Latest News
Although every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this catalog, students and others who use this catalog should note that laws, rules, and policies change from time to time and that these changes might alter the information contained in this publication. Changes may come in the form of statutes enacted by the Legislature, rules and policies adopted by The Board of Trustees of the California State University, by the Chancellor or designee of the California State University, or by the President or designee of the campus. It is not possible in a publication of this size to include all of the rules, policies and other information that pertain to students, the institution, and the California State University. More current or complete information may be obtained from the appropriate department, school, or administrative office.
Nothing in this catalog shall be construed as, operate as or have the effect of an abridgment or a limitation of any rights, powers, or privileges of The Board of Trustees of the California State University, the Chancellor of the California State University, or the President of the campus. The Trustees, the Chancellor, and the President are authorized by law to adopt, amend, or repeal rules and policies that apply to students. This catalog does not constitute a contract or the terms and conditions of a contract between the student and the campus or the California State University. The relationship of students to the campus and the California State University is one governed by statute, rules, and policy adopted by the Legislature, the Trustees, the Chancellor, the Presidents and their duly authorized designees.
Students should report to the first meeting of their scheduled classes. (Check the Class Schedule for room numbers.) Students are responsible for attendance and will earn grades in the courses and specific sections in which they have enrolled.
Prior to the end of the second week of classes, an instructor may, by following the appropriate procedures, initiate a formal drop of students who:
The instructor should drop students by the end of the second week. It is, however, the responsibility of the student to make certain that his/her drop has been officially recorded. Continued absence from a class for which a student has not been dropped by the instructor may yield an unauthorized incomplete ("WU" grade) which is computed as an "F". Students who are in doubt as to whether or not an instructor has dropped them from the class should check before the end of the Change of Program (Add/Drop) period.
Current and former students may change their name by submitting a change of name/address form to the Office of Admissions and Records. Appropriate state or court issued documentation that indicates a name change along with a valid photo identification card must be included with this form. The documentation can included but is not limited to the following:
The documentation submitted must include the student's new and former name.
A change of program after registration is any change made in a student's official schedule. Changes include dropping a class, adding a class, changing the number of units for a class in which the student is registered and changing from one section to another of the same course.
A change of program must be made before the deadline date listed for each semester in the official University Academic Calendar.
All classes, regardless of their start date, must be added no later than student census. To add a course during the first three weeks of instruction, instructor approval is required. Instructors provide approval by issuing a Late Registration Permission Number (LRPN) for the course. Late Registration Permission Numbers expire at the end of the third week of the semester and should be used as soon as possible. To add classes the fourth week of the semester, students must submit a Change of Program form with signatures from the class instructor, the program chair, and the dean to the Office of Admissions and Records.
See the Academic Calendar at the beginning of the University Catalog or the Class Schedule for specific deadline dates for withdrawing from courses during a particular term.
Students may drop prior to the start of the term/semester without penalty or record of enrollment. Drops or withdrawals that occur during this period are not included in the Undergraduate 18 unit limit. Students dropping all courses during this period will not incur a prorated fee assessment.
During the first three weeks of each semester, students may drop all or a portion of their classes via MyCSUDH without approval of the instructor. No grade is assigned, and the enrollment does not appear on the student's permanent record. Drops or withdrawals during this period do not count against the undergraduate 18 unit limit. Students dropping all courses during this period will incur a prorated fee assessment.
Exception: Department Chair approval is required in order to drop developmental English and Math courses.
After the third week of classes but before student census, students can drop courses by submitting a Change of Program (Add/Drop) form and signatures form and signatures with signatures from the course instructor and program chair to the Office of Admissions and Records. Students dropping courses during this period will incur a prorated fee.
An administrative grade of "W" may be assigned up to the end of week 12 provided the student's withdrawal request form lists serious and compelling reasons, and has the approval of the instructor and the department chair (or dean). Documentation is required before such a withdrawal is approved. Drops and withdrawals during this period will count against the undergraduate 18 unit limit.
Withdrawals shall not be permitted during this period of instruction except in cases, such as accident or serious illness, where the cause of withdrawal is due to circumstances clearly beyond the student's control and the assignment of an Incomplete is not practical. Withdrawals during this time of the semester are only allowable for all classes. Permission to withdraw during this time shall be granted only with the approval of the instructor, department chair, and dean. Documentation is required before such a withdrawal is approved. A reason for withdrawal must be provided for all requests to withdraw during this period. Withdrawals that occur during this period will not count against the Undergraduate 18 unit withdrawal limit.
Once final examinations begin, no drops or withdrawals are allowed. A student who does not officially withdraw shall receive "F," "WU," or "NC" grades for all courses on his/her official record.
As of July 1, 2011 federal law (Title 34, Code of Federal Regulations, sections 600.2 and 600.4) requires all accredited institutions to comply with the federal definition of the credit hour. For all CSU degree programs and courses bearing academic credit, the “credit hour” is defined as “the amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:
A credit hour is assumed to be a 50-minute period. In courses in which “seat time” does not apply, a credit hour may be measured by an equivalent amount of work, as demonstrated by student achievement.
