is made by a legal guardian. Legal exceptions may also apply.

The following is a non-exclusive list of FERPA exemptions that permit disclosure without student consent:

• Disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is defined as a person employed by FIDM in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom FIDM has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using Institute employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, information technology contractor, consultant, or collection agent); or assisting another school official in performing their tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill their professional responsibilities for FIDM.
• Disclosure upon request to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
• Disclosure to authorized representatives of the U.S. Government, state and local authorities where required, and accrediting agencies.
• Disclosure of records requested through court order or subpoena.

At its discretion, FIDM may provide "directory information" in accordance with FERPA provisions.