The public community colleges of Alameda County serve all communities of the County. As public schools they are subject to the legal provisions of the State of California.
6.1.1 The Master Plan for Higher Education
The Master Plan for Higher Education in California, enacted into law in 1960, and updated and reaffirmed in 1974, requires that "public community colleges shall offer instruction through but not beyond the fourteenth grade level including, but not limited to, one or more of the following:
A. standard collegiate courses for transfer to higher institutions,
B. vocational-technical fields leading to employment,
C. general and liberal arts courses."
Other provisions of the law indicate that ". . . the California Community Colleges shall accept all applicants who are high school graduates and all adults who can benefit from the instruction offered." The primary objectives of the College are to effectively meet the needs of the diverse student populations in the following general areas:
A. Guidance: A program of counseling, testing, and orientation is designed to help students "achieve their objectives." Professional assistance is available to students who seek to discover their aptitudes, clarify their goals, and where necessary, remove academic deficiencies.
B. General Education: Designated courses for graduation are required by California statutes and College policy. Both formal and informal learning opportunities are provided to enhance understanding and appreciation of the American cultural heritage as well as to further the goal of responsible citizenship in a democratic society.
C. College Transfer: Courses parallel and equivalent to the basic freshman and sophomore requirements at the State University and State colleges of California are open to qualified students. Descriptions of and prerequisites for such courses are specified in the College catalog.
D. Occupational Training: Certain occupational programs are organized so that students may complete them in one or two years of full-time college study depending on the requirements of the occupation to be served.
E. Continuing Education: To meet the changing needs of individuals and communities, representative cultural and occupational subjects are available as determined by public interest and support.
F. Open Enrollments: It is the policy of this District that, unless specifically exempted by statute, every course, course section, or class, the average daily attendance of which is to be reported for State aid, wherever offered and maintained by the District, shall be fully open to enrollment and participation by any person who has been admitted to the College and who meets such prerequisites as may be established pursuant to Chapter II, Division 2, Part VI, Title 5 of the California Administrative Code, commencing with Section 51820.
The Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and certificates of completion shall be granted in terms of conditions accepted and published by the Governing Board. These conditions are published in the College catalog.
6.2.1 CATALOG RIGHTS POLICY
(Approved 4-11-01)
A student pursuing an Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement may follow the general education and major requirements for the degree or requirements for the certificate which are published in the catalog effective for the academic year in which the student first completed a course at Ohlone College, or regulations current at the time the student files for and receives a degree/certificate. Exceptions to this would be by petition process. Students pursuing academic programs that require a separate application process are assigned to the catalog year that the student is accepted into the program.
A course in which a student receives a "W" is not considered to have been completed. The preceding catalog rights are subject to the following limitation: a student who does not complete an Ohlone College course(s) during a period of nine consecutive terms, including summer sessions, forfeits the right to follow the degree or certificate requirements set forth in any catalog prior to their resumption of studies. For the purpose of this section, the effective period of a catalog extends from the beginning of a fall semester to the close of the subsequent summer session. Please note that the college may require substitutions for required courses that have been discontinued.
6.3 POLICY FOR EARNING THE OHLONE CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
A. Student must earn the number of units required for the certificate. Units may be obtained:
1. Through college course work.
2. Credit by Examination (maximum of 15).
3. Credit for military school (maximum of 24).
B. Assistant Deans have the authority to waive courses for completion of Certificate of Achievement under the following conditions:
1. Course(s) required for a certificate may be waived if the student has obtained equivalent knowledge or skills through other than formally accredited college courses; or
2. The College has not offered the required course during the year in which the student is completing program requirements.
6.4 ADMINISTRATION OF GRADED COURSES
The State Board of Community Colleges has defined a graded (credit) course as a course possessing one or more of the following characteristics:
A. The course provides credit toward an associate degree; is normally considered of collegiate level; and is approved by the State Board of Community Colleges as a component of, a prerequisite to, or eligible as a required or elective course within, a course of study which leads toward an associate degree.
B. The course is approved by the State Board of Community Colleges and is a part of an occupational program of study of beyond high school level within the scope of the term "vocational and technical fields leading to employment" as the term is used in Educational Code Section 66701 which leads toward an associate degree, and occupational certificate, or both.
C. The course is approved by the State Board of Community Colleges and is recognized upon transfer by the University of California, a California State College, or an accredited independent college or university in California, as a part of
1. the required preparation toward a major;
2. the general education requirements; or
3. the permissible or recommended elective credits.
6.4.2 Grading Policy (Approved: 6-22-83)
6.4.2.1 Grades (Symbols) to be Used (Amended: 2-27-91; 2-27-91, 10-27-93; 2-23-94)
A - Excellent
B - Good
C - Satisfactory
D - Passing, less than satisfactory
F - Failing
CR - At least C, not counted in GPA
W - Withdrawal
NC - No-Credit, less than C, not counted in GPA
I - Incomplete (made up within one year)*
IP - In Progress (class longer than term)
RD - Report Delayed (assigned by Registrar only)
MW - Military Withdrawal
*If not made up within one calendar year, "I" automatically converts to an "F" grade unless there is another evaluative grade assigned by the instructor. Students who present extenuating circumstances which they believe warrant the extension of the "I" symbol for a period longer than the one year specified in the regulations, may petition the Admissions and Records/Academic Appeals Committee. Petitions must be received during the term in which the one-year time limit expires.
6.4.2.2 Withdrawal Policy (Amended: 2-27-91; 1-24-96)
No grade (or symbol) will appear on the student's record when withdrawal takes place on or before the end of the fourth week of a semester-length class or on or before the point equal to 30 percent of the length of a summer session or other-than-semester-length class.