Student performance in each course is reported at the end of each semester by one of the following grades (with the grade points earned):
Grade | Grade Points | |
A | Excellent | 4.0 |
A- |
| 3.7 |
B+ |
| 3.3 |
B | Very Good | 3.0 |
B- |
| 2.7 |
C+ |
| 2.3 |
C | Satisfactory | 2.0 |
C- |
| 1.7 |
D+ |
| 1.3 |
D | Barely Passing | 1.0 |
F | Failure | 0.0 |
I | Incomplete (Not counted in grade point average) | |
IC | Incomplete Charged | |
WU | Withdrawal Unauthorized | |
W | Withdrawal (Not counted in grade point average) |
The following grades are to be used for approved courses only:
AU | Audit (Not counted in grade point average; no units allowed) |
CR | Credit (Not counted in grade point average; but units count for bachelor’s degree) |
NC | No credit (Not counted in grade point average; no units allowed) |
RP | Report in Progress (Credit is deferred until completion of course) |
CR* | Graduate Continuation Course |
The symbol "I" (Incomplete Authorized) indicates that a portion of required course work has not been completed and evaluated in the prescribed time period due to unforeseen, but fully justified, reasons and that there is still a possibility of earning credit. It is the responsibility of the student to bring pertinent information to the attention of the instructor and to determine from the instructor the remaining course requirements, which must be satisfied to remove the "Incomplete." A final grade is assigned when the work agreed upon has been completed and evaluated. This approval will indicate that the department has made provisions for assuring that the student's work will be graded and that a Change of Grade form will be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records.
An "Incomplete" must normally be made up within one calendar year following the end of the term during which it was assigned. However, an extension may be granted by petition for contingencies such as intervening military service and serious health or personal problems. If the "Incomplete" is not converted to a credit-bearing grade within the prescribed time limit, or any extension thereof, it shall be counted as a failing grade in calculating grade point average and progress points unless the faculty member has assigned another grade in accordance with campus policy.
Normally, the student is responsible for applying for the grade of "Incomplete" and for obtaining instructor approval for the assignment of this grade. In exceptional circumstances, the assignment of the "Incomplete" may be initiated by the instructor. For each "Incomplete" grade assigned, the instructor will complete a Request for Incomplete Grade on which he or she will indicate:
This limitation prevails whether or not the student maintains continuous enrollment. Failure to complete the assigned work will result in an "Incomplete" being converted to an "IC" symbol (Failing grade for grade point average computation), unless the faculty member assigns a specific letter grade at the time the Incomplete is assigned, which would replace the "I" in the student's record after the calendar year deadline.
The student is responsible for contacting the instructor (or the department, in cases where the instructor is unavailable) regarding the provisions for completion of course work. A definitive grade for the term is recorded when the work has been completed. An "Incomplete" grade cannot be removed by repeating the course. A student may not re-enroll in a course for which he or she has received an "I" until a grade (e.g. A-F, IC, NC) is given. Students re-enrolled in a course for which an "I" was granted will be dropped from the course at the time the "I" grade is received from the instructor. The grade will be automatically recorded as an "IC" or "NC" if the work is not completed and grade changed within a year.
Change of Grade forms for removal of "Incomplete" grades in courses required for graduation must be submitted by the last day of the semester or session of anticipated graduation.
Change of Grade forms are available in academic departmental offices. It is the student's responsibility to initiate the process and have the instructor submit the Change of Grade form to the Office of Admissions and Records within the time period allowed. No grades can be changed for any reason after a degree has been granted.
The "IC" symbol may be used when a student who received an authorized incomplete "I" has not completed the required course work within the allowed time limit. The "IC" replaces the "I" and is counted as a failing grade for grade point average and progress point computation.
The symbol "WU" shall be used when a student, who was enrolled on the census date, did not withdraw from the course and also failed to complete course requirements. It is used when, in the opinion of the instructor, completed assignments or course activities or both were insufficient to make normal evaluation of academic performance possible. The "WU" is used where letter grades are assigned. For purposes of grade point average computation, is equivalent to an "F". Unlike the "I" grade, the "WU" grade may not be changed by submitting additional work. Rather, the student must re-enroll in the course and, if appropriate, use the repeat and cancel process.
Students who withdraw in accordance with the procedures outlined in the preceding section on official withdrawal will have the administrative grade "W" recorded on their transcripts if the withdrawal is approved and occurs between the 4th and 15th weeks of instruction. The symbol "W" indicates that the student was permitted to withdraw from the course after the 3rd week of instruction with the approval of the instructor and appropriate campus officials. It carries no connotation of quality of student performance and is not used in calculating grade point average or progress points.
A student who does not officially withdraw shall receive "F," "WU," or "NC" grades for all courses on his/her official schedule.
Certain courses, designated in the University Catalog, are graded on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) basis only. Other departmentally designated courses in basic skills reasoning and departmentally designated upper division composition courses replace the "A-F" grading system with an "A-C/NC" system.
Students may elect to be graded on a "CR/NC" basis in other courses, subject to the guidelines below. "CR/NC" grades affect the grade point average in the ways described below:
(a) Courses used to satisfy a major (both upper and lower divisions), or which are prerequisite to them, must be taken for a letter grade except when such courses are graded solely on a "CR/NC" basis. A student is permitted to enroll in up to 50 percent of the units required by a minor on a credit/no credit basis, unless otherwise specified elsewhere in the University Catalog under specific requirements for a minor.
(b) No more than 24 units graded "CR/NC'', whether taken at this or another institution, may be offered in satisfaction of the total units required for a bachelor's degree. If 24 units graded "CR/NC" are accepted in transfer, no additional courses graded "CR/NC" may be used to satisfy degree requirements, except when a required course is graded solely on a "CR/NC" basis. (All credits earned in the CLEP testing program may count even if they make the cumulative total of all "CR/NC" units at that time over 24.)
