Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 1 The Community Colleges of Ventura County District Board of Trustees Area 1 Ms. Mary Anne Rooney, Trustee Area 2 Ms. Cheryl Heitmann, Vice President Area 3 Dr. Larry O. Miller, Trustee Area 4 Robert O. Huber, Esq., Trustee Area 5 Mr. Arturo D. Hernández, Trustee Student Trustee Fall election scheduled District Administrators Chancellor Chief Executive Officer Dr. James M. Meznek Deputy Chancellor Mr. Michael Gregoryk Vice Chancellor Human Resources Mr. William Studt Associate Vice Chancellor Human Resources Ms. Patricia Parham Associate Vice Chancellor Information Technology Mr. Vic Belinski Associate Vice Chancellor Business Services/ Financial Management Ms. Sue Johnson College Administrators President, Moorpark College Dr. Eva Conrad President, Oxnard College Dr. Lydia Ledesma-Reese President, Ventura College Dr. Robin Calote Ventura College 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003 (805) 654-6400, 986-5855, 378-1500, 656-0546 www.venturacollege.edu Ventura College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 10 Commercial Boulevard, Suite 204, Novato, CA 94949, (415) 506-0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. The College Catalog is available in alternate formats upon request from the Educational Assistance Center, (805) 654-6300. Ventura College has made every reasonable effort to insure that the information provided in this general Catalog is accurate and current. However, this document should not be considered an irrevocable contract between the student and Ventura College. The content is subject to change. The College reserves the right to make additions, revisions, or deletions as may be necessary due to changes in governmental regulations, district policy, or college policy, procedures, or curriculum. The College will make every reasonable effort to inform students of significant changes that occur after publication of this document. Graduation 2005 2005 • 2006 General Catalog and Announcement of Courses 2 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 FROM THE PRESIDENT Welcome to Ventura College. As the newly-appointed President, I am pleased to join an institution that has a proud tradition of innovative instructional programs and support services, an outstanding faculty and staff, and a beautiful campus! Ventura College has served four generations of students since we opened our doors in 1925. Students attending our College can earn associate’s degrees or complete certificates in more than 100 programs, learn a new profession or sharpen their vocational skills, all while participating in student activities, leadership opportunities, and athletics. VC is very successful at transferring students to four-year universities: We are among the top 20% of all California Community Colleges (CCCs) transferring students to the University of California (UC) system, and in the top third of CCCs transferring students to the California State University system. Officially designated a Hispanic-serving institution by the U.S. Department of Education, Ventura College is among the top 10% of CCCs accounting for Hispanic students transferring to the UC system, and we are nationally recognized for our success rate in awarding associate’s degrees to Hispanic students. More than 12,000 students enroll at Ventura College every semester. Our students range in age from high school students earning early college credits through our Middle College Academy to retirees learning a new language, and all those in between who are pursing degrees, sharpening their professional skills, or just learning more about a topic of personal interest. Our goal is to continue to provide educational programs that will meet the life-long learning and employment aspirations of our diverse student population. Ventura College is receiving a $117 million face-lift as a result of the passage of a bond measure in 2002. Many buildings on campus will be renovated or replaced over the next several years. The newest addition to the campus is our magnificent 100,000 square foot Library and Learning Resource Center that accommodates 360 computers, serves as a lab for reading, writing, study skills, learning skills for EAC students, foreign languages, and nursing, and provides 180 computers for drop-by use. A new High Tech Center, Health Sciences Building, and athletics facilities will follow. We offer a variety of support services to ensure your success, including academic and career counseling, tutoring, and a center for students with learning and physical disabilities. Our financial aid office can guide you through the maze of student assistance plans. Our child development center provides developmentally appropriate toddler and preschool programs. Education can fit into your busy schedule, with choices of day and evening classes at a variety of locations including the Ventura campus, the East Campus in Santa Paula, and other sites in Ventura, Ojai, and Fillmore. Through distance education technology (including online classes and televised courses) we are also able to provide quality educational opportunities to those who would like to schedule their college education around their busy home and work schedules. On behalf of the administration, faculty and staff of Ventura College, welcome! We wish you every success in your academic endeavors. Robin Calote, Ed.D. President Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 3 VISION STATEMENT Ventura College is an educational leader providing a positive and accessible learning environment that is responsive to the needs of students, promotes success, develops students to their full potential, creates lifelong learners, and fosters positive human values for successful living and membership in a global environment. The College is a national model of how institutions of higher learning can combine innovative programs, student support, and instructional technologies to provide outstanding learning opportunities and community services. MISSION STATEMENT Ventura College is a comprehensive community college with a long-standing tradition of active outreach and service to local and global communities. Originally landscaped to be an arboretum, Ventura College remains a beautiful, unique campus with a special interest in the study and preservation of the environment. The College offers a comprehensive curriculum with a diverse selection of disciplines, learning approaches and teaching methods. It is a leader in providing instruction and support for students with disabilities. Educational experiences provided by Ventura College include classes in basic skills; courses for high school students; programs for students seeking an associate’s degree, certificate or license for job placement and advancement; curricula for students planning to transfer; training programs for such organizations as agriculture, business, education, health care, and government; and other educational activities to meet learning and employment needs. The College community is made up of a dedicated, caring and diverse team of professionals who are committed to assisting all students in achieving their personal and professional goals and developing their full potential in an ever-changing cultural, socioeconomic, and technological world. It does this by providing support services and co-curricular experiences to educate the whole person, one with the knowledge, critical thinking skills and judgment to be a responsible leader and citizen in an open, democratic and diverse society. As one of the oldest community colleges in California, Ventura College has a strong and deep connection to the community. It fulfills its long-standing responsibility for enhancing the quality of life of Ventura County by aligning its programs and services to the regional needs, being receptive to requests from the community, and forming unique partnerships. 4 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 STATEMENT OF VALUES The Ventura College community is committed to following a set of enduring core Values that guide it through changing times and give rise to its Vision, Mission and Goals. Respect We believe in the personal dignity and full potential of every individual and in fostering positive human values in the classroom and in all our interactions. Integrity We are committed to maintaining an open, honest and ethical environment. Quality We are dedicated to achieving excellence in the broad range of academic programs and services we provide to our students and the community. Collegiality We are committed to creating a professional and supportive environment where students, faculty, and staff can achieve personal growth and fulfillment. Access We believe it is essential to provide and nurture learning opportunities for all individuals. Innovation We recognize that change is constant and that it is imperative that we continually evaluate our performance and seek new and improved approaches to providing educational programs and services. Diversity We are dedicated to embracing and responding to our increasingly diverse student body. Service Ventura College values its importance to the community and is dedicated to enhancing the community’s quality of life and to meeting its needs. Collaboration We believe that better results are achieved by working together, whether as colleagues on College issues and decisions or by actively seeking to form partnerships with other organizations to address mutual Goals. * * * * * * * * * Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 5 STATEMENT OF GOALS 1. Develop and maintain excellent educational programs and services in a unique learning environment where individuals can fulfill their personal and professional dreams. 2. Increase enrollments at Ventura College and access to post-secondary education for all. 3. Expand the use of instructional and administrative technology to make Ventura College a recognized leader of technology among California Community Colleges. 4. Foster a climate that promotes and reflects Ventura College’s core values. 5. Create and expand programs to attract outstanding and diverse professionals to Ventura College and provide training programs that enable all to be active members of the learning community, to achieve their long-term professional goals, and to meet student and regional needs. 6. Create a physical environment that generates pride and supports Ventura College’s Mission, Goals and initiatives. 7. Form partnerships with educational, business, and other organizations that will achieve mutual goals and strengthen the College and the region. 8. Create a strong, unified image that reflects Ventura College’s aspirations and importance to the campus and external communities. 9. Enhance the financial strength of the College by aligning its resources with its Mission and Goals, continuously improving operational efficiency, and acquiring new revenue sources. 10. Continuously improve institutional effectiveness by defining a clear and distinctive Mission, establishing an ongoing collaborative planning process, maintaining participatory governance, and gathering and utilizing relevant data to assess the College’s progress toward fulfilling its Mission and Goals. CREDITS Cover Design – Barbara Harvey, Ventura College Photos – Michael-John Amos, David Breslin, Barbara Harvey, Chad Ishikawa, Alisa Sparkia Moore, Peter Sezzi, and Tim Swope Production – Christina L. Garcia 6 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 ASVC President Ray Parr at the Graduation Breakfast Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information ....................................................................................... 9 Campus Telephone Numbers ........................................................................ 10 Admissions Information ................................................................................ 11 Academic Calendar ....................................................................................... 19 Academic Policies ......................................................................................... 20 Instructional Support Services ...................................................................... 27 Student Services ........................................................................................... 29 Special Programs .......................................................................................... 35 Degrees, Programs, Transfer Information ..................................................... 37 Announcement of Courses ............................................................................ 81 Credit Courses ............................................................................................... 85 Non-credit Courses ....................................................................................... 213 Faculty and Administration ............................................................................ 215 Appendices: Student Conduct Code............................................................................. 223 Student Grievance Procedure .................................................................. 225 Privacy Rights Governing Student Records............................................. 226 Academic Freedom .................................................................................. 227 Solicitation ............................................................................................... 228 Publicity Code and Information Dissemination ........................................ 228 Use of Student Image, Likeness or Voice Captured at Public Events ...... 228 Parking & Campus Traffic ....................................................................... 228 Equal Opportunity Statement ................................................................... 230 Student’s Right-to-Know Completion and Transfer Rates ....................... 231 Policy on Harrassment/Discrimination .................................................... 231 Sexual Assault ......................................................................................... 233 Student Financial Services ...................................................................... 236 Student’s Right-to-Know Campus Security and Crime Awareness ......... 239 Glossary of College Terms ............................................................................ 240 Index .............................................................................................................. 243 Maps.............................................................................................................. 245 8 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 VC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams – both WSC Champions General Information - 9 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Accreditation Ventura College is one of California’s 109 public community colleges and is subject to the legal provisions of the state. Ventura College is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. College Services At Ventura College, there is a strong commitment to equal opportunity for all students who choose to attend and can profit from the educational courses and programs. All people are welcome to the college family. Various offices and associations promote the efforts of underrepresented people to become students. Students interested in assistance from these support groups and offices should make the appropriate contact. The Advantages of a Community College Ventura College offers students some very special opportunities not found at four-year colleges and universities. We put students and teaching first, with smaller classes and more individual attention from staff, counselors, and instructors. We are the convenient equivalent to lower division university studies and provide smooth and secure transfer to four-year schools. We welcome all students, whether just out of high school or returning to school after a period of work or home responsibilities. Any student who can benefit from our classes is welcome to attend. We are the obvious “best-buy” in higher education—fees are low, quality is high. College and the Community Though Ventura College draws students from other California regions, as well as other states and foreign countries, there is a particularly strong bond between the campus and the communities which surround it. For decades, Ventura College stood alone as the only postsecondary institution in the county, and, as a result, the College counts as friends, supporters, and alumni, thousands of people from across the Oxnard plain and the Santa Clara, Ojai, Conejo and Simi Valleys. In many of these areas, but particularly in the west county, Ventura College is known as “the College.’’ Today, Ventura College maintains the same strong commitments with its community. The performances of College drama, music, opera, dance, and athletic groups and teams draw enthusiastic support from the community, as do professional and student artists who exhibit in the two College galleries. In addition to these curricular activities, special noncredit courses and other events, performances, and excursions keep the community focused on the College as an exciting cultural and recreational center. In 1981, the Ventura College Foundation was established by the College President and a group of education-minded business and professional people from the community. The purpose of the Foundation is to support the goals and services of the College by building and shaping community support. GENERAL INFORMATION By the end of 1986, the Foundation’s base of support had grown to the point where it appointed an executive director, and set as a capital project goal a new campus building to house tutoring and testing services in addition to providing a place for community meetings. Guthrie Hall was dedicated in November 1989. The Foundation continues to build support for its ongoing projects of student scholarships, staff study grants and program support. If you would like to be part of the tradition, call the Foundation at (805) 654-6461 and become involved. Alumni Association The Ventura College Alumni & Friends Association was created to foster a spirit of friendship and philanthropy among alumni and friends for scholarships, newsletters, reunions, and special events. For additional information, contact the Ventura College Foundation at (805) 654-6461, or visit the Web site www.venturacollege.edu/ foundation/index.htm History Community college education in Ventura County began in 1925 when a junior college department was added at Ventura Union High School, on the site now occupied by Cabrillo Middle School. In 1952, responding to recommendations from a commissioned study concerning population growth and building needs, the Ventura High School District adopted a 3-3-2 organization. Ventura Junior College became Ventura College, a two-year institution for the freshman and sophomore years of college. In 1955, the College moved to its present 112-acre hillside campus at 4667 Telegraph Road in the eastern part of Ventura. The current student enrollment of the College for day and evening classes both on-campus and off-campus (Fillmore, Ojai, Piru, Santa Paula) is approximately 12,000. The East Campus has been added in Santa Paula. The citizens of Ventura County voted in 1962 to form a community college district separate from any other public school entity. Ventura College has since grown into a comprehensive community college serving a diverse population of college-age and adult students who pursue a wide variety of transfer, vocational, and other educational goals. Today the Ventura County Community College District includes two additional colleges—Moorpark and Oxnard. The District Offices are centrally located in Camarillo. In March 2002, the Ventura County voters approved a $356 million general obligation bond to renovate and expand all three campuses and the District training facilities for police, fire, and sheriff’s officers. The funds will also support the development of satellite facilities in the Santa Clara River Valley for Ventura College and the Conejo Valley for Moorpark College. The first Ventura College building using bond funds is the new Library and Learning Resources Center which opened in January 2005. 10 - General Information Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 For general information call: From Ventura, Ojai, Saticoy, all others not specifically listed: (805) 654-6400, (805) 656-0546. From Oxnard, Camarillo, Port Hueneme: (805) 986-5855 - connect to Ventura College From Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Agoura: (805) 378-1500 - connect to Ventura College Admissions and Records ....................................... 654-6457 Assessment /Testing Center ................................... 654-6402 Bilingual College Services ...................................... 654-6484 Bookstore .................................................................. 654-6485 Business Services .................................................... 654-6354 CalWORKs ................................................................. 477-2021 Campus Police .......................................................... 654-6486 Career Center ........................................................... 654-6411 Child Development Center ..................................... 648-8930 Community Education ............................................ 654-6459 Counseling Center ................................................... 654-6448 East Campus ............................................................. 525-7136 Educational Assistance Center (formerly Disabled Students Center) ................ 654-6300 TDD only.. ............................................................. 642-4583 Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) ................................................... 654-6302 Financial Aid Office ................................................. 654-6369 Human Resources .................................................... 654-6465 Institute of Comm. and Prof. Development ....... 648-8904 International Student Center .................................. 654-6323 Learning Center ........................................................ 654-6320 East Campus Branch ........................................... 525-7136 Library ........................................................................ 654-6482 East Campus Branch............................................ 525-7136 Math Center ............................................. 654-6400 ext.3255 Matriculation Office ................................................. 654-6493 Public Relations ........................................................ 654-6462 Re-entry and Women's Center............................... 654-6365 Reserve Academy .................................................... 987-7413 Scholarships (Foundation) ..................................... 654-6461 Student Activities Office ........................................ 654-6487 Student Business Office ......................................... 654-6488 Student Business Fax .......................................... 648-8950 Student Health Center ............................................ 654-6346 Student Payroll .........................................654-6400 ext.1351 Transfer Center ......................................................... 654-6473 Tutoring Center ........................................................ 648-8926 East Campus Branch ........................................... 525-7136 Ventura College Foundation .................................. 654-6461 Veteran’s Affairs ....................................................... 654-6457 IMPORTANT CAMPUS PHONE NUMBERS PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY Over the past 80 years, Ventura College has had exemplary leadership. That leadership was provided by: H.O. Wise ............................... 1925-1928 Melrowe Martin ..................... 1928-1929 Amos E. Clark ........................ 1929-1931 D.R. Henry .............................. 1931-1953 Hugh Price .............................. 1953-1956 Phil Putnam ............................ 1956-1960 Ed Rowins ............................... 1960-1966 Dr. Richard E. Loehr ............. 1967-1974 Dr. Richard A. Glenn............. 1974-1985 Dr. Robert W. Long ............... 1985-1992 Dr. Jesus Carreón ................. 1992-1995 Dr. Larry A. Calderón ........... 1995-2004 Dr. Robin Calote .................... 2005-current OFFICES OF THE DEANS Arts and Sciences.................................................... 654-6339 Business, Resources Development, Community Education, Off-Campus Programs ........................................ 654-6368 Criminal Justice, Technology, Music and Reserve Academy ........................................ 654-6470 Evening Supervisor ................................................. 654-6483 Health and Human Performance ........................... 654-6348 Liberal Arts and Learning Resources ................... 654-6468 Student Development ............................................. 654-6455 Student Services ...................................................... 654-6487 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES President .................................................................... 654-6460 Executive Vice President of Student Learning... 654-6464 Vice President of Business Services .................... 654-6354 EAST CAMPUS East Campus at Santa Paula .................................. 525-7136 Admissions Information - 11 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Eligibility Admission to Ventura College is open to any California resident who possesses a high school diploma or equivalent (certificate of proficiency, GED), or any adult 18 years of age or older who may benefit from instruction offered. Exceptions are considered by petition for special admissions programs noted elsewhere in this section. High school graduates under 18 years of age shall provide an official transcript verifying their graduation or its equivalent. Students entering any of the public community colleges of California are subject to the residency requirements as determined by the state of California. A student who is a resident of another state may be admitted under conditions stipulated by the governing board and on payment of nonresident tuition, enrollment and health fees. A student who is a citizen and resident of another country (international student) may be admitted under conditions stipulated by the governing board and on payment of an application processing fee, nonresident tuition and foreign student surcharge, enrollment and health fees. Consult the "Fees" section and Appendix "XIII" of this catalog for more information on nonresident tuition, fees and refunds. The right of a student to attend any community college in this District is conditioned by certain admissions and residency qualifications as provided by law. Students disqualified from other institutions must petition to be admitted by the Office of the Registrar. Further information is listed under residency requirements. Admission Procedures New Students: Students attending Ventura College for the firsttime must file an application for admission and attend a new student orientation, assessment and advisement session. Applications may be completed online at www.venturacollege.edu. Find the online application under “Quick Links” or click on the “Student Central” logo and choose to “Apply for admission.” Applications may also be filed in-person at the Admissions Office. Students who complete orientation, assessment and advisement activities will be eligible for an early registration date. Continuing Students: Students who have attended within the last year must update personal information (address, phone) and academic goal information before they register each semester. This may be done online when you register, or in-person at the Admissions Office before your registration appointment date. Returning Students: Students who are returning to Ventura College after an absence of one year must file an Application for Admission in-person or online at www.venturacollege.edu. Find the online application under “Quick Links” or click on the “Student Central” logo and choose “Apply for Admission.” All Students: Must have official transcripts of all previous high school, college, and university coursework sent to the Admissions Office. Additional information is provided under transcript requirements. Student Central: Online Student Services Students may access the following student services online at www.venturacollege.edu by clicking on the Student Central logo: ADMISSIONS INFORMATION •Apply for Admission •Check registration appointments •Register for classes •Search for classes using the “Searchable Schedule,” customize the search with available options •Add and drop classes •Pay fees with Visa or Mastercard •Change your mailing address and phone numbers •Change your PIN to a personalized PIN •Update your major and educational goals •View your class schedule •View your academic records (courses, units, GPA) •View unpaid fees and holds •Check your progress toward a degree, certificate or transfer •Print an official enrollment verification •Access course information and drop deadlines Registration Procedures Ventura College offers registration online and in-person. All students must have an application on file, and must have completed or waived the three student matriculation activities of orientation, assessment and advisement before they receive a registration appointment. Registration appointments are available online at least one week prior to the beginning of registration. •Registration Calendar is available online and in the printed Schedule of Classes each semester. •Access WebSTAR online at www.venturacollege.edu and click on “Student Central” logo or find “Register Online” under the “Quick Links.” •In-person at the Admissions Office. •Late Registration and Program Adjustment: begins on the first day of instruction for full semester classes. Differs for shortterm classes, therefore students should be registered on or before the first day of a short-term class. See the Registration Calendar for more information. •Registration in a Closed Class: Always requires permission of the instructor, and must be completed by the end of the Late Registration and Program Adjustment period. Attend the first available class meeting, get an “Authorization to Add Code” from the instructor, and register for the class online using WebSTAR, or in-person at the Admissions Office. Residency Requirements The determination of legal residence is a complex matter. Students will be required to present various kinds of documentation for purposes of the final determination. All questions as to legal residence and the exceptions allowed under California law shall be directed to the Admissions and Records Office. The right of a student to attend any public community college in California is conditioned by certain residency qualifications set forth in the California Education Code as follows: California Residents To qualify as a California resident, a student must have legally resided in California for one year and one day prior to the beginning of the semester he or she is planning to attend. 