The "W" symbol will be used to indicate withdrawal from a semester-length class from the fifth week to the end of the thirteenth week. The "W" symbol will be used to indicate withdrawal from a summer session or other-than-semester-length class between the point equal to 30 percent of the length of the class and the point equal to 75 percent of the length of the class.
A student who remains in a semester-length class after the thirteenth week of the semester is to be assigned a grade or symbol other than a "W." A student who remains in a summer session or other-than-semester-length class after the point equal to 75 percent of the length of the class is to be assigned a grade or symbol other than "W."
The "MW" will be assigned only for students who are members of an active or reserve military service, and who receive orders compelling a withdrawal from courses. Upon verification of such orders, this symbol may be assigned after the "no record" period (end of the fourth week of the semester). The "MW" will not be counted in progress probation and dismissal calculations. "W's" incurred after January 1, 1990, which meet the definition of "MW" may be changed to "MW's."
6.4.2.3 Credit (CR) and No-Credit (NC) Courses(Amended: 10-27-93; 1-28-98)
Many courses offer a student the option of a letter grade or credit/no-credit. This allows the student the opportunity to explore outside the current major interest without undue concern for the grade point average. A maximum of 15 units of credit/no-credit may be applied toward the AA/AS degree. Courses taken on a credit/no credit basis cannot be used to satisfy the major field requirements for an AA/AS degree or Certificate of Achievement and may not be accepted for transfer by transfer institutions. The only exception is within the five general degrees (Natural Science, Liberal Arts, Social Science, Fine Arts and Business), of which only six units of credit/no credit courses may be used to satisfy the major field requirements.
Under this policy, the College offers:
1. Some courses solely for credit/no credit (CR).
These courses are identified by the code "CR" following course descriptions in the College catalog. The "credit" grade is awarded to indicate the completion of such a course with a "C" or better grade. A "credit" grade will apply toward the 60 units required for graduation, but will not affect the student's grade point average. Courses in which a "no-credit" grade is earned will receive no units, will not apply toward graduation, and will not affect the student's grade point average.
2. Some courses solely for a standard letter grade (GR).
These are identified by the code "GR" following the course descriptions.
3. Some courses in which the student may choose to complete the course for either credit/no-credit or for a standard letter grade (GC).
In those courses with a credit/no-credit or evaluative grade option, a student is required to make a decision by the end of the fifth week of a course offered in a regular semester and no later than the 30% point of courses shorter than semester length, or in the summer session. Once the deadline has passed, students may not switch back from a credit/no-credit to letter grade option. These courses are identified by the code "GC" following the course descriptions in this catalog. The same provisions apply and are described under (1) above. If the student does not apply for credit/no-credit in the Office of Admissions and Records within the specified period of time, a standard letter grade is awarded.
A student is limited to one credit/no-credit course per semester in addition to remedial, guidance, and physical education courses and/or to courses offered only for credit/no-credit. A maximum of 15 units of credit/no-credit courses may be attempted. The decision to take a class credit/no-credit is irreversible after the deadlines described in (3) above.
Certain courses are available for Credit by Examination. These courses are designated by the symbol "E" in the College catalog. To apply for credit by examination, the student must be registered, must have completed 6.0 or more units at Ohlone College, and must be in good academic standing. The student must be enrolled in at least one other class during the semester in which credit by examination is requested.
Petitions for credit by examination are available in the Admissions Office and may be submitted during the first three weeks only of any semester.
The grade assigned for credit by examination is recorded in the same manner as for other courses. Credit is not given for any class which students have previously attempted and failed or for which they have previously sought credit by examination. A maximum of 10 units may be earned through credit by examination.
Credit by examination shall not be used to establish the 12-unit residency requirement for graduation.
Exceptions to these provisions may be granted, under unusual or hardship circumstances, by petition to the Admissions and Records/Academic Appeals Committee.
6.4.2.5 Academic Standing: Probation, Subject to Dismissal, Dismissal & Clear Standing*
(*Note: Approved by CAPAC, ASOC, & College Council 03/05)
In the following sections, "semester" refers to fall and spring semesters only and does not refer to the summer session. Students get assessed for Academic Standing after the fall and spring semesters only.
Semesters shall be considered “consecutive” on the basis of the student’s enrollment even if there is a break in attendance (i.e. a fall semester followed by the subsequent fall semester shall be considered consecutive if the student was not enrolled in the adjoining spring semester).
“Attempted” units are defined as any Ohlone College units for which one of the following grades has been assigned on official Ohlone College records: A, B, C, D, F, CR, NC, I, W. Only Ohlone College grades will be considered when determining a student’s academic standing.
A. Probation
1. Academic Probation:
a. A student who has attempted 12 or more semester units and whose cumulative GPA is less than 2.0 shall be placed on Academic Probation.
b. A student on Academic Probation who achieves a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher after the most recently completed semester shall be removed from Academic Probation.
2. Progress Probation:
a. A student who has attempted 12 or more semester units shall be placed on Progress Probation when the percentage of all units which the student has attempted and for which entries of W, I, and NC are recorded reaches or exceeds 50 percent.
b. A student is removed from Progress Probation when the percentage of units for which entries of W, I, and NC are recorded, after the most recently completed semester, no longer equals or exceeds 50 percent.
3. The two probation criteria described above are applied in such a manner that a student may be placed on both Academic Probation and Progress Probation, and subsequently may be place on Subject to Dismissal or Dismissal, under both academic and progress criteria.
4. Students on Academic Probation or Progress Probation may have restrictions placed on their ability to enroll in future courses.
B. Subject to Dismissal
1. Academic Subject to Dismissal: A student on Academic Probation is placed on Academic Subject to Dismissal when his/her cumulative GPA is less than 1.75 for two consecutive semesters.
