Page 30 - Catalog 2019-2020 Flipbook

DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES AND STUDENT CONDUCT
Individuals who elect to become students at De Anza College are afforded certain rights and privileges outlined in the college's Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy (see district Board Policy 5500 and Administrative Procedure 5500) and, at the same time, assume certain obligations for their personal conduct as set forth in the college's Student Code of Conduct (Administrative Procedure 5510) and Due Process and Discipline Procedures (Administrative Procedure 5520). For additional information, refer to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy, which can be obtained from the offices of the college president, vice president of Instruction, vice president of Student Services, dean of Student Development or the Office of College Life.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)
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.
FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to students when they reach the age of 18 or attend a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are “eligible students.”
■ Eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student’s education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.
■ Students have the right to request that a school correct records that they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing,
if the school still decides not to amend the record, the student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
■ Generally, schools must have written permission from the student in order to release any information from a student’s education record. However, FERPA allows schools
to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions
(34 CFR § 99.31)
o School officials with legitimate educational interest
o Other schools to which a student is transferring
o Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes
o Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student
o Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school
o Accrediting organizations o To comply with a judicial
order or lawfully issued
subpoena
o Appropriate officials in
cases of health and safety
emergencies
o State and local authorities,
within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law
Schools may disclose, without consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell students about directory information and allow students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.
The Foothill-De Anza district's Administrative Procedure 5050 also identifies the college registrar as the “Records Officer” required by FERPA. Current and
former students can review their education records by completing or filing a request in the Admissions and Records Office. Such records will be made immediately available when possible or within 15 days of written request. If the review results in a dispute, the college registrar will initiate an informal proceeding in an attempt to resolve the matter. If the dispute continues, a grievance may be filed with the vice president of Student Services.
FINAL EXAMINATIONS
Final examinations are to be given in all courses. Students are responsible for taking final examinations at the scheduled time. Exam schedules are published online. Two hours will be scheduled for examinations.
Final examinations for courses shorter in length than one quarter will be given at the class meeting.
Students who miss a final examination for a legitimate reason should communicate with their instructor at once to arrange for an “I” grade. Final examinations normally will not be given in advance of the scheduled time.
FINAL EXAMINATIONS, ACTIVITIES PRECEDING
Student activities will not be scheduled during the three days preceding final examinations. However, classes and instruction continue as usual. A portion of the final examination may be scheduled during this period to allow additional time if needed.
GRADING SYSTEM
Grades are earned in each course and are recorded on the student’s permanent record. Evaluation of student achievement will be made in relation to the attainment of the specific objectives of the course. At the beginning of a course, the instructor will explain these objectives and the basis upon which grades are determined.
Dean’s List Policy
Full-time students (those taking 12 or more quarter units) must have a quarterly GPA of 3.3 or higher.
Grade Changes
Title 5 of the California State Administrative Code states, “The determination of the student’s grade by the instructor shall be
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2O19-2O2O DE ANZA COLLEGE CATALOG