12 - Admissions Information Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Students who have lived in California for more than one year but less than two years will be asked to show proof of legal California residence. The burden of proof lies with the student, who must present documentation of both physical presence in the state for at least one year and one day, and intent to establish permanent California residence. Failure to present such proofs will result in a nonresident classification for admission and tuition purposes. A complete list of acceptable proofs of residence is available from the Admissions and Records Office. Students who are former residents of California and have been absent from the State, but who attended a California high school for three years and graduated from a California high school may be eligible for exemption from the requirement to pay nonresident tuition fees while they reestablish their legal residence in the State. Contact the Admissions and Records Office for more information on AB540. Nonresidents A nonresident is a student who has lived in California continuously for less than one year and one day prior to the beginning of the semester he or she is planning to attend, or who is unable to present proof of intent to establish permanent California residency. Students classified as nonresidents shall pay nonresident tuition fees in addition to mandatory enrollment and health fees. Conduct inconsistent with a claim for California residence includes but is not limited to: •being an actively registered voter in another state •petitioning for divorce in another state •attending an out-of-state educational institution as a resident of that state •declaring nonresident status for California state income tax purposes •maintaining a driver’s license or vehicle registration from another state International Students International students (F1, F2, M1, M2 visas) and persons who hold nonimmigrant visas including but not limited to visa types B, C, D, H2, H3, J, O, P, Q1, TN, TD, TWOV, U, WB, WT are citizens and residents of another country. Eligibility for admission is determined by the type and current status of the visa. If eligible for admission, students present in the United States under these visa types are classified as International students and required to pay nonresident tuition fees in addition to the mandatory enrollment and health fees for each semester of attendance. Contact the International Student Office for more information. Students who hold certain types of nonimmigrant visas approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service or INS) may be eligible for admission as well as residence classification for tuition purposes. Visa types eligible to establish residence include: A, E, G, H1B, HIC, H4, I, K, L, N, NATO, O1, O3, Q2, Q3, R, S, T, V. Proof of current visa status must be submitted. Contact the International Student Office for more information. Students residing in the United States who do not possess a visa or other documentation issued by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services may be eligible for exemption from the requirement to pay nonresident tuition fees. The student must have attended a California high school for at least three years and graduated from a California high school. Contact the Admissions and Records Office for more information on AB540. This exemption does not apply to students who hold nonimmigrant visas. Military Personnel and Dependents Military personnel who are stationed in California on active duty are exempt from the requirement to pay nonresident tuition for the duration of their active duty assignment to California. Eligibility for the exemption does not mean the individual is classified as a California resident. Persons eligible for the exemption may not be eligible for certain types of financial aid or assistance. The exemption does not apply to members of the armed forces assigned to California solely for educational purposes. Spouses and dependents of military personnel who meet the above description are also exempt from the requirement to pay nonresident tuition. Eligibility for the exemption does not mean an individual is classified as a resident. Persons eligible for the exemption may not be eligible for certain types of financial aid or assistance. The exemption applies only to dependents whose sponsor is assigned to California on active duty. Minors as Special Admission Students In accordance with the California Education Code, minors may be permitted to take college courses under very specific circumstances. The intent of Special Admissions is to provide minors who can benefit from advanced scholastic and vocational education the opportunity to take college-level courses that are not available through their primary school or other alternatives. Ventura College permits high school students to enroll in Ventura College courses as Special High School Admission students. The College may admit other minors, in accordance with the California Education Code, who can demonstrate the ability to benefit from advanced (college-level) scholastic and vocational education. Special High School Admission and Special K-8 Admission Students are required to complete and submit an application for college admission (online or in-person), a Special Admission packet that includes the Recommendation for Special Admission (required every semester), Memorandum of Understanding, a transcript (high school students), a letter from the principal attesting to the student’s ability to benefit from advanced scholastic or vocational education (through grade 8), and may be requested to provide additional documentation as needed. Parents and students applying for Special Full-time Admission status must contact the Registrar’s Office. See information below regarding this category of special admission. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, once a student is attending an institution of postsecondary education, all rights pertaining to the inspection, review and release of his/her educational records belong to the student without regard to the student's age. Therefore, all students, regardless of age, must provide written consent for release of their transcripts. For more information, see the Student Privacy section in this Catalog. Fees Special High School Admission students who are enrolled in 11 or fewer units, and other minors in Special Admission status are exempt from paying the enrollment fee. Nonresident tuition, health fee, student center fee, and materials fees (if applicable) still apply; however, students may request the college to waive nonresident tuition by providing a letter from their primary school requiring that the courses taken be used for high school credit only. Exemption does not apply to Special Full-Time Admission students. Admissions Information - 13 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Special High School Admission Students Such students are actively enrolled in at least a minimum day at high school, and are requesting to take college courses concurrently. They may enroll in up to 11 units and qualify for exemption from enrollment fees; or enroll in more than 11 units and pay all fees. They may also qualify for waiver of nonresident tuition (if applicable), if taking a class only for high school credit. After first semester, student must submit the Recommendation for Special Admission form each term at registration. Special High School Admission students register in-person on an assigned day as noted on the registration calendar in the Schedule of Classes. Special K-8 Admission Students Such students are enrolled in grades K-8 and have provided the required documentation supporting that they can benefit from advanced scholastic and vocational education. Documentation may consist of a letter from their primary school principal (required); official confirmation that the student is a GATE (gifted and talented) student; test results from the Ventura College Assessment tests; other forms of documentation may be considered. After first semester, student must submit the Recommendation for Special Admission form and written permission from college instructors at registration. Special Admission students register in-person on or after the first day of the semester. Special Full-Time Admission Students As provided for in the California Education Code, a parent or guardian may petition the Ventura College President on behalf of a person who is under 18 years of age, not a high school graduate, no longer enrolled in a public school, and determined by the College to be able to benefit from advanced (college-level) scholastic and vocational education. Admission to Ventura College will only be considered upon determination that the parent and student have exhausted all possible alternatives offered by the public school district in which the student would normally be enrolled, and may require that the student obtain permission from the administration of that district for a leave of absence. Students applying under this status are required to enroll in and maintain full-time status in every term they attend as Special Full-Time Admission students. Failure to maintain full-Time status may result in probation or dismissal. They must complete an application for college admission, transcripts or grade reports from the last high school attended and a petition for Special Full-Time Admission, complete the college matriculation process, see a Ventura College counselor and the Registrar. Additional documentation may be required to determine the ability to benefit from college-level coursework. Special Full-Time Admission students register inperson during walk-in registration. College Board Advanced Placement Credit Students who complete special advanced placement courses in high school and who earn scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement examinations taken before high school graduation will receive credit towards graduation at Ventura College for each such test completed with the required scores. An official copy of test scores must be submitted to the Admissions and Records Office. Students granted credit for advanced placement exams will not earn credit towards a Ventura College degree for duplicated college courses. Students should see a counselor before taking courses which appear to duplicate advanced placement tests. The specific unit value assigned to each examination and the applicability of this credit to the College's general education requirements are available from college counselors. Other colleges or universities have different policies concerning advanced placement and may offer a different number of units or consider different courses as comparable courses. It is also possible that other colleges and universities may not honor Ventura College transcript entries which award advanced placement credit for particular tests. Students planning to transfer should discuss the use of AP scores for meeting transfer requirements with their college counselor. Credit for Military Service The colleges of the Ventura County Community College District will recognize and grant credit to service personnel for formal educational training completed in the United States armed forces provided such credit is not a duplication of work taken previously. Service personnel may be allowed credit for formal service school courses offered by the United States military service recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the armed services of the American Council on Education. The credit allowed will be based upon the recommendations specified in the Guide. The maximum amount of credit which may be allowed toward satisfaction of college requirements shall be 12 units. Service personnel will be allowed full advanced standing credit for college level courses completed under the auspices of the Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) or the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) as recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the armed services of the American Council on Education. Service personnel will be allowed full advanced standing credit for college-level courses completed at the Naval Construction Training Center (NCTC) at Port Hueneme based upon the recommendations of the Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education of the American Council of Education. Such credit will be treated in the same manner and under the same policies as allowing credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Any work completed at a regionally accredited college or university by service personnel while in military service and for which the college or university issues a regular transcript showing the credits allowable toward its own degrees, will be allowed advanced standing credit toward the associate degree in the same manner as if the student had pursued the courses as a civilian. Service personnel should be aware that other colleges and universities may have different policies concerning credit for military educational training. There is no assurance that the granting of these units by the colleges of this district will be accepted by other institutions of higher education. Students must submit an official transcript of military course work to the Admissions and Records Office for evaluation. Contact the Admissions and Records Office for more information. Ventura College Matriculation MATRICULATION Matriculation is a partnership which results in an agreement between Ventura College and the student for the purpose of defining and realizing the student’s educational goal. This agreement includes responsibilities for both the College and the individual student. This agreement results in a Student Educational Plan. 14 - Admissions Information Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 COLLEGE RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: 1. Admissions and Records - provides an admissions and records process that will enable the College to collect staterequired information on students. This information will be used as a basis for providing services to students. 2. Orientation - provides an orientation process designed to acquaint students with College programs, services, facilities and grounds, academic expectations, and College policies and procedures. 3. Assessment - provides an assessment process using multiple measures to determine academic readiness in English, reading and math. These assessment results will be used by the College to assist students in the selection of academic courses. Additional assessments are available in areas of study/learning skills and vocational interest. 4. Counseling/Advisement - provides counseling services to assist students in course selection, development of an individual student educational plan, and use of campus support services. Additional advisement and counseling assistance will be provided for students who have not declared an educational goal, are enrolled in basic skills courses, or are on academic probation/dismissal. 5. Follow-up - establishes a process to monitor a student's progress and provide necessary assistance toward meeting educational goals. 6. Alternative Delivery - Provide modified or alternative services for the matriculation process (if necessary) for ethnic and language minority students and students with disabilities. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: 1. Submit official transcripts from high schools and colleges attended. 2. Acquire and read the College Catalog, Schedule of Classes, handouts, and other student materials which detail College policies and procedures. 3. Indicate at least a broad educational goal upon admission. 4. Declare a specific educational goal after completing a minimum of 15 units. 5. Participate in orientation, assessment, advisement groups and other follow-up support services deemed necessary by the College in order for the student to complete their stated educational goal(s). 