(c) Selection of the CR/NC grading option must be made during the first three weeks of instruction. Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar and on the Admissions and Records website.
(d) Students who plan to apply to Law School should know that the Law School Data Assembly Service evaluates a "NC" grade in CR/NC class as a failing grade.
Both Credit (CR) and No Credit (NC) grades are recorded on student transcripts.
The undergraduate Credit grade is the equivalent of an "A," "A-," "B+," "B," "B-," "C+," or "C"; and the "NC" grade is the equivalent of a "C-", "D+", "D", or "F."
"CR/NC" grades are not computed in overall or semester grade point averages.
(a) Graduate courses graded on a "CR/NC" basis are limited to courses specifically designated in the University Catalog for nontraditional grading and to certain 400 and 500 level courses in the School of Education.
(b) At the graduate level, "CR" is the equivalent of an "A," "A-," "B+," or "B"; and "NC" is the equivalent of "B-," "C+," "C," "C-," "D+," "D" or "F."
(c) At least 24 of the units used to fulfill the requirements for a master's degree shall be graded on a traditional basis. The remaining units may be graded "CR/NC," if the course is offered only on that basis.
(d) Graduate level students are allowed to elect to receive Credit/No Credit grades in courses numbered below 500 that will not be used to satisfy the requirements of a graduate degree program.
The "RP" symbol is used in connection with courses that extend beyond one academic term. It indicates that work is in progress but that assignment of a final grade must await completion of additional work. Work is to be completed within one year except for graduate degree theses.
The "RP" symbol shall be used in connection with thesis, project, and similar courses in which assigned work frequently extends beyond a single academic term and may include enrollment in more than one term. The "RP" symbol shall be replaced with the appropriate final grade within one year of its assignment except for master's thesis enrollment, in which case the time limit shall be established by the appropriate campus authority. The president or designee may authorize extension of established time limits.
The "RD" symbol may be used where a delay in the reporting of a grade is due to circumstances beyond the control of the student. The symbol may be assigned by the registrar only and, if assigned, shall be replaced by a substantive grading symbol as soon as possible. An "RD" shall not be used in calculating grade point average or progress points. Although no catalog statement is required, whenever the symbol is employed, an explanatory note shall be included in the transcript legend. The registrar shall notify both the instructor of record and the department chair within two weeks of the assignment of RD grades.
A student not admitted to, nor enrolled in, the University must file a Statement of Residence prior to auditing a course. A residence determination must be made so that appropriate fees may be charged.
Auditors must pay the same fees as would be charged if the courses were taken for credit. A student who wishes to audit a course must obtain the approval of the instructor on the Approval for Audit form available in the Office of Admissions and Records. The approval may not be obtained prior to the first day of instruction. Enrollment as an auditor is subject to permission of the instructor provided that enrollment in a course as an auditor shall be permitted only after students otherwise eligible to enroll on a credit basis have had an opportunity to do so. Auditors are subject to the same fee structure as credit students and regular class attendance is expected. Once enrolled as an auditor, a student may not change to credit status unless such a change is requested no later than the last day to add classes in that tern. A student who is enrolled for credit may not change to audit after the third week of instruction. Credit for courses audited will not subsequently be granted on the basis of the audit. An audited course should be taken into consideration when planning a program so that the study load will not be excessive. The symbol AU will appear on the student's record for audited courses.
The grade point average at CSU Dominguez Hills is computed on a 4-point scale. A specified number of grade points is associated with each grade listed in the "Grades and Grade Points" section. "CR/NC" grades have no grade point value and are not calculated in the grade point average.
The total grade points are calculated by multiplying the number of grade points associated with the grade assigned by the number of units for each class. The grade point average is computed by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of units attempted.
Undergraduate students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all college courses, all courses taken at CSU Dominguez Hills, and in all courses in the declared major(s) and minor. In order to be eligible for graduation, students must be in good academic standing, must have an overall GPA of 2.0 or above, and must have a grade point average of 2.0 in all courses used to fulfill the degree requirements. See "Undergraduate Academic Probation and Disqualification" for specific grade point averages required for ongoing enrollment.
Undeclared Post baccalaureate and Credential Students. A grade point average of 2.5 is required for course work taken by students in undeclared Post baccalaureate and credential status. See "Graduate and Post baccalaureate Academic Probation and Disqualification" for specific requirements.
Master's Degree Students. A grade point average of 3.0 is required in the master's degree program and for all courses (related and unrelated, lower division, upper division, and graduate) taken concurrently with the master's degree program (i.e., all courses taken beginning with the date of admission to the program). In order to be eligible for graduation, students must be in good academic standing, must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above, and must have a grade point average of 3.0 in all courses used to fulfill the degree requirements. See "Graduate and Post baccalaureate Academic Probation and Disqualification" for specific grade point averages required for ongoing enrollment.
In general, all course grades are final when filed by the instructor at the end of the semester.