2. Progress Subject to Dismissal: A student on Progress Probation is placed on Progress Subject to Dismissal when the percentage of all units which the student has attempted and for which entries of W, I, and NC are recorded reaches or exceeds 50 percent for two consecutive semesters.
3. Students on Academic Subject to Dismissal or Progress Subject to Dismissal may have restrictions placed on their ability to enroll in future courses.
C. Dismissal
1. Academic Dismissal: A student on Academic Subject to Dismissal will be placed on Academic Dismissal when his/her cumulative GPA is less than 1.75 for three consecutive semesters.
2. Progress Dismissal: A student on Progress Subject to Dismissal will be placed on Progress Dismissal when the percentage of all units which the student has attempted and for which entries of W, I, and/or NC are recorded reaches or exceeds 50 percent for three consecutive semesters.
3. Students on either Academic Dismissal or Progress Dismissal will be blocked from registering for classes for any future term (fall, spring or summer) until they complete a Petition for Reinstatement with a counselor. These students may be required to remain out of Ohlone College for at least one semester. Students who wish to be readmitted must follow the guidelines listed under “Standards for Re-Admission” (section E).
D. Notification of Probation, Subject to Dismissal and Dismissal (Academic or Progress): Students who have been placed on Probation, Subject to Dismissal or Dismissal shall have their status printed on their permanent academic transcript; this information will also be made available on their online academic record. Students shall be notified of this designation by mail at the beginning of the following semester.
E. Standards for Re-Admission
1. A student on Dismissal status may present a written petition and appropriate documentation to the Counseling Department requesting to continue enrollment the following term (fall, spring or summer) if dismissal has resulted from extenuating circumstances or if the student has shown significant improvement in academic achievement. Petitions will be available from and submitted to the Counseling Department. Petitions must be submitted prior to the first day of the term. Approval of this petition may require one or more of the following stipulations:
a. Attending a Student Success Workshop
b. Completing a Student Education Plan with a counselor
c. Limiting the number of units in which the student may enroll
d. Successfully completing a Personal Development course
e. Submitting mid-term progress reports from instructors in all enrolled courses
f. Achieving satisfactory progress and a semester-GPA of 2.0 or higher
g. Other appropriate interventions as determined by a counselor
2. A student who is on Academic Dismissal and earns a semester GPA of 2.0 or better shall not be dismissed as long as this minimum semester GPA is maintained.
3. Students whose petitions have been denied may appeal to the Dean of Counseling or designee. Additional appeals can be made following the standard Ohlone College appeal process.
4. Students re-admitted by petition will continue to be on Dismissal status for their re-admitted semester of enrollment. Students must continue to follow the Standards for Re-admission each semester they are on Dismissal status.
F. Removal from Subject to Dismissal or Dismissal
1. A student on Academic Subject to Dismissal or Academic Dismissal, who achieves a cumulative GPA of 1.75 or higher after the most recently completed semester, shall be removed from either of these statuses; if the GPA is 1.75 or higher but below 2.0 the student will placed on Academic Probation.
2. A student is removed from Progress Subject to Dismissal or Progress Dismissal when the percentage of all units attempted for which entries of W, I and NC are recorded no longer equals or exceeds 50 percent.
G. Clear Standing
A student is placed on Clear Standing if his/her cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher, and the percentage of all units the student has attempted for which entries of W, I and NC are recorded do not reach or exceed 50 percent.
6.4.2.6 Grade Changes Policy (Amended: 10-27-93)
A. In any course offered at Ohlone College, the instructor of the course shall determine the grade earned by each student in accordance with grading symbols authorized for use by the Education Code of California and adopted by the Board of Trustees of Ohlone College. The determination of the student's grade by the instructor shall be final in the absence of clerical or evaluative errors.
B. A change in the student's letter grade to "CR" or "NC" will be made in the Admissions and Records Office if the student elected to take the class under the "CREDIT/NO CREDIT" policy.
C. A change in the student's grade(s) may be made in accordance with the College policy on Course Repetition.
6.4.2.7 Course Repetition Policy
A. When a substandard grade has been received in a course, that course may be repeated. "Substandard" is defined as course work for which a grade of "D," "F," or "NC" has been received. When a course is repeated, only the most recent grade will be computed in the GPA. However, all substandard grades will remain legible on the student's permanent academic record.
Under special circumstances, repetition of courses in which other than a substandard grade has been received may be permitted with the prior approval of the President/Superintendent or designee. These special circumstances are as follows:
1. Remedial - Basic Skills (Reading, Writing, Math).
2. Recertification - License Renewal (Administration of Justice, Real Estate, Health, Interpreter for the Deaf).
3. Skill Development (Physical Education activity, Typing).
4. College Activities (Band, Chorus, Newspaper, Radio, Forensics, Drama, Student Government).
5. Intercollegiate Activities (Athletics, Forensics).
6. State Regulated (Cooperative Education, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Court and Conference Reporting).
7. Special Projects (content changes).
B. Course Repetition Implementation: The rules governing course repetition are as follows:
1. The earned grade as assigned by the instructor shall be final and shall become a part of the student's permanent record.
2. A course in which a substandard grade was earned at another accredited college or university may be repeated as specified above.
3. Grades earned as a result of course repetition at other accredited colleges or universities are acceptable at Ohlone College.
6.4.2.8 Academic Renewal Opportunity(Adopted: 12-14-77; Amended 1-28-98)
THIS POLICY CONFORMS TO REGULATIONS OF TITLE 5, DIVISION 6, CHAPTER 1, SECTION 51318 AND 51319 OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE.