6. Attend all classes and complete all course assignments. 7. Complete courses and maintain progress toward their stated educational goals. MUST I PARTICIPATE? All students are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the College's matriculation program. You may be exempt from components of the program if you meet the criteria listed below: 1. If you hold an Associate Degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution, you may be exempt from orientation, assessment and counseling/advisement. 2. If you have completed less than 15 units and your education goal is either: a. To advance in current job/career (update job skills). b. To maintain a certificate or license (e.g., nursing, real estate). c. Educational development (intellectual, cultural), You may be exempt from orientation, assessment and counseling/ advisement. 3. If you are receiving matriculation services at another college and attending a VCCCD campus concurrently, you may be exempt from orientation and counseling/advisement. 4. If you provide scores from recently taken VCCCD-approved assessment tests, you may be exempt from the testing portion of assessment. You have the right to postpone or appeal one or more of these activities: Assessment (including math, English and reading testing), orientation, or advisement. If you choose to postpone or appeal one or more of these activities, you may not take part in early registration. If you postpone any activities, you are required to complete them before registration for the following term begins, or you again will be unable to register during early registration. In order to postpone or appeal one or more of these services, you must complete the Postponement or Appeal of Matriculation Services form available in the Admissions and Records Office. Full-Time Student A student is defined as full-time if carrying 12 or more units in a regular semester or 4 units in a summer session. Unit Requirements for Benefits Students are required to enroll in and complete a minimum number of units per semester to qualify for certain benefits, including the following: Most automobile insurance “good student” discounts (3.00 GPA) ........................................................... 12 units Coverage under most medical insurances .................. 12 units Student government participation ............................... 12 units Social Security benefits ............................................... 12 units Student Loan Deferments: Full-time required ................................................. 12 units Half-time required .................................................. 6 units Financial Aid ............................... Contact Financial Aid Office Veteran’s Educational/War Orphan benefits under G.I. Bill: Full subsistence ................................................... 12 units 3/4 subsistence ..................................................... 9 units 1/2 subsistence ..................................................... 6 units Less than 1/2 time, contact the VA specialist in Admissions and Records Office for details regarding eligibility. Obtaining Your VC Transcripts Only the student can initiate release of transcripts. Transcript requests must be made in writing to the College Admissions and Records Office. All students receive two transcripts free of charge; thereafter, the fee is $3.00 for regular processing (a minimum of two weeks) and $5.00 for rush processing. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, once a student is attending an institution of postsecondary education, all rights pertaining to the inspection, review and release of his/her educational records belong to the student without regard to the student's age. Therefore, all students, regardless of age, must provide written consent for release of their transcripts. For more information, see the Student Privacy section in this Catalog. Transcript Requirements All new, continuing and returning students are required to submit official transcripts from all high schools, colleges and universities they have attended. EXCEPTION: Students do not need to submit transcripts from Moorpark and Oxnard Colleges. The transcripts should be directed to: Ventura College Admissions and Records Office, 4667 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003. Admissions Information - 15 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Students are encouraged to have their transcripts submitted to Ventura College before enrolling for their first semester, to prevent delays in processing their registration. Special programs with special requirements such as nursing, varsity athletics and financial aid require a student to file all high school and college transcripts to verify eligibility. Ventura College will retain these transcripts in student files in the Counseling Office. The College is not required to maintain files beyond three years except for actively enrolled students. Therefore, students should be aware that records are periodically purged and copies of high school, college and university transcripts are destroyed. Acceptance of Transfer Credit from Regionally Accredited Colleges and Universities Students transferring to the Ventura County Community Colleges from colleges accredited by the recognized regional accrediting associations will normally be granted lower division credit for courses entered on officially certified transcripts. These transcripts must be sent to the Admissions and Records Office. They will be evaluated based upon the current practices specified in the Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education by the American Council on Education. Students transferring to the Ventura County Community College District from other regionally accredited colleges and universities are required to declare all previous college work. Failure to provide complete information may result in dismissal from the Ventura County Community Colleges. Transfer Credit from Foreign Colleges and Universities Students transferring to the Ventura County Community Colleges from foreign colleges or universities must have their transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved translation and evaluation agency. Contact the Ventura College International Student Office or Admissions and Records Office for more information regarding credential evaluation services. Students must submit their official transcripts to an approved agency and request that the agency forward the official evaluation to the College. Completed coursework will be considered for lower division unit credit only. Requests for equivalent course credit are evaluated on an individual basis by a counselor. This review is based upon the recommendations of the transcript evaluation service and by the appropriate college discipline. International Student DEFINITION - An international student is anyone enrolled in courses in the United States who is neither a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. International students may hold an F-1 student visa or other type of nonimmigrant visa, which require that they remain citizens and residents of their home country. Persons holding any type of nonimmigrant visa should contact the Ventura College International Student Office. PERMANENT RESIDENT - Persons who have been granted a permanent resident card are considered to be United States residents. Persons holding a permanent or temporary resident card, or who have taken steps to obtain permanent resident status by applying to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service) should contact the Admissions and Records Office regarding their resident status for admission and tuition purposes. WHICH INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS MAY ESTABLISH RESIDENCE? Persons holding these visas are eligible to establish residency: 1. A-1, A-2, A-3 Foreign government official or employee, family and servants 2. E-1, E-2 Treaty trader and treaty investor, spouse, children 3. G-1, G-2, G-3, Representative of foreign government, officer and G-4, G-5 employee of international organization, family and attendants or servants 4. H-1, H-4* Temporary worker or trainee, spouse and children 5. I Representative of foreign information media, spouse and children 6. K Fiancé and fiancée of U.S. citizen 7. L-1, L-2 Intracompany transferee, spouse and children 8. O-1, O-3* International student with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, spouse and children 9. R Religious Occupations *Even though dependent children holding an H-4 or O-3 visa are not precluded, their residency status is derived from that of their parents. This list is subject to change based on state and/or federal legislation. WHICH INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS MAY NOT ESTABLISH RESIDENCE? A person is precluded by the Immigration and Nationality Act from establishing residence in the United States if he or she holds a visa of the following type: 1. B-1, B-2 Visitor for business or pleasure 2. C International student in transit 3. D-1, D-2 Foreign crew member 4. F-1, F-2 Academic student, spouse and children 5. H-2, H-3 Spouse and children of temporary worker or trainee 6. J-1, J-2 Exchange visitor, spouse and children 7. M-1, M-2 Nonacademic or vocational student, spouse and children 8. O-2 International student accompanying and assisting an 0-1 International student with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics 9. P-1 Internationally recognized athlete or entertainer 10. P-2 Artist or entertainer entering the United States to perform under a reciprocal exchange program 11. P-3 Artist or entertainer entering the United States to perform under a program that is culturally unique 12. P-4 Spouse or child of P-1, P-2 or P-3 International student 13. Q International cultural exchange program This list is subject to change based on state and/or federal legislation. 16 - Admissions Information Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 STUDENTS HOLDING A VISA THAT PRECLUDES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RESIDENCE MUST HAVE APPROVAL FROM THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OFFICE PRIOR TO ENROLLING IN CLASSES. LIMITATIONS ON ENROLLMENTS (F-1 VISA ONLY): In order to foster cultural exchange, the District encourages ethnic and national diversity among the International students admitted. Due to the District’s limited financial resources and space, and due to the special educational needs of International students, the Ventura County Community College District reserves the right to limit the number of F-1 International students admitted each year. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WITH AN F-1 STUDENT VISA: 1. Submit a completed Application for Admission and declare an educational objective. Include required application processing fee. See Fees. 2. Provide evidence of adequate proficiency in the use of the English language. Where English was not the language in which their education was acquired, students are required to complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a score of at least 450 or participate in the English Proficiency Program at Ventura College. For information on the TOEFL, write: Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08540. 3. Submit a confidential statement of finance that verifies financial capability for the costs of attending one of the colleges of the district, or affidavits guaranteeing financial support from responsible resident citizens of the United States. 4. Before registration is validated, foreign students must pay the entire nonresident tuition fee and the enrollment fees for the semester. 5. It is expected that applicants will have completed secondary school with a satisfactory academic record. Students must provide certified translated transcripts from secondary schools and colleges previously attended. 6. Submit a health statement by a licensed American physician that verifies general good health and freedom from communicable disease. 7. Provide proof of major medical insurance coverage. If needed, the College can provide information on policies available. PERMISSION TO WORK: (F-1 visa only) According to immigration policy, International students may work 20 hours a week, on-campus only, during their first nine months of study. After the first nine months of study, foreign students may request permission to work off-campus for 20 hours per week or 40 hours per week during vacation periods. Contact the International Students Office for information. Fees: ENROLLMENT FEES ARE SET BY THE STATE, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE AND MAY BE RETROACTIVE. ALL OTHER FEES ARE SET BY THE VENTURA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY BOARD ACTION. Enrollment Fee: ......................................... $26.00 per unit 13.00 per 1/2 unit 6.50 per 1/4 unit Health Fee (see details) ............................ $13.00 Fall/Spring 10.00 summer Nonresident Tuition: Non-California residents and International students ......................... $155.00 per unit International students surcharge ................ 14.00 per unit International student application process fee.. ............................................. 50.00 Materials Fees. ............ As required, see Schedule of Classes Remote nonrefundable online registration fee ............................................ 3.00 per sem (Applies to STAR and WebSTAR registration) Student Center Fee .......................................... 1.00 per unit (maximum of $10 a fiscal year) Audit Fee: Students enrolled in 10 or more credit units. ................................................... no charge Students enrolled in fewer than 10 credit units. ................................................. 15.00 per unit Note: auditing students also pay the health fee. ASB card (optional) ........................................ 6.00 per sem Note: year ends last day of summer session. 10.00 per year Students who owe outstanding fees may not register until their fees are paid and cleared from the computer. Fees / Obligations / Holds CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: California residents must pay the mandated enrollment fee. California residents meeting certain criteria may be eligible for a Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver (BOGW) or other financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid Office, (805) 654-6369. NON-CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: Non-California residents must pay nonresident tuition, plus the enrollment fee, health fee, student center fee, and applicable material fees. You are a nonresident if you have lived in California for less than one year and one day prior to the first day of the semester, or you are unable to present sufficient documentation to prove that you have established California residency. See the College Catalog for residency information, page 11 et seq. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: International students must pay enrollment fees, the health fee, nonresident tuition, A STUDENT SURCHARGE unless they meet one of the following exemptions as listed pursuant to Ed Code 76141 and 76142: •Student must demonstrate economic hardship. •Student must be a victim of persecution in the country in which the student is a resident. AND AN APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE of $50 which covers the cost of federally-mandated documentation. Admissions Information - 17 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Nonpayment of Fees All fees are due immediately upon registration. After registration, seven (7) days are allowed for payment of fees, after which the student may be dropped from all classes. Any remaining fees are the responsibility of the student and will result in the withholding of grades, transcripts, diplomas and future registration privileges. Any items withheld will be released when the obligation is satisfied. Please note: all delinquent fees may be assigned to the California State Franchise Tax Board or an asset recovery firm for collection. There is a $10.00 charge for credit card charge-backs and returned checks. Health Fees This fee enables us to provide you with a variety of health care services. In accordance with the California Code and Board policy, students are required to pay a health fee, regardless of the units taken, unless they meet one of the exemptions listed: •Ed Code 76355, Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOGW) recipients. •Any student who depends exclusively on prayer for healing in accordance with the teachings of a bona fide religious sect, denomination, or organization. Documentary evidence of such an affiliation is required. •Students attending college under approved apprenticeship training program, Ed Code 76355. Student Center Fee Students of Ventura College enacted a Student Center fee of $1.00 per unit up to a maximum of $10.00 per student per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) for the purpose of financing, constructing, expanding, remodeling, refurbishing and operating a Student Center. The money collected may only be used for this purpose. The fee shall not apply to: a student enrolled in noncredit courses; a student who is a recipient of benefits under Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program; a student on the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP); or a student on a General Assistance Program. Transcript Fee A student may receive two transcripts free of charge. A $3.00 fee will be charged for each additional transcript, and a $5.00 fee per transcript will be charged for rush processing. Normal processing is a minimum of two weeks, and may be longer at the end of the semester. Rush processing is immediate in-person service or two working days for mailed requests. Transcripts must be requested by the student in writing. See “Obtaining your VC Transcript” in this Catalog for more information or online at www.venturacollege.edu. Refund Policy You must drop your classes by the credit refund deadline as stated in the Schedule of Classes to qualify for a credit or refund of tuition and/or fees. AFTER your class(es) have been dropped, application for a refund may be made through the Student Business Office. Credits will NOT be authorized for drops or withdrawals occurring after the deadline date. Enrollment fee refunds are subject, once a semester, to the withholding of a $10 Administrative Fee. To qualify for a refund of parking fees, you must return the original parking permit to the Student Business Office by the deadline. Refund Policy on Tuition and Surcharge (Nonresident / International Students) Application for refunds must be made to the Student Business Office after the class has been dropped. Refund checks will be mailed by the VCCCD District Office after the application is received and processed at the Student Business Office. The following schedule of refunds will be in effect for nonresident students who withdraw from college: Full-semester Length Classes In first and second week 100% tuition In third and fourth week 50% tuition Short-term Classes and Summer Session Withdraw within 10% of class sessions 100% tuition Withdraw within 20% of class sessions 50% tuition No refunds are authorized for drops or withdrawals after the fourth week of a full-term class or 20% of short-term classes. Nonmandatory Fees Nonmandatory fees are the same for day and evening students. Fees are paid at the Student Business Office. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS POLICY: Each college of the Ventura County Community College District may require students enrolled in credit or noncredit courses and programs to purchase certain instructional and other materials including, but not limited to, textbooks, tools, equipment and clothing if: a) the instructional and other materials are used in the production of an “end product’’ that has continuing value to the student outside of the classroom setting, or b) the instructional and other materials required for the class have a continuing value to the students outside of the classroom setting. Instructional and other materials may be obtained by direct purchase from the Bookstore. Students may also purchase instructional and other materials from any other available source. Every effort will be made to identify in the Schedule of Classes those courses which may require material fees. A list of all instructional and other materials required in a course will be made available for students no later than the first class meeting each term. The list also will be available in the Division Office and the Bookstore. Fees charged by the College are subject to change at the discretion of the governing board. STUDENT BODY (ASB) CARD: $6 per semester, $10 for the school year ending at the completion of the Summer session. Purchase of an ASB card entitles students to free admission to home athletic events, and reduced rates to dramas, plays, 10% discount on used books and supplies from the College Bookstore, eligibility for college and ASB emergency loans, various associated student-sponsored events, discounts from local merchants and the right to run for an office on the Associated Students Board. TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES: By state law, the College is prohibited from furnishing free textbooks or supplies to students. These items may be purchased in the College Bookstore. Save Your Receipts! No Refunds After Late Registration! 18 - Admissions Information Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 STUDENT PARKING FEE: Students may park their vehicles off-campus and in the lot at the west end of the campus by the Child Development Center without paying a parking fee. Disabled drivers with a medical verification of disability, or with a vehicle which displays a disabled person’s plate or a placard issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles are required to register with the Educational Assistance Center for an oncampus special parking permit. Disabled drivers are subject to the same parking fees as nondisabled drivers. All students parking a vehicle on the campus anywhere but the lot referenced above or the timed slots must pay the parking fee listed below regardless of the number of units for which they are enrolled. Parking fees are subject to change at the discretion of the Governing Board. Automobile: regular sem. / summer sem. ............................... $40 / $19 BOGW students: regular sem. / summer sem. ............................... $20 / $14 Motorcycle: regular sem. / summer sem. ............................... $28 / $12 Additional permit, same household must present car registration: regular sem. / summer sem. ............................... $8 / $7 Replacement permit, requires return of original permit regular sem. / summer sem. ............................... $7 / $5 Single Day ................................................................ $1 To encourage ridesharing and carpooling, for a student who certifies that he/she regularly has two or more passengers commuting to the College with him/her in the vehicle parked at the College, the fee shall not exceed twenty-five dollars ($25) per semester and ten dollars ($10) for Summer session. Students who receive financial assistance pursuant to any of the programs described in subsection (g) of Education Code Section 72252 shall be exempt from parking fees in excess of twenty dollars ($20) per semester for one vehicle. A parking permit is required in all paved lots on campus. CITATIONS WILL BE ISSUED FOR VEHICLES WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT. Ventura College assumes no responsibility for damage to any motor vehicle, theft of its contents, or injury to persons within it, while it is parked or operated on or about the campus. The campus is posted with special parking restrictions in effect and campus traffic and parking regulations are published in the appendices. These provisions are strictly enforced by the campus police department. Ventura College Fashion Show Academic Policies - 19 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 ACADEMIC CALENDAR Ventura College offers two semesters of instruction, Fall and Spring, plus a Summer intersession of approximately seven weeks. Within each semester we offer short-term courses of varying lengths, which are identified in the semester Schedule of Classes. We also offer a variety of distance-learning classes, which we similarly set out in each semester’s Schedule of Classes. The Schedule of Classes may be accessed online or in print, in English or in Spanish. Please note that the add/drop deadlines set out here apply only to full-semester classes. For deadlines applicable to short-term classes, contact the Admissions and Records Office at (805) 654-7457, or go online to www.venturacollege.edu, click on Student Central, then click on the Searchable Schedule of Classes and click on the CRN# of the specific class you need the deadline information for. Fall Semester 2005 August 15 - December 14, 2005 August 13-14 ........ First day of semester-length traditional Saturday and Sunday classes. August 15 ............. First day of semester-length traditional classes. First day of late registration. August 26 ............. Last day to add semester-length classes. Last day to drop a class and apply for enrollment fee, health, and parking refunds. Last day account credited if dropping classes. No refunds or credits after this date for semesterlength classes. September 3-4 ...... No Saturday/Sunday classes. September 5 .......... Labor Day – Legal Holiday – No classes. September 9 .......... Last day to drop semester-length classes without a transcript entry. September 16 ....... Last day to declare CR/NC grading option for semester-length classes. November 4 .......... Last day to apply for Fall 2005 Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement. November 11 ........ Veteran’s Day – Legal Holiday – No classes. November 12-13 ... Saturday/Sunday classes will be held. November 18 ........ Last day to drop semester-length classes with a “W.” November 24-27 ... Thanksgiving break – No classes. December 8-14 ..... Final exam week for Fall 2005. Spring Semester 2006 January 9 - May 17, 2006 January 9 .............. First day of semester-length traditional classes. First day of late registration. January 14-15 ...... First day of semester-length traditional Saturday and Sunday classes. January 16 ............ Martin Luther King Holiday – Legal Holiday – No classes. January 20 ............ Last day to add semester-length classes. Last day to drop a class and apply for enrollment fee, health, and parking refunds. Last day account credited if dropping classes. No refunds or credits after this date for semesterlength classes. February 3 ............. Last day to drop semester-length classes without a transcript entry. February 10 ........... Last day to declare CR/NC grading option for semester-length classes. February 17-20 ..... President’s Day weekend – No classes. April 6 ................... Last day to apply for Spring 2006 Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement. April 7 ................... No classes. Staff Flex Day. April 8-9 ................ Saturday/Sunday classes will be held. April 10-16 ............ Spring Break. No classes. April 21 ................. Last day to drop semester-length classes with a “W.” May 11-17 ............ Final Exam week for Spring 2006. May 18 .................. Graduation. ASVC elections in progress 20 - Academic Policies Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Courses Open to Enrollment Each course offered by the Ventura County Community College District and its colleges is open to enrollment and participation by any person who has been admitted to the College and who meets the prerequisites to the class or program, unless specifically exempted by statute. Attendance and Absence All students admitted to Ventura College are expected to attend regularly. Continuity of attendance is necessary to both individual and group progress in any class. Financial support of the College is dependent upon student attendance. Absence for any reason does not relieve the student from the responsibility of completing all requirements of the class. For a returning absentee, the College does not designate an absence as "excused" or "not excused." It takes the position that, since regular attendance is the student's responsibility, the instructor may evaluate the absence in terms of class requirements and take whatever reasonable action he or she deems necessary. For credit students, when absence from a class exceeds in number 1/9th of the total class contact hours for the session, the instructor may recommend to the Registrar that such student be dropped from the class and a grade recorded in accordance with the withdrawal from class policy as stated in this Catalog. Classes missed because of late registration are counted toward the number of absences. Students may be suspended or dropped from a class at any time when absences result in missing necessary safety instruction when such instruction is routinely given. When possible, students will be given a warning and/or an opportunity to make up missed instruction. Exclusions of this sort will be made by instructors acting in consultation with their Division Deans. Failure of a student to appear at the first regular meeting of a class may result in exclusion, if the class has reached its assigned enrollment limit and other eligible students are present and are seeking admission to the class. The student may petition for reinstatement when just cause for the absences exists. Such petitions must be presented in writing to the Admissions and Records Office for administrative review. Educational Work Load A student's educational work load generally consists of fifteen (15) units of work per semester in order to make normal progress towards the AA/AS degree and/or transfer requirements. Students who want to take an overload of more than 19.5 units in a regular semester or more than 9 units in a summer session must have a counselor's approval. Ventura College observes the following guidelines in reviewing a request for an academic overload: A student may petition for additional units (over 19.5 or over 9 for summer term) if he or she has a high school GPA of 3.6 or has completed twelve (12) college units with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. The petition for this purpose, Additional Units for Academic Overload, is available in the Counseling Office. The College strongly recommends that students who work parttime or engage in extracurricular activities (social and athletic) follow these proportions in distributing their hourly time per week: ACADEMIC POLICIES Academic Units Recommended Time Maximum Time Class/Study Work/Activities 15-18 30-36 0-8 12-15 24-30 8-15 9-12 18-24 15-20 6-9 12-18 20-30 3-6 6-12 30-40 Units of Credit The basic unit of credit is the semester unit which is equivalent to a credit hour established by the California Education Code: "One credit hour of community college work is approximately three hours of recitation, study, or laboratory work per week throughout a term of 16 weeks." Ventura College bases its semester unit on one lecture class period of 50 minutes each week of a minimum 16-week semester. For practical purposes, the following terms are synonymous: unit, semester unit, semester hours, credit, credit hour. For purposes of sections dealing with standards for probation and dismissal, all units attempted