A change of letter-to-letter grade (excluding changes by petition and administrative grades of "AU," "I," "RD," "RP," "W," and "WU") may occur only in cases of clerical error, administrative error, or as a disciplinary sanction or when the instructor reevaluates the original course assignments of a student and discovers an error in the original evaluation. Change of letter-to-letter grades must be filed by the instructor within one semester after the original grade was submitted. If the change of grade is initiated after the semester following the assignment of the original grade or is being submitted for any reason other than those above, a petition must be filed along with a Change of Grade card. The Change of Grade card must contain the signatures of the instructor, department chair, and school dean. It must be submitted with the signed petition to the Student Academic Petitions and Appeals Committee (SAPAC) for action. Supporting documentation must accompany the petition.
In some cases, students may wish to petition to have grades changed to retroactive withdrawals. Retroactive withdrawals must be complete withdrawals from the university. The acceptable reasons for granting retroactive withdrawals are limited to: (a) documented accident or illness, (b) other serious and compelling reasons which prevent withdrawal from the university before the scheduled deadline and/or (c) evidence of timely submission of proper forms for withdrawal. Requests for retroactive withdrawals must be submitted by petition to the Student Academic Petitions and Appeals Committee within two years of the end of the semester in which the grade was assigned.
"WU" or "F" grades may be changed to "W" by petition only.
This process generally requires documentation of extenuating circumstances, such as physical inability to appear on campus to properly withdraw. The petition requires the recommendation of the instructor involved and of the appropriate school dean. A final action is taken by the Student Academic Petitions and Appeals Committee based upon the recommendations provided.
No grades can be changed for any reason after a degree has been granted, including administrative grades of "I," "RD," "RP," "W," and "WU." The university shall make every effort to remove "RDs" from the student's transcript.
Students may appeal undergraduate or graduate grades which they believe were the result of instructor, computational, or clerical error or contrary to procedures established in course syllabi; or were prejudicial or capricious.
Before initiating a formal grade appeal, students will seek informal resolution with the instructor or Department Chair. Informal resolution requires the student to meet with the faculty member or Department Chair no later than 30 calendar days immediately following the assignment of the original grade. This time line may be extended if the student requests and receives an extension from the College Dean or can demonstrate extenuating circumstances for the submission of a grade appeal beyond 30 calendar days. If the matter is not resolved with the instructor or Department Chair, the student may submit a formal grade appeal, in writing, to the Dean of the College within 21 calendar days after receiving the decision of the instructor or Department Chair. Instructions for this submission are outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, http://www4.csudh.edu/admissions-records/records/grade/index#appeals
The College Dean will investigate the student claim and attempt to resolve the appeal within 21 calendar days. If the matter is not resolved in the college the appeal is forwarded to the Student Grade Appeals Board. The review process and procedures of the Student Grade Appeals Board are detailed in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. A panel of two faculty members and one student member from the Board reviews the appeal materials and determine by majority vote whether or not cause exists for a grade change. A written decision of the panel will be sent to the student appellant and all individuals involved in the appeal.
Repeat and Cancel may be used by students working toward a baccalaureate degree. It may not be used by graduate/post-baccalaureate students working on master's degrees, graduate certificates, teaching credentials, or by "undeclared" graduate students, even when they might take undergraduate courses.
Concurrent enrollment in resident courses or in extension courses in a non-CSU institution is permitted only when the entire program has received the approval of the departmental major advisor. This approval must be obtained before any course work is started. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that all courses taken elsewhere will meet the requirements of the University and that the total program will not constitute an excessive study load.
It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all work completed during his/her term of graduation is completed prior to the established CSU Dominguez Hills degree date. Work completed at another institution after the established CSU Dominguez Hills degree date cannot be used to satisfy graduation requirements until the next term.
Undergraduate students enrolled at CSUDH may enroll, without formal admission and without payment of additional State University fees, in one transferable course each academic term at participating campuses of the University of California or California Community Colleges, on a space available basis for $10.00.
A CSUDH student must meet all of the following conditions to enroll at a University of California or Community College campus:
A University of California or California Community College student coming to CSUDH must meet all of the following conditions:
Fully matriculated students enrolled at any CSU campus have access to courses at other CSU campuses on a space available basis unless those campuses/programs are impacted. This access is offered without students being required to be formally admitted to the host campus and in most cases without paying additional fees. Students should consult their home campus academic advisors to determine how such courses may apply to their specific degree programs before enrolling at the host campus.
There are two programs for enrollment within the CSU and one for enrollment between CSU and the University of California or California Community Colleges. Additional information about these programs is available from the Office of Admissions and Records.
Undergraduate students must have completed at least one term at the home campus as a matriculated student, earned at least twelve units there, attained a grade point average of 2.0 or better in all work completed at the home campus, and be in good standing at that campus. Visitors must be eligible to register under continuing status at the home campus.
Graduate students must have completed at least one term at the home campus as a matriculated student, been admitted to or be enrolled in an authorized graduate program at the home campus, and be in good standing at the last college attended.
Home Campus | Host Campus |
|
Sem Calendar | Possible | Not Possible |
Fall | Fall Qtr or Sem | Winter Quarter |
Spring | Spring Qtr or Sem | Winter Quarter |
|
|
|
Qtr Calendar | Possible | Not Possible |
Fall | Fall Qtr or Sem |
|
Winter | Winter Qtr or Sem |
|
Spring | Spring Qtr or Sem | Spring Sem |
Summer | Summer Qtr |
|
(NOTE: Although summer quarter concurrent enrollment is not possible for students whose home campus is on a semester calendar or on a quarter calendar without a summer quarter, enrollment in visitor status is possible.)