Ohlone College is committed to the provision of educational opportunities for all people of the community of post-high school age relative to their present needs and regardless of previous performance. Within this commitment and in accordance with its encouragement and support of lifelong learning, the College has developed the following regulations and procedures for academic renewal:
An enrolled student may petition to have previous substandard ("D" and "F") college work (grades and credits) excluded from GPA and units completed calculations, if that work is not reflective of the student's present ability and/or level of performance. The performance academic record shall be annotated in such a way that all work remains legible.
1. The maximum number of terms of work excluded shall be two semesters or three quarters.
2. Such exclusion shall be for substandard coursework (classes in which grades of "D" or "F" were assigned); a student may petition to have some or all of the substandard coursework in a term excluded.
3. A student must complete 15 units of Ohlone College coursework after the most recent term for which academic renewal is sought and prior to petitioning for academic renewal.
All Ohlone College coursework taken after the most recent term for which academic renewal is sought must be completed with a grade "C" or higher. A student who receives a substandard grade in a class or classes after the term(s) for which renewal is sought may repeat the class(es) for a higher grade in order to meet this requirement. Students are responsible for proving that past substandard grades do not reflect their present ability and/or level of performance.
4. A minimum of three years must have elapsed since completion of the most recent term for which academic renewal is sought and the petition for academic renewal. The 15 units mentioned above may be completed within the three years.
5. The opportunity for academic renewal through the exclusion of the previous college work refers to previous work at Ohlone College and/or other colleges. Ohlone College recognizes that this policy is an internal policy and in no way binds any institution that may receive a student who has had academic work excluded by this policy.
Applications for academic renewal may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Records and submitted to that office for consideration by the Director of Admissions and Records. Transcripts of the previous work for which exclusion is requested must be on file in the Office of Admissions and Records prior to petitioning.
Students considering academic renewal should also note the procedures for repeating a course described on page 32.
A graded course at Ohlone College shall meet all of the following standards:
A. The content is organized to meet requirements for the associate degree or for an occupational certificate.
B. The course is offered as described in the College catalog, or a supplement thereto. A course outline is available at the College.
C. The enrollment shall include only those students who have met the prerequisites for the course.
D. The course is subject to the published standards of matriculation, attendance, and achievement of Ohlone College.
E. The students are awarded marks or grades on the basis of methods of evaluation as set forth in the grading policy as adopted by the Governing Board of the District.
F. The repetition of enrollment is possible only: to alleviate substandard work which has been recorded on the student's record, or as permitted for renewal, or in unusual circumstances and with prior written permission from the District President/Superintendent or authorized representative.
6.4.2.10 Administrative Responsibility and Student Need
The final determination of course offerings, the utilization of facilities, and the determination and assignment of faculty are administrative responsibilities. All schedules are, therefore, recommendations of the College staff, subject to administrative review and adjustment to conform to District policies.
All credit class offerings shall take into consideration the need of students to progress normally through the curriculum in which they are enrolled.
6.4.3 Auditing of College Courses (Approved: 1-9-85; Amended: 10/88)
Persons wishing to audit a graded course may do so under the following conditions:
A. Course attendance as an auditor shall be permitted only after students otherwise desiring to enroll in the course for credit toward a degree or certificate have had an opportunity to enroll.
B. Course attendance as an auditor shall be permitted only after approval has been obtained from the instructor for the course.
C. No student auditing a course shall be permitted to change his or her enrollment in that course to receive credit for the course.
D. The student has paid the appropriate enrollment and/or audit fees.
1. The audit fee shall be $15 per unit per semester. The audit fee is not refundable to the student.
2. Students enrolled in credit classes for ten or more semester units shall not be charged a fee to audit three or fewer units per semester.
6.4.4 Nature of Class Offerings
A. The determination of classes to be offered shall be based on curricular and enrollment statistics, including previous enrollment figures and their relation to anticipated growth. Due consideration in making these decisions shall be given to the previous course records for drops and withdrawals.
B. For the purposes of optimum course programming, decrease in class conflicts, improvement in the sequence of classes for students, and increase in opportunity for library, laboratory, and independent study, day sections shall be scheduled to best serve the interests of all students.
6.4.5 Assignment of Instructors
Instructors shall be assigned to classes in the areas of their competency. Reasonable rotation of assignments will be encouraged. Final decision on assignments shall rest with the administration through the office of the Vice President, Instruction.
Pursuant to provisions of the Master Plan for Higher Education and in harmony with the recommendations of the Coordinating Council created thereby, the Governing Board accepts the following principles as guidelines for its program of continuing education.
A. Every offering . . . designed to meet the need of adults should reflect the strengths and capabilities of the College.
B. Continuing education programs if feasible should be integrated with the appropriate instructional department . . . .
C. Lower division credit courses to be offered include transfer courses, technical-vocational courses, and general education courses.
To achieve these ends, the Governing Board declares its policy to be
A. First priority in resources (rooms, equipment, faculty) shall be assigned to graded (credit) courses.
B. At the beginning of each semester, all lecture, seminar, and laboratory classes with enrollments of fewer than twenty (20) students, as of the first day of class, will be reviewed by the Vice President, Instruction, and the President/Superintendent.
C. The needs of students and the College will be given careful consideration in determining whether a class with an enrollment of less than twenty (20) shall be permitted to continue. One or more of the following conditions will generally suffice as reason for continuing a course with enrollment of less than twenty (20):
1. Single section of a course included in the District's graduation requirements.
2. Single section of the final course in a sequence (i.e., Business 1C or Mathematics 2C).
3. Single sections of courses which are not scheduled every semester but meet specific requirements of a major.
4. Classes in which sources outside the College pay a portion of the salary of the instructor.
5. Classes which are taught by instructors and not included in their regular teaching load and for which no additional compensation is received.