means all units of credit for which the student was enrolled in any college or university, regardless of whether the student completed the courses or received any credit or grade. Academic Record Symbols The quality of a student's work is indicated by grade points. Grades from a grading scale shall be averaged on the basic of the point equivalence to determine a student's grade point average. The highest grade shall receive four points, and the lowest grade shall receive no point, using the following evaluative symbols: A - Excellent 4 grade points per unit B - Good 3 grade points per unit C - Satisfactory 2 grade points per unit D - Passing, less than satisfactory 1 grade point per unit F - Failing 0 grade point per unit CR - Credit (satisfactory) 0 grade point (unit credit granted) CRE - Credit by exam (satisfactory) 0 grade point (unit credit granted) NC - No credit (less than satisfactory, or failing) 0 grade point (no unit credit granted) Student mark other than grade (nonevaluative symbols): I - Incomplete 0 grade point (no unit credit granted) IP - In progress 0 grade point (no unit credit granted) RD - Report delayed 0 grade point (no unit credit granted) W - Withdrawal 0 grade point (no unit credit granted) MW - Military Withdrawal 0 grade point (no unit credit granted) Academic Policies - 21 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Courses taken on a credit/no credit basis are disregarded in calculating the grade point average. However, units earned on a credit basis shall be counted toward satisfaction of curriculum requirements. CR and CRE are used to denote "passed with credit" when no letter grade is given, for work of such quality as to warrant a letter grade of C or better. NC is used to denote "no credit" when no letter grade is given. See credit/no credit options section. Nonevaluative Symbols INCOMPLETE: Incomplete academic work for unforeseeable, emergency and justifiable reasons at the end of the term may result in an "I" symbol being entered in the student's record. The condition for removal of the "I" shall be stated by the instructor in a written record. This record shall contain the conditions for removal of the "I" and the grade assigned in lieu of its removal. This record must be given to the student with a copy on file with the Office of the Registrar until the "I" is made up or the time limit has passed. A final grade shall be assigned when the work stipulated has been completed and evaluated, or when the time limit for completing the work has passed. The "I" may be made up no later than one year following the end of the term in which it was assigned. The "I" symbol shall not be used in calculating units attempted nor for grade points. Units of "I" shall not be counted to determine eligibility for athletics. Units of "I" may also effect the student's status for financial aid and other programs. A districtwide process shall be provided whereby a student may petition for a time extension due to unusual circumstances. The student should be aware that other colleges or universities may have policies relating to the evaluation of incompletes on transfer student transcripts which could have an adverse effect on the student's academic status. IN PROGRESS: The IP symbol shall be used only in those courses which extend beyond the normal end of an academic term. It indicates that work is in-progress, but that the assignment of a substantive grade must await its completion. The IP symbol shall remain on the student's permanent record in order to satisfy enrollment documentation. The appropriate evaluative grade and unit credit shall be assigned and appear on the student's record for the term in which the required work of the course is completed. The IP shall not be used in calculating grade point averages. If a student enrolled in an open-entry, open-exit course is assigned an IP at the end of an attendance period and does not re-enroll in that course during the subsequent attendance period, the appropriate faculty will assign an evaluative symbol (grade) in accordance with the academic record symbols to be recorded on the student's permanent record for the course. REPORT DELAYED: The RD symbol may be assigned by the Registrar only. It is a temporary notation to be replaced by a permanent symbol as soon as possible. RD shall not be used in calculating grade point averages. WITHDRAWAL: A student may withdraw from a class through the last day of the first seventy-five percent (75%) of a class (see Calendar in Schedule of Classes). The academic record of a student who remains in a class beyond this time limit must reflect a grade other than a W. No notation (W or other) shall be made on the academic record of a student who withdraws during the first four weeks or thirty percent (30%) of a term, whichever is less. Withdrawal between the end of the fourth week and the last day of the fourteenth week of instruction for full-semester classes or through seventy-five percent (75%) of a class less than a semester in length shall be recorded as W on the student's record. MILITARY WITHDRAWAL: This option is intended to accommodate students who are recalled to active military duty at any time during a semester. A student may petition for military withdrawal by submitting a written request and copy of military orders to the Admissions and Records Office. Military withdrawal will result in a W notation on the transcript unless the drop occurs within the first 30% of class meetings. The notation will not be counted in evaluation of satisfactory progress for purposes of determining academic standing, probation or dismissal. Scholastic Standing and Achievement Scholastic standing is based on a student's work measured quantitatively in semester units and qualitatively in letter grades. This relationship is expressed as a numerical grade point average. To illustrate the calculation of a grade point average, a student who earns a grade of A in three units, B in three units, C in three units, D in three units, F in two units, and CR in two units, would have a grade point average of 2.14. The computation is shown below. 3 units A x 4 = 12 grade points 3 units B x 3 = 9 grade points 3 units C x 2 = 6 grade points 3 units D x 1 = 3 grade points 2 units F x 0 = 0 grade point 2 units CR x 0 = 0 grade point 14 graded units 30 grade points (+ 2 CR) 30 ÷ 14 = 2.14 grade point average In calculating a student's degree applicable grade point average, grades earned in nondegree courses shall not be included. Credit/No Credit Grade Options Colleges of the Ventura County Community College District may offer courses in two credit/no credit (CR/NC) grading options: (1) Courses which are offered on a credit/no credit basis only; and (2) Courses in which students may elect the credit/no credit option. The first category includes those courses as specified in the Announcement of Courses section of this Catalog in which all students are evaluated on a credit/no credit (CR/NC) basis. This CR/NC grading option shall be used to the exclusion of all other grades in courses for which there is a single satisfactory standard of performance and for which unit credit is assigned. Credit shall be assigned for meeting that standard; no credit for failure to do so. The second category of credit/no credit options is comprised of courses designated by the College, wherein each student may elect by no later than the end of the first thirty percent (30%) of the term or length of the class whether the basis of evaluation is to be credit/no credit or a letter grade. Once the thirty percent (30%) deadline has passed, the request cannot be withdrawn and the student becomes ineligible to petition for a grade change. It is the student's responsibility to notify the instructor of his or her intent to be graded on a credit/no credit basis and to file the appropriate form, otherwise a letter grade will be assigned. The form for this purpose, Request for Credit/No Credit, is available in the Admissions and Records Office. All units earned on a credit/no credit basis in accredited California institutions of higher education or equivalent out-of-state institutions shall be counted in satisfaction of community college curriculum requirements. 22 - Academic Policies Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 A student may apply a maximum of twenty (20) units of credit earned under the credit/no credit option to an A.A. or A.S. degree or certificate of achievement. Exceptions to this unit limitation will be granted only to students enrolled in the designated occupational programs specified in the credit by examination policy of this Catalog. Credit (CR) is used to denote "passed with credit" when no letter grade is given. Credit is assigned for work of such quality as to warrant a letter grade of C or better. Units earned on a credit/no credit basis shall not be used to calculate grade point averages. However, units attempted for which NC is recorded shall be considered in probation and dismissal policies. Other options for course credit are specified in the Advanced Placement Credit policy and in the Credit by Examination policy of this Catalog. Students should be aware that other colleges and universities may restrict the acceptance of courses taken on a credit/no credit basis, especially for satisfaction of major requirements. Remedial Course Limit The colleges of the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) offer courses which are defined as remedial: "remedial coursework" refers to pre-collegiate basic skills courses in reading, writing, computation, learning skills, study skills and English as a Second Language which are designated by the college district as not applicable to the Associate Degree. Students enrolled in remedial courses will receive unit credit and will be awarded an academic record symbol on transcripts as defined under other academic policies. However, the units earned in these remedial courses do not apply toward certificates of achievement or associate degrees. No students shall receive more than 30 semester units of credit for remedial coursework. This limitation of 30 units applies to all remedial coursework completed at any of the campuses of the college district (Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura Colleges). It does not apply to remedial coursework completed at colleges outside the District. Students transferring from other educational institutions outside VCCCD shall be permitted to begin with a "clean slate" with regard to the remedial limitation. The 30-unit limit applies to all remedial coursework attempted; however, in the event that some of these 30 units are substandard and a student successfully repeats one or more courses in which substandard grades were earned, then the 30-unit limit would be modified by the application of the Course Repetition Policy. Students who exhaust the unit limitation shall be referred to appropriate adult non-credit educational services provided by adult schools or other appropriate local providers with which the colleges have an established referral agreement. Such a student may, upon successful completion of appropriate "remedial coursework" or upon demonstration of skills levels which will reasonably assure success in college-level courses, request reinstatement to proceed with college-level coursework. Procedures relating to dismissal and reinstatement are specified in the College Catalog under policies governing Probation, Dismissal and Readmission. The petition for this purpose, Petition for Continued Enrollment or Readmission, is available in the Counseling Office. The following students are exempted from the limitation on remedial coursework: students enrolled in one or more courses of English as a Second Language (to include ENGL V07, V08A, V08B); and/or students identified by one of the colleges as having a disability. Any student who shows significant, measurable progress toward the development of skills appropriate to his or her enrollment in college-level courses may qualify for a waiver of the unit limitation. Petitions for waiver can only be given for specified periods of time or for a specified number of units. The petition for this purpose, the Student Educational Plan, is available in the Counseling Office. The Office of Student Learning shall maintain a list for each academic year of remedial courses limited by this policy. The following courses are defined as remedial under the definition limiting units: ENGL V03, V04A, V04B; IDS V11, V12; MATH V09, V10; SS V01, V02. Students should be aware that this policy applies to all students enrolled in remedial coursework. However, students receiving financial aid have more restrictive limitations imposed upon them by the federal government. The federal rules specify a limitation of one year regardless of units, do not exempt learning skills, and do not provide for a waiver. Final Examinations Final examinations are given at the end of each semester. Students are required to take examinations for the classes in which they are enrolled. No examinations are administered prior to the regular schedule for examinations. Exceptions to this rule in emergency situations will require the approval of the instructor of record and the Division Dean. All student requests for examinations to be administered at a later date must be filed on the proper petition form in the Admissions and Records Office. Petitions for late examinations will not be considered if the student leaves prior to the last three weeks of the semester. Probation, Dismissal and Readmission Probation, dismissal, and readmission policies and procedures are designed to assist students in making progress toward realistic academic, career, and personal goals. Students applying for Veteran's educational benefits should refer to the Veteran's section in this Catalog for information on unsatisfactory progress and eligibility to collect educational benefits, and see below. STANDARDS FOR PROBATION: A student who has attempted at least twelve (12) semester units as shown by the official academic record shall be placed on academic probation if the student has earned a grade point average below 2.0 in all units which were graded on the basis of the grading scale established by the Ventura County Community College District. A student who has enrolled in a total of at least twelve (12) semester units as shown by the official academic record shall be placed on progress probation when the percentage of all units in which the student has enrolled and for which entries of W, I, and NC are recorded reaches or exceeds fifty percent (50%). NOTE: probationary status is computed using courses taken since Fall 1981. Courses taken prior to Fall 1981 are not in the computer data file and may not be included in the calculation of probation. This may alter your probationary status. SPECIAL NOTE TO STUDENTS CLAIMING VETERANS BENEFITS– UNSATISFACTORY PROGRESS: For the purpose of certification for educational benefits, academic probation is defined as the failure to complete a minimum of 50% of the total units attempted, and/or to maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Unsatisfactory progress occurs when a veteran has been placed on academic probation for two consecutive semesters. Academic Policies - 23 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Unsatisfactory progress must be reported to the Veteran's Administration, and the veteran may not be certified for future educational benefits. Any veteran placed on unsatisfactory progress must consult the campus Veteran's Office and receive academic counseling before educational benefits can be reinstated. A student transferring to a college of the Ventura County Community College District from another college is subject to the same probation and dismissal policies as students