Admissions Policy

Any information provided on the application for admissions is maintained for student record purposes and for reporting to state and federal agencies. The information you provide is voluntary and will be kept confidential. The social security number is required for financial aid and tax reporting purposes. Palomar College offers equal educational opportunities regardless of sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. The policy of Palomar Community College District is that, unless specifically exempted by statute or regulation, every course, course section, or class, reported for state aid, wherever offered and maintained by the District, shall be fully open to enrollment and participation by any person who has been admitted to the college and who meets such prerequisites as may be established pursuant to regulations contained in Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 55200) of Sub-chapter 1 of Chapter 6 of Division 6 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. For more information, see the Palomar College Catalog under the admissions policy.

Accuracy

Palomar College has made every reasonable effort to determine that information stated in the class schedule is accurate. Class numbers offered, as well as information contained herein, are subject to change without notice by the administration of Palomar College. Additions, changes, and deletions to the class schedule will be included in supplements. The College further reserves the right to add, amend, or repeal any of the rules, regulations, policies and procedures, consistent with applicable laws, or as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate for effective educational administration.

Equal Opportunity Policy

Palomar College offers equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. It is the policy of the College that, unless exempted by statute, every course offered and maintained by the District shall be fully open to enrollment and participation by any person who has been admitted to the college and who meets the stated prerequisites for the course.

Sexual Harassment Policy

It is the policy of the Palomar Community College District, in an effort to establish and maintain an environment in which the dignity and worth of all members of the college community are respected, that sexual harassment of students and employees is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated. Palomar College expressly prohibits such harassment of its students, employees, and those who seek to join the campus community in any capacity. Employees and students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to or including termination or expulsion.

Sexual harassment is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Act Amendments of 1972, and California Education Code Sections 210 through 214, inclusive. (The entire policy is available in Human Resources.)

Americans with Disabilities Act

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Palomar Community College District will provide reasonable accommodation whenever possible to aid access to and participation in services, programs, facilities and activities.

General Disclaimer

The activities presented at Palomar College are for your enrichment and enjoyment. They are not an endorsement of any person or product.

Student Rights/Privacy of Student Records

Pursuant to the provision in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and in CAC Title 5, section 54606 and subsequent sections, you may request an opportunity to inspect any and all student records related to you. In general, no person has access to your student record without your written consent. However, college officials with a legitimate educational interest have access without your permission. A Palomar ID number is now used for student identification. However, if you plan to receive or are receiving student financial aid, you must disclose your social security number to the Financial Aid Office. You will use your assigned Palomar ID number with all departments and services of the college.

Directory information is maintained which includes names and dates of attendance. Palomar College does not disclose directory information without your consent. However, if you activate a student email account, it will display in the public electronic address book. Directory information will not be sold, used for commercial purposes, disclosed to the public, or given to government agencies for the purpose of making benefits determinations (other than for financial aid). However, the College will provide information to:

1. 1. Prospective employers upon your request. dates of attendance, the program of study, and the degree granted will be provided to an employer only upon request.
   2. The National Student Clearinghouse for purposes of enrollment verification, degree verification, and data matching services (for transfer follow-up research).
   3. To colleges, universities, or government agencies to promote outreach to students and to enhance transfer.
   4. To the California Student Aid Commission to facilitate the award of financial aid.
   5. To the California Community College Chancellor’s Office for research and analysis purposes.
      If you do not want the College to provide the directory information, please notify the Admissions Office within thirty (30) days of the start of the semester. If you do not want a student email address, please indicate your preference online.
      See www.palomar.edu, Student MyPalomar (eServices).

Smoking Policy BP3570

The District shall provide and maintain a workplace and learning environment that is smoke and tobacco-free to promote the safety and health of students, employees, and the public.

Smoking, vaping, and the use of tobacco products are prohibited on all indoor and outdoor property or in vehicles owned, leased, licensed or else otherwise controlled by the Palomar Community College District. Products covered under this policy include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookahs, electronic smoking devices, chewing tobacco, spit tobacco, snus, snuff, and dissolvable tobacco products.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy BP3550

It is the policy of the Palomar Community College District to provide, maintain, encourage, and support a drug-free and alcohol-free campus. The commitment of this policy is to education, prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery. An alcohol-free and drug-free campus will promote the safety and health of students, employees, and the public.