6. Combined classes in which two or more courses or levels of instruction are taught at the same time by one instructor.
7. The class is the only one available for a particular instructor to complete a full load for the semester.
8. Classes which are limited in enrollment due to size or location of the facility, that are experimental or pilot programs, or for which there are statutory or State regulations mandating the class size.
D. Independent study, research, coordinated instruction system classes, and classes by arrangement, are exempted from the minimum class size guidelines.
E. Graded classes may be offered off campus within the District if proven need exists and if essential facilities and services are made available at cost through the cooperation of other agencies, boards, and officials.
F. Listing of a course in the class schedule does not guarantee that it will be offered; any section is subject to cancellation in terms of the forestated conditions.
6.6 POLICY STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC FREEDOM
Citizens in a free society in order to discharge their responsibilities intelligently must examine, with critical judgment, all points of view on major issues.
The Governing Board of Fremont-Newark Community College District in order to create an environment and atmosphere most conducive to excellent teaching and to provide students with the most appropriate learning conditions approve the following policy for Academic Freedom:
The community having invested resources in a community college has the obligation to support and sustain an atmosphere which encourages the free exploration of ideas.
Academic Freedom includes the protection of the opportunity for the teacher to teach, and for the teacher and the student to study, without coercion, censorship, or other forms of restrictive interference and that academic freedom encourages the flow of ideas with the recognition that freedom to teach and freedom to learn imply both rights and responsibilities within the framework of the law.
Instructors as citizens, members of a learned profession, and representatives of Fremont-Newark Community College District shall be free from District censorship and discipline when speaking or writing. However, the special position of instructors imposes special obligations. Instructors as representatives of the District should be accurate, objective, exercise appropriate restraint, encourage a spirit of mutual respect for the opinion of others, and ensure the relevancy of subject matter to their instructional areas.
6.6.1 Teaching Controversial Subjects
Citizens in a free society in order to discharge their responsibilities fully and intelligently must examine, with critical judgment, all points of view regarding major issues of their day and nation.
A. Objectivity: Instructors shall maintain an attitude of objectivity on controversial topics when discussing them with students.
B. Respect for Others: Instructors shall encourage a spirit of mutual respect for honest and informed opinions, regardless of how divergent they may be.
C. Relevant Data: Instructors shall become fully informed about the various viewpoints on problems relevant to their instructional assignments and present pertinent and objective data to their students.
D. Suitable Learning Materials: Instructors and librarians shall make available a variety of suitable learning materials from which students may obtain valid data dealing with the pros and cons of issues being studied.
E. Time Consideration: A reasonable allocation of time shall be devoted to the study of any single issue, in accordance with the approved course outline and student needs.
6.7 POLICIES FOR OCCUPATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES
The following policies are established for advisory committees for occupational programs:
A. Status of the Committee
1. Occupational education programs approved by the California State Department of Education for reimbursement under provisions of State and Federal vocational funds are required to have advisory committees.
2. Membership of advisory committees is approved by the Governing Board. The Board may take action to authorize the Board President to make such committee appointments.
3. Advisory committees are not vested with administrative authority. However, individuals may be consulted as resource persons in the development of appropriate College policies and projects.
B. Functions of the Occupational Advisory Committee:
1. To study the educational needs of the specific occupational program and to make recommendations to the College administration relating thereto.
2. To interpret the program to the communities served and the communities' needs to the College.
3. To furnish specialized information and advice on technical requirements for the effective operation of the programs.
4. To provide channels of communication between the College and the various organizations and agencies of the community interested in the program.
5. To further a cooperative relationship between the College and the resource agencies of the community in support of the program.
C. Organization of the Committee
1. Recommendations and applications for committee membership shall be made to the President/Superintendent of the College.
2. Appointments to the committee shall be by letter of invitation from the President of the Board, after approval by the Board.
3. Committee members so appointed and accepting, who may find it necessary to resign before the end of their terms, are asked to submit written resignations.
4. The terms of appointment shall be from the date of appointment to the next July 1.
5. Reappointment of members may be made by the President of the Board, with approval of the Board.
D. Operation of the Committee
1. A chairperson of the committee shall be elected by majority vote of the committee for a one-year term. An individual may serve as chairperson for more than one term.
2. The chairperson shall be a voting member and shall:
a. Preside at all meetings.
b. Appoint subcommittees, if and as desired by the committee.
c. Designate committee responsibilities of individual members as may be required.
3. The secretary shall be appointed by the President/Superintendent of the College and shall be a member of the College staff. The secretary shall:
a. Prepare the agenda for meetings in consultation with the chairperson.
b. Prepare and mail to the membership, notices and minutes of meetings.
c. Handle all correspondence and records appropriate to efficient operation of the committee.
d. Compile reports which may be requested by the committee.
e. Supply such information to the press and other news media as the committee may direct.
4. Regular meetings shall be held a minimum of once per year, at a time and place to be designated by the secretary of the committee.
5. Special meetings may be called by the committee chairperson or by the President/Superintendent.
6. A quorum for conducting business shall be at least forty percent of the committee membership, each of whom has one vote.
7. When not otherwise specified, the committee's business shall be conducted under Robert's Rules of Order.
6.8 COLLEGE LEARNING RESOURCES CENTER
The Learning Resources Center of the Fremont-Newark Community College District provides information services and materials designed to meet the general needs of lower division students in all subject disciplines--the humanities, the social sciences, the natural sciences, and occupational programs. The Learning Resources Center maintains the archives of the District.
The collection is designed to enrich and support the curriculum and to meet the varied interests of students. The collection is built upon the premise that the Learning Resources Center of Ohlone College is essential to a sound instructional program. In addition, the Learning Resources Center provides:
A. General collection of materials for individual exploration of ideas, which will enable students to make intelligent judgments in their daily life.