of this college district. NOTIFICATION OF PROBATION: Each college in this district shall notify a student who is placed on probation at or near the beginning of the semester in which it will take effect but, in any case, no later than the start of the Fall semester. The student grade report, provided for each enrolled student at the end of each term, specifies the student status for both academic and progress categories as either "good standing" or "probation." A student placed on probation is, as a condition of continuing enrollment, to receive individual counseling, including the regulation of his or her academic program. Each student shall also receive any other support services available to help the student overcome any academic difficulties. REMOVAL FROM PROBATION: A student on academic probation for a grade point deficiency shall be removed from probation when the student's cumulative grade point average is 2.0 or higher. A student on progress probation because of an excess of units for which entries of W, I, and NC are recorded shall be removed from probation when the percentage of units in this category drops below fifty percent (50%), STANDARDS FOR DISMISSAL: A student who is on academic probation shall be dismissed if the student earned a cumulative grade point average of less than 1.75 in all units attempted in each of three consecutive semesters. A student who has been placed on progress probation shall be subject to dismissal if the percentage of units in which the student has been enrolled and for which entries of W, I, and NC are recorded in at least three consecutive semesters reaches or exceeds fifty percent (50%). NOTIFICATION OF DISMISSAL: Each college in the Ventura County Community College District shall notify a student who is dismissed at or near the beginning of the semester in which it will take effect but, in any case, no later than the start of the Fall semester. A student who is dismissed has the right of appeal. An exception to academic dismissal may be made only in the event of extreme and unusual medical and/or legal circumstances that can be supported by evidence provided by the student, or in the event of improved scholarship. The petition for this purpose, Petition for Continued Enrollment or Readmission, is available in the Counseling Office. CONTINUED ENROLLMENT OR READMISSION: A student applying for continued enrollment or readmission must submit a petition to explain what circumstances or conditions would justify continued enrollment or readmission. A student applying for readmission shall not be reinstated until a minimum of one semester has elapsed after academic dismissal. A student who is petitioning shall receive counseling to assess his or her academic and career goals and must have counselor approval of his or her educational program prior to registration. The petition for this purpose, Petition for Continued Enrollment or Readmission, is available in the Counseling Office. Academic Honesty Ventura College believes that honesty is vital to the integrity of our College programs, our courses, within our entire college community, and especially in the classroom. Our definition of academic honesty is included in our college policies and standards and informs our students of the expectations the College promotes and information on student’s rights when violations occur. Academic dishonesty (such as cheating) is defined as an act of obtaining or attempting to present academic work through fraudulent or deceptive means in order to obtain credit for this work. This dishonesty and/or cheating by whatever means, including electronic, is defined as, but is not limited to:  Submitting work previously presented in another courses  Copying in whole or in part from another student’s test or paper  Using sources or material not authorized by the instructor  Altering or interfering with grading policies  Sitting in for an exam for another student or by another students  Plagiarizing work, such as copying sentences, phrases, or passages without citing the source, while writing a paper or doing research and submitting this work as his/her own  Sharing your paper information during an exam, test, or quiz. Instructors have the responsibility and authority for dealing with any cheating or plagiarism which may occur in their classes. It is the policy of the Ventura County Community College District that an instructor may dismiss a student involved in such dishonest behavior from class with a grade of “F.” In additiona, the faculty member may direct the matter to the appropriate Dean for further disciplinary action. Proof of cheating may lead to suspension, and the student or students are provided with due process that includes formal grievance procedures. Additional Information on Ventura College Web site For additional information on Academic Honesty, please see the Ventura College Web site at: www.venturacollege.edu/facultystaff Grade Changes In any course of instruction in a college in the Ventura County Community College District for which grades are awarded, the instructor of the course shall determine the grade to be awarded each student in accordance with the grading system dealing with academic record symbols and scholastic standing and achievement. The determination of the student's grade by the instructor shall be final in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith or incompetency. Procedures for the correction of a grade given in error shall include expunging the incorrect grade from the record. Grade change petitions must be initiated by the instructor of record. Students wishing to dispute a grade should first contact the instructor. 24 - Academic Policies Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Auditing The colleges of the Ventura County Community College District may allow students to audit a class. Auditing allows a student to attend a class without taking exams, receiving a grade or earning unit credit. Students enrolled in ten units or more may, with instructor consent, be allowed to audit one class per term without a fee. Students enrolled in less than ten units may, with instructor consent, audit one class per term with an audit fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per unit per semester. Audit students must also pay the health fee. Audit fees are nonrefundable. All fees are subject to change. Priority in class enrollment shall be given to students desiring to take the courses for credit toward a certificate, degree or transfer certification. Therefore, students applying to audit may submit the completed audit petition only during the last two days of program adjustment as specified in the calendar of every semesters’ Schedule of Classes. Laboratory classes are not normally available for audit. Students auditing a course shall not be permitted to change their enrollment in that course to receive credit for the course. Students auditing a course are not permitted to take exams in class, nor are they permitted to challenge the course by exam at a later date. Instructors are under no obligation to grade assignments of students auditing a course. Attendance requirements for students auditing courses are the same for all other students as stated in this Catalog. The petition form to audit a class is available in the Admissions and Records Office. Withdrawal from Class It is a student's responsibility to initiate a withdrawal when the withdrawal is desired by the student. Students or instructors may initiate a withdrawal through the end of the first thirty percent (30%) of a class. This action results in no record of dropped classes on students' academic records (grade card or transcript). Students or instructors may initiate a withdrawal between the end of the first thirty percent (30%) and the last day of the first seventy-five percent (75%) of a class (see Calendar in Schedule of Classes). This action shall be recorded as a W on the student's academic records. The W shall not be used in calculating grade point averages, but excessive Ws shall be used as factors in determining academic standing, probation, and dismissal. The academic record of a student who remains in a class beyond the 75% point must reflect a grading symbol other than W. Withdrawal from a class may be authorized after the designated time limit by petition only in extenuating circumstances of verified cases of accidents, illnesses or other circumstances beyond the control of the student. Approved petitions shall result in a W recorded on students' academic records. The petition for this purpose, Petition to Change Grade to Withdrawal, is available in the Admissions and Records Office. A graded course that is used to satisfy degree, certificate or transfer requirements will not be changed to a W. Withdrawal from College It is the student's responsibility to formally withdraw from all classes, if he or she withdraws from college. A student who withdraws after the end of the first thirty percent (30%) of a class shall have an entry made on his or her permanent record in accordance with the regulations specified in the withdrawal from class policy. Official withdrawals must be processed at the Admissions and Records Office. Academic Renewal Without Course Repetition Students may petition to have a portion of previous college work disregarded in meeting academic requirements in the colleges of the Ventura County Community College District. Academic renewal is intended to facilitate the completion of requirements necessary for an academic degree or certificate. A student may petition, once only, to eliminate grade point calculations and credits from selected portions of previous substandard college work which is not reflective of the student's present demonstrated ability and level of performance. Substandard work is defined as coursework graded "D, F or NC." The student may petition for academic renewal to disregard previous substandard college work by selecting one of the following options: 1. Disregard a maximum of fifteen (15) or fewer semester units of any courses with less than a C or equivalent grade taken during any one or two terms (maximum two terms), not necessarily consecutively; or 2. Disregard all courses from two consecutive terms (one Summer or intersession may be regarded as equivalent to one semester at the student's discretion). Courses and units taken at any institution may be disregarded. Academic renewal may be granted only to a student who has completed at least twelve (12) units in residence in the colleges of the Ventura County Community College District; has submitted transcripts of all college work; has waited two years since coursework to be disregarded was completed; and has subsequently completed at least thirty (30) semester units with a minimum 2.4 grade point average. The colleges of the Ventura County Community College District will honor similar actions by other accredited colleges and universities in determining grade point averages and credits. The petition for this purpose, Petition for Academic Renewal, is available in the Counseling Office. Upon approval of the Petition for Academic Renewal, the student's permanent record shall be annotated in such a manner that all work remains legible, ensuring a true and complete academic history. The student should be aware that other colleges and universities may have different policies concerning academic renewal and may not honor this policy. Course Repetition A course in which a grade of C or better has been earned may not be repeated except as identified in the Catalog course description or as stated below. Courses taken at any college in which a grade of D, F, NC or other substandard grade has been earned may be repeated one time for the purpose of improving a recorded grade. A course taken at another institution in which a substandard grade was earned may be repeated one time at the colleges of the Ventura County Community College District, subject to this policy. In order to identify acceptable equivalencies, course equivalency shall be determined chiefly by content, as defined in the catalog course description, and not by course title or units. Upon completion of the repeated course, the previous grade earned shall be omitted from the computation of the cumulative grade point average. The permanent record shall be annotated in such a manner that all work remains legible, ensuring a true and complete academic history. The petition for this purpose, Petition for Course Repetition, is available in the Admissions and Records Office. Academic Policies - 25 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Under special circumstances, students may petition to repeat any course which was successfully completed more than three years prior, is required as part of the student's designated educational goal, and is in a sequence of courses based on prerequisites. The grade earned in the repeated course shall be omitted from the computation of the cumulative grade point average. The grade received in the earliest course will remain and be counted in all calculations of grade point average, academic status and eligibility for various programs. The permanent record shall be annotated in such a manner that all work remains legible, ensuring a true and complete academic history. The petition for this purpose is available in the Counseling Office. Students should understand that other colleges or universities may not accept credit for work which represents a repetition of high school work. In addition, there is no assurance that repeated courses resulting in an improvement in grade will be accepted by other colleges or universities. Credit by Examination Granting unit credit for a course by examination is based on the principle that previous experience, training, or instruction is the equivalent of a specific course taught by the College. If an examination indicates that the student possesses adequate equivalency and mastery of the subject, credit may be granted. All courses shall be open to credit by examination unless specifically exempted. Each division of the College shall determine the courses for which credit by examination may be granted and the Office of Student Learning shall maintain a current list of courses excluded from this policy. For the purpose of this policy, a course shall mean an organized area of instruction as described in the Ventura College Catalog. A student should be advised that the use of units given by credit by exam to establish eligibility for athletics, financial aid, and veterans benefits is subject to the rules and regulations of the external agencies involved. Exception to the above may be made when necessary to meet provisions of California State law or the rules and regulations of state agencies governing programs of the California community colleges. Credit by examination may be granted only to a student who is currently enrolled in at least one credit course in the College; has completed at least twelve (12) units in residence in the colleges of the Ventura County Community College District; is not on academic probation; has submitted transcripts of all previous coursework; has not earned college credit in more advanced subject matter; has not or is not enrolled in the subject course as an auditor; and, has not received a grade (A, B, C, D, F, CR, CRE, NC, or equivalent) in the course for which he or she is seeking credit, by examination at this or any other educational institution. A student seeking credit by examination will receive a CRE (credit by exam) if he or she satisfactorily passes the examination; no other grade will be recorded for credit by exam. Students who are unsuccessful in an attempt to challenge a course by examination will not receive an NC (no credit) and no record of the attempt for credit by examination will appear on a student's