All employees and students are clearly and expressly prohibited from the possession, being under the influence, or consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances on campus, at any school-sponsored event, or while acting within the scope of employment.

The complete Code of Conduct may be found on the Student Life & Leadership web page at: https://www.palomar.edu/studentlifeandleadership/home/policies/ and is also available in the Office of Student Life & Leadership, SU-201.

Student Right to Know

As a consumer, you have a right to know about your chances of college success. Student Right-To-Know (SRTK) refers to a Federally-mandated public disclosure of a college’s Completion Rate and Transfer Rate. The intent of SRTK is to provide to the consumer a statistic of comparable effectiveness, that they can use in the determination of college choice.

See https://www.cccco.edu/divisions/tris/mis/srtk.htm for further information as well as for specific college data.

Special Admission for Concurrently enrolled High School Students

To be considered for admission, minors under 18 years of age must have completed the eighth grade or reached the age of 15 and have the permission of the local accredited school district. Home-schooled minors may enroll with the permission of the local accredited school district or provide the Private School Affidavit from the County Office of Education. Minors under 16 years of age, with permission from an accredited public or private school and the Palomar faculty member(s), may enroll only in courses specified by the local school district or private school. Credit earned is college credit and may also be used as high school credit with the consent of the high school.  See the Admissions Office for details.

Once a student has applied to Palomar College, written permission or consent of the student is required to release any information pertaining to the student (in accordance with 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99).  Minor children enrolled in classes and programs must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct.

Minor Children

It is the expectation of Palomar College that minor children of currently enrolled students will be under the constant supervision of parents or guardians (notwithstanding those minor children enrolled in Palomar College classes and programs) and that said parents or guardians are responsible for assuring appropriate behavior of minor children. Parents or guardians will be held responsible when the behavior of minor children constitutes a violation of the Palomar College Code of Conduct and these parents or guardians may be directed to remove the minor children from District facilities (classrooms, libraries, food services, operations, athletic events, public areas, etc.) should violations occur.

Student Code of Conduct

Student conduct must conform to District and College rules and regulations. Student Discipline Procedures (AP5520) provide a prompt and equitable means to address violations of the Standards of Student Conduct, which guarantees to the student or students involved the due process rights guaranteed to them by the California and United States Constitutions.

If a Student Code of Conduct violation occurs while a student is enrolled at Palomar College, he or she may be disciplined. The Standards of Conduct categories of behavior are not intended to be an exhaustive list but are examples of causes and are good and sufficient causes for discipline, including but not limited to a verbal and written reprimand, removal from class, probation, short-term and long-term suspension or expulsion of a student. Other misconduct not listed may also result in discipline if good cause exist (Education Code Section 76034). Whenever it has been determined that good cause exists for student discipline, the District shall notify the student in writing. The student must attend a disciplinary hearing to ensure due process rights. The code of conduct that details the standards is administered by the Director of Student Life & Leadership. Also see BP 5030 titled Fees and BP 5130 titled Financial Aid which addresses consequences of disciplinary action. The complete Student Code of Conduct is available in the Office of Student Life & Leadership, room SU-201, or on the Palomar College Student Life & Leadership web page under policies.

Standards of Student Conduct BP5500

The following student conduct shall constitute good cause for discipline (academic, administrative or both) including but not limited to the removal, suspension or expulsion of a student, and applies to all students.