B. Instruction in the use of learning resources.
C. Reference assistance to those seeking information.
D. Bibliographical service for locating resources in other libraries.
E. Study facilities for students including specialized viewing and listening equipment.
F. Media production facilities and services.
G. Media equipment distribution services.
Each staff member is invited to submit requests for books and other materials of general interest to students as well as the items required in his or her activity center.
The Library does not normally purchase more than three (3) copies of a single title. Requests for additional copies are to be referred to the Office of Instruction for consideration.
6.8.3 Library Copies of Textbooks
Most textbooks are soon out of date and are, therefore, not purchased for library use unless no other material on the subject is available. The Library does not stock textbooks required for Ohlone College classes.
Gifts of books and related materials are accepted with the understanding that the Library may use, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any item according to the judgment of the Assistant Dean, Learning Resources Center, as governed by the book selection policy, the Library's need, and the cost of processing the material for use.
It is the responsibility of instructors and other certificated staff to encourage students to make maximum use of Library facilities.
Access to Library materials should be convenient and compatible with reasonable safeguards against loss. Lending policies are established to provide fair and equal access to materials for all individuals. Preserving materials of historical value and interest is one of the services of the Library. The College Library is particularly responsible for material on the history of the College and the cities of Newark and Fremont. The University of California and other area libraries maintain large California collections. The Ohlone College Library restricts its local history purchases to titles considered essential to the curriculum. Special collections are developed only if their cost and maintenance do not interfere with the high quality and adequacy of the general collection.
Inter-library loan service is provided through a courtesy agreement among various libraries in accordance with American Library Association inter-library loan code and is dependent upon the cooperation of the lending libraries. It is generally understood that materials will not be loaned to libraries within a fifty-mile radius. It should be noted that the University of California honors no library loans within this range.
The Ohlone College Library follows the customary procedure of paying the return postage and collecting reimbursement for the lending library's postage from the individual for whom the material is borrowed. A student's inter-library loan request must be approved by the instructor.
The services of the Library and its holdings belong to all of those served by the College. Selection of materials is based on the knowledge and continued study of the College, its curriculum, and the whole community. Principle rather than opinion, reason rather than emotion, objectivity rather than prejudice, and judgment rather than censorship govern the selection of materials.
To ensure the freedom to read, essential to democratic government, any critic of library materials must register his complaint as a resident of the College District by completing the "Citizen's Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials."
Procedure:
A. Consideration and recommendation by committee.
B. Recommendation of the committee forwarded to the President/ Superintendent.
C. Person making request to be notified of the President/Superintendent's decision.
D. If the decision rendered by the President/Superintendent is not acceptable to the person making the request for reconsideration, a hearing before the Governing Board may be requested.
6.9 REVIEW OF INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS (Approved: 5-25-83)
Ohlone College will encourage the periodic formal review of instructional programs to ensure that the goals of the College are being achieved. The intent of the procedures developed to implement this policy is the maintenance of quality and the identification of areas in need of additional support.
The philosophical foundation of this policy rests upon the following assumptions:
A. It is important to communicate to interested parties details of specific program goals/objectives and activities.
B. It is important to communicate to interested parties details of specific program successes in achieving program goals and objectives.
C. It is important that program goals/objectives have direct ties to the stated mission of Ohlone College.
D. A system which encourages this type of communication succeeds to the extent that all participants maintain a positive outlook, are willing to recognize areas needing assistance and are willing to develop plans for addressing these needs.
E. The success of a program must be measured through review of a variety of data in order to not form judgments on single data elements such as program expense, FTES, etc.
Each program will be reviewed at least once every three years. New Vocational Education programs must be evaluated according to a special format provided by the Chancellor's Office, California Community Colleges. In addition, certain program accreditations, i.e., Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, require special review processes as designated by the professional organization.
6.10 INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP) (Approved: 10-8-86)
The purpose of the International Education Program is to encourage the development of intercultural and international understanding. The program offers travel-study classes throughout the United States and abroad. The program also encourages faculty and student exchanges, curriculum development projects, and other means of enhancing opportunities in international studies.
6.10.2.1 Supervision and Administration
The International Education Program of Ohlone College is administered through the Office of Instruction. The International Educational Program Committee (IEPC) is comprised of two faculty representatives from the PG&D committee, one student appointed by the ASOC, and a coordinator (faculty or administrator) appointed by the President of the College. The Committee is part of the Faculty Senate governance system.
College credit classes may be offered at off-campus locations throughout the United States and the world by Ohlone College. These travel study classes may be offered when learning can be enhanced by a particular location or locations. Classes are either tour type (with multiple locations) or homestay-oriented (with the group remaining primarily in one location). Classes may also combine homestay and tour features. Credit classes will conform to approved course outlines by the normal CAPAC, Administration and Board review approval process. Detailed itineraries must be provided by an instructor proposing the classes, and these itineraries must indicate how course content relates to location. Credit classes will offer classroom type instruction with written assignments, examinations, and grading standards equivalent to those of on-campus classes. Independent study classes may be used where appropriate.
Besides instructor proposals for offering new and/or existing through IEP, classes may also be proposed by the Committee on International Education. Any newly proposed new class would have to follow regular curriculum approval procedures and should fit into an existing program. Joint classes may also be proposed with one or more community college districts.
Classes may be scheduled throughout the year, but the availability of students and the need to avoid conflict with on-campus classes and programs must be recognized. The greatest number of classes are traditionally offered in July and August.
Selection of instructors for classes abroad and for independent study shall be made by recommendations from the Committee on International Education, the respective Instructional Manager involved, and by the Vice President, Instruction (or Vice President, Student Services, as appropriate), and the College President/Superintendent in accordance with existing hiring procedures and policies. Instructors must be able to demonstrate qualifications and credentials necessary to teach their respective classes, and must be currently employed as an instructor--full-time or part-time--by the Fremont-Newark Community College District. Criteria for selection may include foreign language proficiency and travel experience.
