Academic Integrity
Students are prohibited from resorting to unauthorized sources for information in fulfilling the requirements of a course. A student who cheats may be assigned an academic penalty grade at the discretion of the instructor of record. The penalty may range from lowering the student’s grade to assigning a failing grade for the course, depending on the severity of the infraction. A penalized student will not be permitted to avoid the academic penalty grade by withdrawing from the course with a “W” grade without consent of the instructor of record.

Students who believe they are being unfairly accused or treated may request a hearing before the College Review Board and have the right of appeal in accordance with Board Policy No. 4220.

Entrance Requirements
High school graduates or individuals 18 years of age or over who show evidence that they can profit from instruction may enroll in Rio Hondo College. All classes are open to the public. No student may enroll who has been dismissed by another college without approval of the Dean of Counseling and Matriculation. No person shall on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or physical or mental disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity sponsored by Rio Hondo College.

Nondiscrimination in College Programs and Activities
Rio Hondo Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, sex (gender and sexual orientation), age, religion, disability, or marital and Vietnam era status in any of its policies, procedures, or practices. This non-discrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, the College’s programs and activities, including vocational education. Inquiries regarding the equal opportunity policies, the filing of grievances, or receipt of a copy of the college grievance procedures may be directed to Dan Rubalcava, District Compliance Officer, Room S207, or TDD (562) 908-3422.

Rio Hondo Community College District recognizes its obligation to provide program accessibility for all persons with disabilities in a manner that does not discriminate in the delivery of those services. The college makes reasonable accommodations for students, employees, and members of the community who may be participating in campus activities.

Inquiries regarding federal laws and regulations concerning nondiscrimination in education or compliance of this college with those laws may be directed to the District Compliance Officer, the Chancellor of California Community Colleges or the Office of Civil Rights, U. S. Department of Education.

Students with limited English skills will be provided with assistance to qualify for college vocational programs. Students requiring the services of a bilingual staff member to assist them should contact Human Resources Office.

Grievance Procedures College Review Board
Students who have a grievance against any faculty or staff member may request a hearing by the College Review Board. A grievance is an alleged wrongful act by a Rio Hondo College staff or faculty member, which has an adverse effect upon a student’s academic or personal status at Rio Hondo College.

The Review Board is composed of three members of the full-time faculty, three members of the student body and one member of the administrative staff. Petitions requesting a hearing before the College Review Board may be picked up and returned to the Office of the Dean of Student Life, room S207. The recommendation of the College Review Board is advisory to the Superintendent/President of the College.

Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment is offensive, unwelcome sexual attention. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which violates Title Vll of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Title LX of the Education Amendments of 1972, California statutes, Rio Hondo Community College District Board policy and the Procedures and the Action Against Sexual Harassment—Know the Law!! Brochure.

Definition—Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature when: 1) submission to the conduct is made a term or condition of an individual’s employment, academic status, or progress; 2) submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as a basis of employment or academic decisions affecting the individual; 3) the conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or educational environment; or 4) submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as a basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the community college.

This definition encompasses two kinds of sexual harassment.

1.             Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when a person in a position of authority makes educational or employment benefits conditional upon an individual’s willingness to engage in or tolerate unwanted sexual conduct.

2.             Hostile environment sexual harassment occurs when unwelcome conduct based on sex is sufficiently severe or pervasive so as to alter the conditions of an individuals learning or work environment, unreasonably interfere with an individuals academic or

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, California statues, and Rio Hondo Community College District Board policies. If you believe that you are a victim of sexual harassment, contact Daniel Rubalcava, Dean of Student Life/District Compliance Officer, Room S207, ext. 3498 or from an off-campus telephone, (562) 908-3498 or TDD (562) 908-3422.

Suspension and Expulsion
In accordance with the provisions of Board Policy 5500, a student may be suspended or expelled from any or all classes for a good cause, computer related crimes, or other matters related to student conduct. A copy of Board Policy 5500 may be obtained in the Office of Student Life.