transcript. However, students may challenge a course only once. A student may challenge no more than twelve (12) units or four (4) courses toward an Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement. The amount of unit credit granted by examination to an individual shall not count toward the minimum 12-unit requirement for residency. Credit by examination may be granted in only one course in a sequence of courses, as determined by prerequisites, and may not be granted for a course which is a prerequisite to the one in which the student is currently enrolled. Exceptions to this policy are permitted for each college in those occupational programs where curriculum makes this necessary. The exceptions are as follows: •the 12-unit residency requirement is suspended, permitting students to petition for credit by examination prior to completion of that requirement; when the residency requirement has been met, the course(s) successfully challenged shall be added to the student's record; •credit by examination may be granted for more than one course in a sequence of required courses, when approved by the administrator responsible for vocational programs. The petition for this purpose, Petition for Credit by Examination, is initiated in the Counseling Office. Approved petitions must be on file with the administering instructor by Friday of the tenth week of the semester. The examination is to be administered prior to the last day of the final examination period. Credit by examination (CRE) is assigned for work of such quality as to warrant a letter grade of C or a better. Transcript entries shall distinguish credits obtained by examination from credits obtained as a result of regular course enrollment. The student's academic record shall be clearly annotated to reflect that credit was earned by examination. Students should be aware that other colleges may not accept credit by examination for transfer purposes. Dean's List Special recognition is accorded students who complete a program of twelve or more units of letter-graded coursework with a 3.50 grade point higher during a semester. Credit/no credit units are not considered in the twelve-unit requirement. These students are placed on the Dean’s List and accorded appropriate recognition, including a letter of commendation for academic distinction. Graduation with Honors Graduation with Highest Honors The highest honors designation is placed on the transcript and diploma of the graduate who has achieved an overall grade point average (GPA) of 4.0. The highest honors graduate must have completed at least 30 units of coursework at Ventura County Community College District of which 18 units or more must be letter grades. All letter grades must be an A. Graduation with High Honors The high honors designation is placed on the transcript and diploma of the graduate who has achieved an overall grade point average (GPA) 3.75. The high honors graduate must have completed at least 30 units of coursework at Ventura County Community College District of which 18 units or more must be letter grades. Graduation with Honors The honors designation is placed on the transcript and diploma of the graduate who has achieved an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.5. The honors graduate must have completed at least 30 units of coursework at Ventura County Community College District of which 18 units or more must be letter grades. Departmental Honors Students who do outstanding work in their departments may receive special recognition by the faculty. Eligibility is determined by inclusion in the honors categories listed above. Selection is made by departmental faculty. 26 - Academic Policies Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Use of Listening or Recording Devices State law in California prohibits the use by anyone in a classroom of any electronic listening or recording device without prior consent of the instructor and the College Administration. Any student who has need to use electronic aids must secure the consent of the instructor. If the instructor agrees to the request, the notice of consent will be filed with the Office of Student Learning. Use of the Internet PURPOSE OF THE INTERNET: The student Internet account is to be used to support the instructional process of students who are actively enrolled in a designated course. Noneducational, recreational and commercial uses of the Internet are prohibited. RULES FOR USING THE INTERNET: You are responsible for ensuring that you use the Internet account in an effective, efficient, ethical and lawful manner. To this end, please obey the following rules: 1. Comply with the guidelines for acceptable use of networks or services which you access through the Internet. 2. Do not attempt to gain access to resources for which you have not been given authorization. Ventura College will not assume financial responsibility for unauthorized Internetrelated expenditures. 3. Do not make any harassing or defamatory remarks using the Internet. 4. Do not create a personal link to any Ventura College home page, and do not represent Ventura College in any of your own pages. 5. Do not install any software. 6. Do not use any unapproved software. 7. Do not violate any federal or state law, including copyright laws. 8. Download data from the Internet onto your own data storage disk—any data found on the hard drive will be deleted. PRIVACY ON THE INTERNET: Please be aware that any electronic mail is not private since your class will be sharing a mail box, and that the College reserves the right to access any such information. RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET: Through the Internet, the College provides access to public and private outside networks which furnish electronic mail, information services, bulletin boards, conferences, etc. Please be advised that the College does not assume responsibility for the contents of any of these outside networks. VC Dance and Music Departments’ production of “A Chorus Line” Instructional Support Services - 27 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Educational Assistance Center (EAC) Disabled Students Programs and Services The Educational Assistance Center (EAC) promotes the educational and vocational potential of students with disabilities by enhancing their total integration into the mainstream of college life. The EAC is located in the FL building. Students with learning, visual, hearing, speech, mobility, and psychological disabilities, as well as acquired brain injury and other health impairments, are eligible to apply for the support services or instruction needed to fully participate in the educational process. These special services include: one-stop registration assistance, assessment of learning problems, sign language interpreters, notetaking, readers, transcribers, tutors, mobility assistance, job development and placement, specialized counseling, handicapped parking, alternative testing, alternate media, assistive computer technology and other assistive devices. Instruction is available in job-seeking skills, visual impairments, adaptive P.E., learning skills, and assistive computer technology. Classroom instructional materials and college publications are available on request in alternate formats. For assistance, call (805) 654-6300. Foreign Language Lab The Language Lab is now located in the 360 station Learning Center computer lab on the first floor of the new LRC building. The lab contains various interactive programs to aide the foreign language student in his/her language acquisition experience. Internet Café The College has provided a new Internet Café in Building B, the Campus Center, by the Canon Copy Center. There are 18 computer stations, with Internet access and printing capability. An Internet Café is also located at the East Campus in Santa Paula. Students may use the stations at either location to apply to the College and for financial aid, register for classes, surf the Internet, do homework, access their e-mail and do research. All usage must comply with the “use of the Internet” policy set forth on page 26 of this College Catalog. Learning Center For more information, call 654-6320. Located on the first floor of the LRC building, the Learning Center functions both as an open-access computer lab which students can use on a drop-in basis for their college related work and as a lab for classroom instruction for English, Reading, foreign language, learning skills and nursing. PCs and Macintosh computers are available with software for Internet access, word processing, textbook related materials, and specialized reading and writing programs. The Center is located on the second floor of the F building. Hours will be as posted. For more information, call (805) 654-6320. A Learning Center is also located at the East Campus in Santa Paula. Students may use the Centers at either site. Please call 525-7136 for hours of operation for the East Campus Learning Resource Center. INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES Library The Library's mission is to promote learning through serving as a resource for education, research, information, continuing education, fulfilling intellectual curiosity and promoting student retention. The Library functions as a resource laboratory for classes developing term papers, speeches, and other classroom assignments. The collection consists of 66,156 volumes, 340 periodical titles and 309 microfilm titles. The Library also offers several online "full text" electronic resources such as: Proquest, which offers access to 2300 periodical titles and 5 newspaper titles online; and several other online research databases. The Library is located on the second floor of the new Library and Learning Resources Center. The Library’s collection consists of 66,156 volumes, 340 periodical titles, 309 microfilm titles, and several online “full text” electronic databases. The Library functions as a resource laboratory for classroom assignments and as a study area with eight group study rooms, quiet study areas, and a large ocean view reading room. Public access catalog stations are located throughout areas in the library for research. Students may log on to the library’s online catalog and full-text databases through the Internet at www.venturacollege.net. Click on the Library button. Students should first see a Librarian for instruction on how to use the databases. The Library also functions as a teaching facility as the librarians instruct students and community patrons on the use of the Library and its resources. The librarians offer orientation tours, a oneunit, self-paced library course, and individual Internet instruction. A branch of the Ventura College Library is located in Santa Paula at the East Campus. All library services available at the main campus library, including book borrowing and return, are available at the East Campus branch. For more information, call (805) 654-6482 for the main campus library and (805) 525-7136 for the East Campus branch library. Math Center The Math Center is staffed by instructors and tutors, and serves the students in three capacities: (1) individualized instruction is available for MATH V09 (Beginning Mathematics); (2) drop-in tutoring is available for all math courses; (3) the Center provides an environment for group study with the security of instructors and tutors nearby, should the group need assistance. The Math Center is located in SCI-225. Tutoring The Tutoring Center is located in the first floor of the Library and Learning Resources Center. The Tutoring Center provides free drop-in, group, and individual tutorial services to students enrolled in Ventura College classes. Tutors are Ventura College students who have been recommended by their instructors to assist students with their classes or volunteers from the community, many of whom are retired faculty. Besides helping students with course content, tutors clarify instructions for assignment, help brainstorm ideas for papers and projects, and teach strategies for effective study and exam preparation. For more information, please call (805) 648-8926. Tutoring is also available at the East Campus in Santa Paula. All college students may use the Tutoring Centers at either site. Please call 525-7136 for more information about tutoring at the East Campus. 28 - Instructional Support Services Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Mariachi’s celebrate Cesar Chavez Day on campus Student Services - 29 Ventura College Catalog 2005-2006 Assessment / Testing Ventura College has an open admissions policy and requires no entrance examination. For enrollment in most English, reading and/or math courses, participation in the assessment process is strongly encouraged if students have not satisfactorily completed a prerequisite college course. Assessment testing is for advisement purposes only, in order to assist students in making appropriate course selections. Please consult the testing schedules which appear in the semester Schedule of Classes. Students who have earned prior college credit ("C" or higher grade) for an English composition or math course may be exempt from placement tests. Students must provide a transcript of previously completed coursework prior to enrollment. See the Schedule of Classes for additional exemption criteria. For meeting graduation competency requirements in English, reading and/or math, please contact the Counseling Office. Testing for ESL students is available through the Bilingual Services Office and the East Campus in Santa Paula. Students with disabilities may be tested through the Educational Assistance Center. CalWORKs Students participating in a CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act) may be eligible for subsidized child care, as well as book vouchers, transportation assistance, early enrollment and CalWORKs workstudy jobs. For more information, please contact the Ventura College CalWORKs Office at (805) 648-9372 for more information. Campus Police Services Campus police officers, assisted by student police cadets, are available to provide law enforcement and security services to the campus community. Anyone observing or having knowledge of possible criminal activity on or about the campus is asked to promptly report the facts of the situation to the on-duty campus police officer. The Campus Police Office phone number is (805) 654-6486 (from campus phones dial 6486). You can also reach the campus police office by dialing 642-7000. For emergencies, dial 9-911 from College phones or 911 from pay phones. This will put you in touch with the Ventura City Police Department. Detailed guidance on matters concerning student conduct and traffic regulations is provided in the Appendices of this Catalog. Child Development Center A Child Development Center is available on the Ventura College campus to enable students who are parents of toddlers and preschool children to continue their education by providing a quality, developmentally appropriate program for their children, ages 2 years through pre-K. Children thrive in a safe, loving and enriching environment. We believe that children learn by being actively involved in the learning process through exploration, discovery, experimentation and creativity. Fees are charged for this service. A new waiting list for enrollment at the Center begins as each semester's Schedule of Classes arrives on campus. Please call (805) 648-8930 for further information. STUDENT SERVICES Counseling Services Open days and evenings for counseling drop-in visits or scheduled appointments. Our staff can assist you with academic, career, or personal counseling. Counselors can provide a variety of resources to help you achieve the greatest possible benefit from your college experience. Each counselor is a specialist in several academic