Official withdrawal is necessary if a student leaves the University at any time after registration and does not intend to complete the semester. The forms for initiating this process (Complete Withdrawal form) may be obtained from the University Information Center (WH D-245), from the Office of Admissions and Records (WH C-290), and on the Admissions and Records web site.
When official withdrawal from the University occurs before the semester deadline for dropping classes (Student Census), there is no record of enrollment. However, if official withdrawal occurs after the student census, grades will be assigned in accordance with the policy above on "Official Withdrawal from a Course." Students withdrawing from all courses should determine if a leave of absence or graduation in absentia is appropriate. Official withdrawals that occur between weeks 4 and 12 will result in a "W" grade, and will count against the Undergraduate 18 unit limit. Official withdrawals that are approved and processed during weeks 13-15 will not count against the Undergraduate 18 unit limit. Withdrawals in excess of 18 units cannot be processed and will result in a "WU" grade, which is a failing grade included in the grade point average and progress point computations.
A student who withdraws with "W" grades shall be classified as a continuing student for the next semester.
Students are not permitted to enroll in two or more courses that overlap in time within any given academic semester without official written approval on the Approval for Time Conflict form. Time Conflict forms are available in the Office of Admissions and Records and on the Admissions and Records web site.
During the first week of classes an instructor is to distribute (electronically or physically) or post onto blackboard (or other university accepted course shell) the course syllabus. Course information shall include at a minimum the following elements:
The instructor will submit either a printed or electronic copy, as per department policy of the syllabus each term and for each course section the course is taught. Any substantive changes to the syllabus should be communicated in a timely manner to students and department chairs. *From AA 2015-03 Syllabus Content Policy
The course numbering system for the University is based upon three-digit numbers as follows:
001-099 | Sub-collegiate courses, not for baccalaureate credit. |
100-199 | Lower division courses normally taken in the freshman year. |
200-299 | Lower division courses normally taken in the sophomore year. |
300-399 | Upper division courses normally taken in the junior year. |
400-499 | Upper division courses normally taken in the senior year. |
500-599 | Graduate courses ordinarily limited to graduate students, Post baccalaureate students, and last semester seniors with prior departmental approval. |
600 | Graduate Continuation Course. For graduate students who have completed all course requirements. |
The California State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, genetic information, religion or veteran status in its programs and activities, including admission and access. Federal and state laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Equity in Higher Education Act, prohibit such discrimination. The Assistant Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to coordinate the efforts of CSUDH to comply with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination on these bases. Inquiries concerning compliance may be presented to this person at 1000 E. Victoria St. Welch Hall, Room 340 Carson, CA 90747. (310) 243-3771. CSU Executive Order 1097 (http://www.calstate.edu/EO/EO-1097-rev-6-23-15.html) is the systemwide procedure for all complaints of discrimination, harassment or retaliation made by students against the CSU, a CSU employee, other CSU students or a third party.
The California State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs and activities, including admission and access. Federal and state laws, including sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, prohibit such discrimination. The Assistant Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to coordinate the efforts of CSUDH to comply with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability. Inquiries concerning compliance may be presented to this person at 1000 E. Victoria St. Welch Hall, Room 340 Carson, CA 90747. (310) 243-3771. CSU Executive Order 1097 (http://www.calstate.edu/EO/EO-1097-rev-6-23-15.html) is the systemwide procedure for all complaints of discrimination, harassment or retaliation made by students against the CSU, a CSU employee, other CSU students or a third party.
The California State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation in its programs and activities, including admission and access. Federal and state laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, prohibit such discrimination. The Assistant Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to coordinate the efforts of CSUDH to comply with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination on these bases. Inquiries concerning compliance may be presented to this person at 1000 E. Victoria St. Welch Hall, Room 340 Carson, CA 90747. (310) 243-3771. The California State University is committed to providing equal opportunities to male and female CSU students in all campus programs, including intercollegiate athletics.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects all people regardless of their gender or gender identity from sex discrimination, which includes sexual harassment and violence:
Sexual discrimination means an adverse act taken against an individual because of gender or sex (including sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking) that is perpetrated against an individual on a basis prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., and its implementing regulations, 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (Title IX); California Education Code §66250 et seq., and/or California Government Code §11135.
Sexual harassment, a form of sex discrimination, is unwelcome verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that includes, but is not limited to, sexual violence, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, indecent exposure and other verbal, nonverbal or physical unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, where such conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that its effect, whether or not intended, could be considered by a reasonable person in the shoes of the individual, and is in fact considered by the individual, as limiting the individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or opportunities offered by the University. Sexual harassment includes submission to, or rejection of, where the conduct is explicitly or implicitly used as the basis for any decision affecting an individual’s academic status or progress, or access to benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the University. Sexual harassment also includes gender-based harassment, which may include acts of verbal, non- verbal or physical aggression, intimidation or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment could include being forced to engage in unwanted sexual contact as a condition of membership in a student organization; being subjected to video or photographic exploitation, or a campaign of sexually explicit graffiti; or frequently being exposed to unwanted images of a sexual nature in a classroom that are unrelated to the coursework. University policy covers unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. While romantic, sexual, intimate, personal or social relationships between members of the University community may begin as consensual, they may evolve into situations that lead to sexual harassment or sexual misconduct, including dating or domestic violence, or stalking.