The contractor is responsible for the logistical arrangements, collection of fees, transportation, hotels, meals where provided, local contacts for the instructor, and travel and health insurance for IEP students. Contractors must meet the requirements of Fremont-Newark Community College District regarding liability insurance coverage and must be willing to sign a contract that includes a hold harmless clause. The Fremont-Newark Community College District is responsible for selection and payment of the instructor, monitoring the quality of instruction, and the assignment and posting of appropriate class credit.
6.10.2.5.1 Funding of Programs
Travel study programs may be funded by several means:
A. Normal instructional costs for credit classes shall be funded by the College as part of the regular budget. Such provisions shall be included in the contract executed between the College and the contractor. The costs of travel arrangements are to be paid directly to the contractor by the student participants.
B. Community Services classes shall be fully-funded by student payments.
C. Contractors may provide traveling and living expenses of instructors. Such provisions shall be included in the executed contract between the College and the contractor (see Section 6.7.5.4).
6.10.2.5.2 Collection of State Apportionments (ADA)
A. Section 72642 of the Education Code allows for the collection of state apportionments for field trips and travel/study programs.
B. If the travel/study program is offered as a college credit class, state apportionments may be collected.
C. No more contact hours may be generated than if the class were held on campus.
D. Complete and accurate records of attendance and reporting must be kept by the instructor(s) in charge.
Instructors for credit classes in summer school will be paid the applicable hourly rate as agreed to in the contract negotiated between the FNCCD and the faculty collective bargaining unit.
A travel allowance may be provided for the instructor by the contractor in all programs provided that such allowance(s) are made known to and approved by the Coordinator of the IEP in advanceof the trip. Instructors may not accept funds from a contractor in excess of basic travel expenses (travel, lodging, entrance fees, meals). Contractors may also provide funds that will be used by the instructor to meet group expenses while traveling. With prior approval of the Coordinator, spouses and/or other family members may accompany instructors on travel programs, but shall not receive compensation for expenses from the District. With similar approval, contractors also may provide guides or program assistants who will be supervised by the instructor, where it would assist in the handling of large groups. Failure to comply with these expectations may result in termination of the trip and the refusal to employ the instructor and/or contractor in IEP activities.
6.10.2.5.5 Financial Assistance for Students
Students taking IEP credit classes who are eligible for financial aid may apply for aid for the International Education Program. The additional expenses incurred by the students participating in the IEP program may be partially met by such finances, if available.
Students should register as far in advance of the departure date as possible. Two registrations must be completed. The first is with the College and will follow the normal registration procedures; however, students must also submit a field trip release form. High school students applying must follow procedures for high school students taking College courses and provide approval forms from their high schools. Those under 18 will need a parent's or guardian's signature on the release form. All students must pay appropriate College fees; out-of-state students must pay tuition. All classes must be taken for credit. No auditors are allowed in IEP credit classes.
The second registration for the student is with the contractor. This requires a deposit (usually non-refundable in full or in part). Students must also fulfill all insurance requirements for baggage, ticket, and health. The contractor will provide the appropriate insurance coverage information.
Students will complete a class evaluation (regular class evaluation form) and also an evaluation of the other aspects of the program (housing, food, travel) on a form provided. All evaluations will be submitted to the International Education Committee except for the student evaluation of the teaching staff. These latter evaluations will follow the procedures of the regular teaching evaluation process. In turn, the International Education Committee will evaluate each operation abroad in a written report to the Coordinator of the International Education Committee, the Vice President, Instruction, and the President/Superintendent of the Fremont-Newark Community College District.
College credit travel/study programs will be offered by the District, under the supervision of the Office of Instruction.
6.10.5.2 Study Abroad Program Outline
A program application including an itinerary and daily activities shall be submitted by the instructor to the Vice President, Instruction, for consideration. Programs offering academic credit must conform to approved course outlines, including written assignments and grading standards. Academic programs shall offer classroom type instruction with standards and testing equivalent to on-campus classes.
Academic credit will be granted by Ohlone College.
6.10.6 Travel Study Program Supervision
Supervision of the study/travel programs will be carried out by the Office of Instruction and the International Education Program Coordinator.
The International Education Committee, in cooperation with the Office of Instruction and Student Services, shall establish procedures for selection of class(es), programs, and sites. The procedures shall include guidelines for applying, deadlines for applications, criteria for granting a recommendation, and a procedure for rating of the recommended programs.
6.10.7.2 Approval by International Education Committee
All programs (class(es)) shall be submitted to the International Education Committee for initial approval and then to the Office of Instruction. A program (class(es)) will be evaluated on its overall potential for academic and logistical success.
The Vice President, Instruction, shall submit the proposed program to the President/Superintendent of the College, who will make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees.
All program arrangements shall be included in a written contract and shall be reviewed by Legal Counsel for compliance with the law and Board policies prior to class departure.