1. 1. Cheating, plagiarism (including plagiarism in a student publication), or engaging in other academic dishonesty as defined by the Faculty Senate. Academic sanctions are the sole responsibility of the faculty member involved; further disciplinary sanctions are the prevue of the Office of Student Life & Leadership.
   2. Causing, attempting to cause, or threatening to cause physical injury to another person including but not limited to sexual assault or physical abuse as listed in AP 3540 Sexual Assaults on Campus.
   3. Possession, sale or otherwise furnishing any firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous objects, including but not limited to any facsimile firearm, knife or explosive, unless, in the case of possession of any object of this type, the student has obtained written permission to possess the item from a District employee, which is concurred in by the Police Chief.
   4. Unlawful possession, use, sale, offer to sell, or furnishing, or being under the influence of, any controlled substance listed in California Health and Safety Code Sections 11053 et seq., an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind; or unlawful possession of, or offering, arranging or negotiating the sale of any drug paraphernalia, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 11014.5.
   5. Committing or attempting to commit robbery, burglary, or extortion.
   6. Causing or attempting to cause damage to District property or to private property on campus including but not limited to arson and vandalism.
   7. Stealing or attempting to steal District property or private property on campus, or knowingly receiving stolen District property or private property on campus.
   8. Willful or persistent smoking or vaping in any area where these have been prohibited by law or by regulation of the college or the District.
   9. Committing sexual harassment as defined by law or by District policies and procedures.
   10. Engaging in harassing or discriminatory behavior based on disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law.
   11. Engaging in intimidating conduct or bullying on District-owned or controlled property, or at District-sponsored or supervised functions through words or actions, including direct physical contact; verbal assaults, such as teasing or name-calling; social isolation or manipulation; and cyber-bullying.
   12. Willful misconduct that results in injury or death or which results in cutting, defacing, or other injuries to any real or personal property owned by the District or on campus.
   13. Disruptive behavior, willful disobedience, habitual profanity or vulgarity, or the open and persistent defiance of the authority of, or persistent abuse of, college personnel.
   14. Dishonesty, forgery, alteration or misuse of District documents, records or identification, or knowingly furnishing false information to the District.
   15. Failure to comply with directions of staff members of the District who are acting within the scope of their employment.
   16. Engaging in physical or verbal disruption of administrative procedures, public service functions, authorized curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities or preventing authorized guests from carrying out the purpose for which they are on District property.
   17. Unauthorized entry upon or use of District facilities.
   18. Lewd, indecent or obscene conduct or expression on District-owned or controlled property, or at District-sponsored or supervised functions.
   19. Engaging in expression which is obscene, libelous or slanderous, or which so incites students as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on District premises, or the violation of lawful District regulations, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the District.
   20. Persistent, serious misconduct where other means of correction have failed to bring about proper conduct.
   21. Unauthorized preparation, giving, selling, transfer, distribution, or publication, for any commercial purpose, of any contemporaneous recording of an academic presentation in a classroom or equivalent site of instruction, including but not limited to handwritten or typewritten class notes, except as permitted by any District policy or administrative procedure.
   22. Violations of District policies and regulations, including, but not limited to, regulations and policies related to smoking/vaping on campus, parking or driving on campus, district computers, telecommunications, campus vehicles, and any and all other District equipment and policies and regulations related to student organizations and student and visitor symbolic expression.

Consequences for Violations of the Student Code of Conduct

This section provides due process information regarding the possible consequences for violations of the Palomar College Student Code of Conduct including incidents of academic dishonesty.

Disciplinary actions may include (see police AP5520):

1. 1. VERBAL REPRIMAND
   2. WRITTEN REPRIMAND
   3. REMOVAL FROM CLASS: Academic sanctions from class for good cause, by a District instructor for the day of removal and for the following class meeting. The instructor’s decision is final, and may not be appealed. Instructors must notify the Office of the Director of Student Affairs when this sanction is utilized so that accurate records can be maintained and repeat offenders will be identified. (Ca. Ed. Code Sec. 76032).
   4. SHORT-TERM SUSPENSION
   5. LONG-TERM SUSPENSION
   6. EXPULSION
      1. The Board shall consider any recommendation from the Superintendent/President for expulsion. The Board shall consider an expulsion recommendation in closed session unless the student requests that the matter be considered in a public meeting. Final action by the Board on the expulsion shall be taken at a public meeting.
   7. APPEAL RIGHTS

Hearings/Holds

Students failing to meet with the chief administrative officer or designee for a due process hearing will have an administrative disciplinary hold placed on their record until such hearing is conducted.

Student Grievance Policy BP5530

POLICY:  Students may initiate grievance procedures when they believe they have been subject to unjust action or the denial of rights as stipulated in published District policies/procedures, state laws, or federal laws. Such action may be instituted by a student against another student, a staff member, a faculty member, or an administrator. When a student believes an injustice has been done, the student may seek redress as outlined in the Student Grievance Procedures. Any questions or concerns related to this policy should be directed to the Director of Student Life & Leadership, Room SU-201. Phone: 760-744-1150 ext. 2594.

Grade disputes are not a part of the Student Grievance. Please see Student Grade Disputes.