Sexual misconduct: All sexual activity between members of the University community must be based on affirmative consent. Engaging in any sexual activity without first obtaining affirmative consent to the specific activity is sexual misconduct, whether or not the conduct violates any civil or criminal law. Sexual activity includes, but is not limited to, kissing, touching intimate body parts, fondling, intercourse, penetration of any body part, and oral sex. It also includes any unwelcome physical acts, such as unwelcome sexual touching, sexual assault, sexual battery, rape, and dating violence. When based on gender, domestic violence or stalking also constitutes sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct may include using physical force, violence, threat or intimidation, ignoring the objections of the other person, causing the other person’s intoxication or incapacitation through the use of drugs or alcohol, or taking advantage of the other person’s incapacitation (including voluntary intoxication) to engage in sexual activity. Men as well as women can be victims of these forms of sexual misconduct. Sexual activity with a minor is never consensual when the complainant is under 18 years old, because the minor is considered incapable of giving consent.
Sexual assault is a form of sexual misconduct and is an attempt, coupled with the ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another because of that person’s gender or sex.
Sexual battery is a form of sexual misconduct and is any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another because of that person’s gender or sex as well as touching an intimate part of another person against that person’s will and for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification or abuse.
Rape is a form of sexual misconduct and is non-consensual sexual intercourse that may also involve the use of threat of force, violence, or immediate and unlawful bodily injury or threats of future retaliation and duress. Any sexual penetration, however slight, is sufficient to constitute rape. Sexual acts including intercourse are considered non-consensual when a person is incapable of giving consent because s/he is incapacitated from alcohol and/or drugs, is under 18 years old, or if a mental disorder or developmental or physical disability renders the person incapable of giving consent. The respondent’s relationship to the person (such as family member, spouse, friend, acquaintance or stranger) is irrelevant.
Acquaintance rape is a form of sexual misconduct committed by an individual known to the victim. This includes a person the victim may have just met; i.e., at a party, introduced through a friend, or on a social networking website.
Affirmative consent means an informed, affirmative, conscious, voluntary, and mutual agreement to engage in sexual activity. It is the responsibility of each person involved in the sexual activity to ensure that s/he has the affirmative consent of the other participant(s) to engage in the sexual activity. Lack of protest or resistance does not mean consent nor does silence mean consent. Affirmative consent must be voluntary, and given without coercion, force, threats or intimidation.
o The person was asleep or unconscious;
o The person was incapacitated due to the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication, so that the person could not understand the fact, nature or extent of the sexual activity;
o The person was unable to communicate due to a mental or physical condition.
o The respondent’s belief in affirmative consent arose from the intoxication or recklessness of the respondent;
o The respondent did not take reasonable steps, in the circumstances known to the respondent at the time, to ascertain whether the person affirmatively consented.
Consensual relationships: Consensual relationship means a sexual or romantic relationship between two persons who voluntarily enter into such a relationship. While sexual and/or romantic relationships between members of the University community may begin as consensual, they may evolve into situations that lead to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual misconduct, dating or domestic violence, or stalking.
Domestic violence is abuse committed against someone who is a current or former spouse, current or former cohabitant, someone with whom the abuser has a child, someone with whom the abuser has or had a dating or engagement relationship, or a person similarly situated under California domestic or family violence law. Cohabitant means two unrelated persons living together for a substantial period of time, resulting in some permanency of relationship. It does not include roommates who do not have a romantic, intimate, or sexual relationship. Factors that may determine whether persons are cohabiting include, but are not limited to (1) sexual relations between the parties while sharing the same living quarters, (2) sharing of income or expenses, (3) joint use or ownership of property, (4) whether the parties hold themselves out as husband and wife, (5) the continuity of the relationship, and (6) the length of the relationship. For purposes of this definition, “abuse” means intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury or placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to himself or herself, or another. Abuse does not include non-physical, emotional distress or injury.
Dating violence is abuse committed by a person who is or has been in a social or dating relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. This may include someone the victim just met; i.e., at a party, introduced through a friend, or on a social networking website. For purposes of this definition, “abuse” means intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury or placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to himself or herself, or another. Abuse does not include non-physical, emotional distress or injury.
Stalking means a repeated course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his/her or others’ safety or to suffer substantial emotional distress. For purposes of this definition:
See further information in CSUDH’s sexual violence prevention and education statement, Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination (which includes facts and myths about sexual violence), and Victim’s Rights and Options Notice, at http://www4.csudh.edu/dhpd/clery/index.
Inquiries concerning compliance or the application of these laws to programs and activities of CSUDH may be referred to the specific campus officer(s) identified above or to the Regional Director of the Office for Civil Rights, United States Department of Education, 50 Beale Street,
Suite 7200, San Francisco, California 94105.
Title IX requires the university to designate a Title IX Coordinator to monitor and oversee overall Title IX compliance. Your campus Title IX Coordinator is available to explain and discuss your right to file a criminal complaint (for example, in cases of sexual violence); the university’s complaint process, including the investigation process; how confidentiality is handled; available resources, both on and off campus; and other related matters. If you are in the midst of an emergency, please call the police immediately by dialing 9-1-1.
Campus Title IX Coordinator
The Associate Vice President of Human Resources
1000 E. Victoria St. Welch Hall, Room 340 Carson, CA 90747.
(310) 243-3771
University Police
Carols Velez, Chief of Police
1000 E. Victoria St. Welch Hall, Room B- 100 Carson, CA 90747.
(310) 243- 3639
Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights: (800) 421-3481 or ocr@ed.gov
If you wish to fill out a complaint form online with the OCR, you may do so at: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html.