6.10.8 Insurance and Liability
Liability insurance shall be provided by the contractor handling program arrangements. A contractor shall provide the District's Business Office with a valid certificate of insurance for each program, naming the District as additional insured with a single limit of liability of not less than $1,000,000 per each occurrence, with evidence that the policy covers the world-wide exposures of the travel study program. The travel contractor shall hold harmless, indemnify, and defend the District (including its trustees, officers and employees) from any and all liability, which is defined as any and all claims, demands, losses, causes of action, suits, or judgments of any and every kind (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that any person (including IEP participants or travel contractor employees), or such person's heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns may have against the District, or that any entity may have against the District, arising out of or in connection with travel contractor's activities which give rise to personal injury, accident, illness or death, or any loss or damage to property, or any other claim by any IEP participant including but not limited to claims based on travel contractor's failure or refusal to perform in accordance with their contract which results from any cause other than the sole negligence of the District. The certificate shall be submitted with the executed contract to the Business Office prior to commencement of the program. All participating students shall be required by the contractor to secure medical and accident insurance for their own protection in amount specified by the District. In addition, the contractor shall arrange for all medical and hospital arrangements that may be required. The contractor shall make available to participating students trip cancellation and baggage loss insurance, which all students are required to carry.
All participating students shall complete a College Field Trip form and also a form requesting selection for study abroad, which holds the College harmless from claims arising out or resulting from the student's participation. The signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for students under the age of 18.
6.10.10 Student Returning Independently
Students wishing to leave a group prior to completion of the program will be required to sign a notice of intent and release. Signature providing written consent from parent or legal guardian is required for those students under 18, prior to departure, if leaving the group early.
6.10.11 Participation of High School Students
Under procedures of the College's K-12 Special Part-Time Agreement, high school students may participate in the Travel Study Program with the approval of the high school in accordance with our advanced placement policy.
Contracting agencies must meet criteria established by the College in regard to general content of program, financial obligations and arrangements, program cost, contingency provisions for emergencies, scholarships for students, types and quality of transportation provided, meals, housing, and study facility arrangements, staff assistance, supervision and study conduct responsibilities, commitments to the specific educational program and evaluation of each program. Any participating contractor must place funds collected from students in an escrow account until actual performance of travel arrangements.
Proposals submitted by contractors must meet the specified criteria as outlined under Section 6.10.2.4. Contractor proposals will be submitted to the Business Office of the College for evaluation. In cases where specialized travel needs are required and only one contractor is available, a single proposal may be considered.
6.10.14 Instructor Orientation
The International Education Coordinator shall develop and administer an orientation program required for group leaders.
6.10.15 Pre-Departure Orientation for Students
Instructor-leaders will conduct a pre-departure comprehensive orientation for all participants in the group.
6.10.16 Evaluation of Programs
The instructor-leader will submit a written report and evaluation of the program to the Coordinator of International Education within two weeks of the conclusion of the program.
Participating students will complete a program evaluation to be filed with the International Education Coordinator at the conclusion of the program.
The International Education Coordinator shall evaluate each program in a written report to the Vice President, Instruction, and the President/ Superintendent.
6.10.17 Privately Sponsored Travel Programs
Announcements of privately sponsored travel programs that a College employee leads or participates in shall not give the impression in any way that the program is sponsored by the College. The College employees involved in IEP must affirm that they are not in a conflict of interest situation with respect to the conduct of College business.
6.11 PREREQUISITES, COREQUISITES, AND ADVISORIES(Approved: 9-28-94)
6.11.1 College Policies and Procedures
The College shall provide the following explanations both in the College catalog and in the schedule of classes.
A. Definitions of prerequisites, corequisites, and limitations on enrollment including the specific differences among them and the specific prerequisites, corequisites, and limitations on enrollment which have been established pursuant to Section 55200(a-f) of Title 5.
B. Procedures for a student to challenge prerequisites, corequisites, and limitations o enrollment and circumstances under which a student is encouraged to make such a challenge.
C. Definitions of advisories on recommended preparation, the right of a student to choose to take a course without meeting the advisory, and circumstances under which a student is encouraged to examine that right.
The College shall establish procedures by which any student who does not meet a prerequisite or corequisite or who is not permitted to enroll due to a limitation on enrollment, but who provides satisfactory evidence, may seek entry into the class according to a challenge process as required in and according to provisions of Section 55201(f) of Title 5 and Section I.B. 1-3 of the Model District Policy.
6.11.3 Curriculum Review Process
The College certifies that the Course and Program Approval Committee (CAPAC) has been established by mutual agreement of the administration and the Academic Senate as required in Section 55002(a)(1) of Title 5. The Course and Program Approval Committee (CAPAC) shall:
A. Establish prerequisites, corequisites, advisories on recommended preparation, and limitation on enrollment pursuant to Sections 55002, 55201, 55202, and 58106 or Title 5 and Section I.C.3, 104, and II.C. of the Model District Policy.
B. Verify and provide documentation that prerequisites or corequisites meet the scrutiny specified in one of the measures of readiness specified in Section 55201(b)(1) of Title 5, and Section II.A.1(a-g). of the Model District Policy.
C. Provide for a review of each prerequisite, corequisite, or advisory at least every six years pursuant to Section 55201(b)(3) of Title 5 and Section I.D. of the Model District Policy. Any prerequisite or corequisite which is successfully challenged under subsections (1), (2), or (3) of Section 55201(f) shall be reviewed promptly thereafter to assure that it is in compliance with all other provisions of the law.
D. Provide for a review of each limitation on enrollment at least every six years pursuant to Section II.C. of the Model District Policy.
6.11.4 Implementing Prerequisites, Corequisites, and Limitations on Enrollment
The College shall establish procedures wherein every attempt shall be made to enforce all conditions a student must meet to be enrolled through the registration process so that a student is not permitted to enroll unless he or she has met all the conditions or has met all except those for which he or she has a pending challenge or for which further information is needed before final determination is possible of whether the student has met the condition pursuant to Section 55202(g) of Title 5 and Section I.E. of the Model District Policy.
6.11.5 Instructor's Formal Agreement to Teach the Course as Described
The College shall establish a procedure whereby courses for which prerequisites, corequisites, or advisories on recommended preparation are established will be taught in accordance with the course outline pursuant to Section 55201(b)(2) of Title 5.