Student Complaints and Grievances AP5530

PROCEDURE:  Before initiating formal grievance procedures, you should first attempt to resolve your concern informally by meeting with the specific individual involved, that is, the other student, the professor, staff member, or administrator. If you believe the situation is such that meeting with the individual would be inappropriate, or you already met with the other person and failed to resolve the issue, you may proceed to the second step which is to meet with the next level supervisor. If a dispute is not satisfactorily resolved through the informal resolution process, the student may submit a formal grievance to the Director of Student Life & Leadership. Appointments with the Director of Student Life & Leadership may be scheduled in the Office of Student Life & Leadership or by calling 760-744-1150, ext. 2594.

Student Grade Disputes

According to Title V, §55025, the determination of the student’s grade by the instructor shall be final in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency. Students who wish to dispute a final course grade under the criteria listed above must follow the Student Grade Dispute Policy and Procedures, which can be found on the Office of Instruction Web site. All grade disputes must be initiated within one semester of the grade in question being issued.

Academic Freedom BP4030

The instructional program at Palomar College shall be conducted in accordance with the principles of academic freedom of inquiry. The educational program must encourage freedom of expression and inquiry within the framework of rights and responsibilities.

Palomar College considers academic freedom, defined by its attendant rights and responsibilities, as a vital, primary force in the achievement of the aims and objectives of the institution.

For more information please see BP 4030 Academic Freedom.

AP3430 Prohibition of Harassment

The District is committed to providing an academic and work environment free of unlawful harassment. This procedure defines sexual harassment and other forms of harassment on campus, and in conjunction with associated administrative procedure AP 3435 titled Discrimination and Harassment Investigations and Training, sets forth a procedure for the investigation and resolution of complaints of harassment by or against any staff or faculty member or student within the District.

This procedure and the related policy protects students and employees in connection with all academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs of the District, whether those programs take place in the District’s facilities, a District bus, or at a class or training program sponsored by the District at another location.

Definitions

• • General Harassment – Harassment based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, age, or sexual orientation of any person, or the perception that a person has one or more of these characteristics is illegal and violates District policy. Gender-based harassment does not necessarily involve conduct that is sexual. Any hostile or offensive conduct based on gender can constitute prohibited harassment.
  • Sexual Harassment – In addition to the above, sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature when:
    1. submission to the conduct is made a term or condition of an individual’s employment, academic status, or progress
    2. submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as a basis of employment or academic decisions affecting the individual
    3. the conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment
    4. submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the community college
  • This definition encompasses two kinds of sexual harassment:

1. 1. 1. “Quid pro quo” sexual harassment occurs when a person in a position of authority makes educational or employment benefits conditional upon an individual’s willingness to engage in or tolerate unwanted sexual conduct.
      2. “Hostile environment” sexual harassment occurs when unwelcome conduct based on a person’s gender is sufficiently severe or pervasive so as to alter the conditions of an individual’s learning or work environment, unreasonably interfere with an individual’s academic or work performance, or create an intimidating, hostile, or abusive learning or work environment. The victim must subjectively perceive the environment as hostile, and the harassment must be such that a reasonable person of the same gender would perceive the environment as hostile. A single or isolated incident of sexual harassment may be sufficient to create a hostile environment if it is severe, i.e. a sexual assault.

• • Sexually harassing conduct can occur between people of the same or different genders. The standard for determining whether conduct constitutes sexual harassment is whether a reasonable person of the same gender as the victim would perceive the conduct as harassment based on sex.

Consensual Relationships

Romantic or sexual relationships between supervisors and employees, or between administrators, faculty or staff members and students are discouraged. There is an inherent imbalance of power and potential for exploitation in such relationships. A conflict of interest may arise if the administrator, faculty, or staff member must evaluate the student’s or employee’s work or make decisions affecting the employee or student. The relationship may create an appearance of impropriety and lead to charges of favoritism by other students or employees. A consensual sexual relationship may change, with the result that sexual conduct that was once welcome becomes unwelcome and harassing. In the event that such relationships do occur, the District has the authority to transfer any involved employee to eliminate or attenuate the supervisory authority of one over the other, or of an instructor over a student. Such action by the District is a proactive and preventive measure to avoid possible charges of harassment and does not constitute discipline against any affected employee.

Also see BP 3410 titled Nondiscrimination, BP 3420 titled Equal Employment Opportunity, BP 3430 titled Prohibition of Harassment, AP 3435 titled Discrimination and Harassment Investigations and Training, BP 4030 Academic Freedom, and relevant provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements/employee handbooks.

Office of Primary Responsibility: Human Resource Services