Title IX requires the university to adopt and publish complaint procedures that provide for prompt and equitable resolution of sex discrimination complaints, including sexual harassment and misconduct as well as provide training, education and preventive measures related to sex discrimination. CSU Executive Order 1097 (http://www.calstate.edu/EO/EO-1097-rev-6-23-15.html) is the systemwide procedure for all complaints of discrimination, harassment or retaliation made by students against the CSU, a CSU employee, other CSU students or a third party.
Except as provided below under confidentiality and sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, any University employee who knows or has reason to know of allegations or acts that violate University policy shall promptly inform the Title IX Coordinator. These employees are required to disclose all information including the names of the parties, even where the person has requested that his/her name remain confidential. The Title IX Coordinator will determine whether confidentiality is appropriate given the circumstances of each such incident (see confidential reporting options outlined below).
Regardless of whether an alleged victim of sexual discrimination ultimately files a complaint, if the campus knows or has reason to know about possible sexual discrimination, harassment or misconduct, violence, it must review the matter to determine if an investigation is warranted. The campus must then take appropriate steps to eliminate any sex discrimination/harassment/misconduct, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects.
The University’s primary concern is the safety of its campus community members. The use of alcohol or drugs never makes the victim at fault for sexual discrimination, harassment or misconduct; therefore, victims should not be deterred from reporting incidents of sexual misconduct out of a concern that they might be disciplined for related violations of drug, alcohol or other university policies. Except in extreme circumstances, victims of sexual misconduct shall not be subject to discipline for related violations of the Student Conduct Code.
Individuals alleged to have committed sexual misconduct may face criminal prosecution by law enforcement and may incur penalties as a result of civil litigation. In addition, employees and students may face discipline at the university, up to including suspension or expulsion. Employees may face sanctions up to and including dismissal from employment, pursuant to established CSU policies and provisions of applicable collective bargaining unit agreements.
Students who are charged by the University with sexual discrimination, harassment or misconduct will be subject to discipline, pursuant to the California State University Student Conduct Procedures (see Executive Order 1098 at http://www.calstate.edu/eo/EO-1098-rev-6-23-15.pdf or any successor executive order) and will be subject to appropriate sanctions. In addition, during any investigation, the University may implement interim measures in order to maintain a safe and non-discriminatory educational environment. Such measures may include but not be limited to: immediate interim suspension from the University; a required move from university-owned or affiliated housing; adjustments to course schedule; and/or prohibition from contact with parties involved in the alleged incident.
The University encourages victims of sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking (collectively sexual misconduct) to talk to someone about what happened – so they can get the support they need, and so the University can respond appropriately.
Physicians, Psychotherapists, Professional Licensed Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Clergy
Physicians, psychotherapists, professional, licensed counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and clergy who work or volunteer on or off campus, acting solely in those roles or capacities as part of their employment, and who provide medical or mental health treatment or counseling (and those who act under their supervision, including all individuals who work or volunteer in their centers and offices) may not report any information about an incident of sexual misconduct to anyone else at the University, including the Title IX Coordinator, without the victim’s consent. A victim can seek assistance and support from physicians, psychotherapists, professional, licensed counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and clergy without triggering a University investigation that could reveal the victim’s identity or the fact of the victim’s disclosure. However, see limited exceptions below regarding when health care practitioners must report to local law enforcement agencies. Health care practitioners should explain these limited exceptions to victims, if applicable.
Sexual assault and domestic violence counselors and advocates who work or volunteer on or off campus in sexual assault centers, victim advocacy offices, women’s centers, and health centers (including those who act in that role under their supervision, along with non-professional counselors or advocates who or volunteer in sexual assault centers, victim advocacy offices, women’s centers, gender equity centers, or health centers) may talk to a victim without revealing any information about the victim and the incident of sexual misconduct to anyone else at the University, including the Title IX Coordinator, without the victim’s consent. A victim can seek assistance and support from these counselors and advocates without triggering a University investigation that could reveal his/her identity or that a victim disclosed an incident to them. However, see limited exceptions below regarding when sexual assault and domestic violence counselors and advocates must report to local law enforcement agencies. Counselors and advocates should explain these limited exceptions to victims, if applicable.
The University will be unable to conduct an investigation into a particular incident or pursue disciplinary action against a perpetrator if a victim chooses to (1) speak only to a physician, professional licensed counselor, licensed clinical social worker, clergy member, sexual assault counselor, domestic violence counselor or advocate; and (2) maintain complete confidentiality. Even so, these individuals will assist victims in receiving other necessary protection and support, such as victim advocacy, disability, medical/health or mental health services, or legal services, and will advise victims regarding their right to file a Title IX complaint with the University and a separate complaint with local or University police. If a victim insists on confidentiality, such professionals, counselors and advocates will likely not be able to assist the victim with: University academic support or accommodations; changes to University-based living or working schedules; or adjustments to course schedules. A victim who at first requests confidentiality may later decide to file a complaint with the University or report the incident to the police, and thus have the incident fully investigated. These counselors and advocates can provide victims with that assistance if requested by the victim. These counselors and advocates will also explain that Title IX includes protections against retaliation, and that the University will not only take steps to prevent retaliation when it knows or reasonably should know of possible retaliation, but will also take strong responsive action if it occurs.
EXCEPTIONS: Under California law, any health practitioner employed in a health facility, clinic, physician’s office, or local or state public health department or clinic is required to make a report to local law enforcement if he or she provides medical services for a physical condition to a patient/victim who he or she knows or reasonably suspects is suffering from (1) a wound or physical injury inflicted by a firearm; or (2) any wound or other physical injury inflicted upon a victim where the injury is the result of assaultive or abusive conduct (including sexual misconduct, domestic violence, and dating violence). This exception does not apply to sexual assault and domestic violence counselors and advocates. Health care practitioners should explain this limited exception to victims, if applicable.
Additionally, under California law, all professionals described above (physicians, psychotherapists, professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, clergy, and sexual assault and domestic violence counselors and advocates) are mandatory child abuse and neglect reporters, and are required to report incidents involving victims under 18 years of age to local law enforcement. These professionals will explain this limited exception to victims, if applicable.
Finally, some or all of these professionals may also have reporting obligations under California law to (1) local law enforcement in cases involving threats of immediate or imminent harm to self or others where disclosure of the information is necessary to prevent the threatened danger; or (2) to the court if compelled by court order or subpoena in a criminal proceeding related to the sexual violence incident. If applicable, these professionals will explain this limited exception to victims.
If a victim reports to local or University Police about sexual misconduct, the police are required to notify victims that their names will become a matter of public record unless confidentiality is requested. If a victim requests that his/her identity be kept confidential, his/her name will not become a matter of public record and the police will not report the victim’s identity to anyone else at the University, including the Title IX Coordinator. University Police will, however, report the facts of the incident itself to the Title IX Coordinator being sure not to reveal to the Title IX Coordinator victim names/identities or compromise their own criminal investigation. The University is required by the federal Clery Act to report certain types of crimes (including certain sex offenses) in statistical reports. However, while the University will report the type of incident in the annual crime statistics report known as the Annual Security Report, victim names/identities will not be revealed.
Most University employees have a duty to report sexual misconduct incidents when they are on notice of it. When a victim tells the Title IX Coordinator or another University employee about a sexual misconduct incident, the victim has the right to expect the University to take immediate and appropriate steps to investigate what happened and to resolve the matter promptly and equitably. In all cases, the University strongly encourages victims to report sexual misconduct directly to the campus Title IX Coordinator. As detailed above, all University employees except physicians, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, sexual assault counselors and advocates, must report to the Title IX Coordinator all relevant details about any sexual violence incidents of which they become aware. The University will need to determine what happened – and will need to know the names of the victim(s) and the perpetrator(s), any witnesses, and any other relevant facts, including the date, time and specific location of the incident.
To the extent possible, information reported to the Title IX Coordinator or other University employees will be shared only with individuals responsible for handling the University’s response to the incident. The University will protect the privacy of individuals involved in a sexual misconduct incident except as otherwise required by law or University policy. A sexual misconduct report may result in the gathering of extremely sensitive information about individuals in the campus community. While such information is considered confidential, University policy regarding access to public records and disclosure of personal information may require disclosure of certain information concerning a report of sexual misconduct. In such cases, efforts will be made to redact the records, as appropriate, in order to protect the victim’s identity and privacy and the privacy of other involved individuals. Except as detailed in the section on Privileged and Confidential Communications above, no University employee, including the Title IX Coordinator, should disclose the victim’s identity to the police without the victim’s consent or unless the victim has also reported the incident to the police.
If a victim requests of the Title IX Coordinator or another University employee that his/her identity remain completely confidential, the Title IX Coordinator will explain that the University cannot always honor that request and guarantee complete confidentiality. If a victim wishes to remain confidential or request that no investigation be conducted or disciplinary action taken, the University must weigh that request against the University’s obligation to provide a safe, non-discriminatory environment for all students, employees, and third parties, including the victim. Under those circumstances, the Title IX Coordinator will determine whether the victim’s request for complete confidentiality and/or no investigation can be honored under the facts and circumstances of the particular case, including whether the University has a legal obligation to report the incident, conduct an investigation or take other appropriate steps. Without information about a victim’s identity, the University’s ability to meaningfully investigate the incident and pursue disciplinary action against the perpetrator may be severely limited. See Executive Order 1095 for further details around confidential reporting, and other related matters (http://www.calstate.edu/eo/EO-1095.pdf).
Office for Civil Rights
50 Beale Street, Suite 7200
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 486-5555; TDD (877) 521-2172
Office for Civil Rights
(800) 872-5327
1215 K. Street, Suite 1850
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 446-2520
http://calcasa.org/
Students may petition for exception to certain university academic regulations when unusual circumstances exist. It should be noted, however, that academic regulations contained in Title 5, California Code of Regulations, cannot be waived by petition.
Before filing a petition, students must first speak with the designated representatives in the School or College associated with their request. Only in cases where no alternate means of resolution is available should a student then file a petition. To do so, a fee must be paid. Requests must be stated clearly and accompanied by supporting documentation. Students are notified of decisions by U.S. Mail at the address on file with the university.
At the heart of any university are its efforts to encourage critical reading skills, effective communication and, above all, intellectual honesty among its students. Thus, all academic work submitted by a student as his or her own should be in his or her own unique style, words and form. When a student submits work that purports to be his/her original work, but actually is not, the student has committed plagiarism.
Plagiarism is considered a gross violation of the University's academic and disciplinary standards. Plagiarism includes the following: copying of one person's work by another and claiming it as his or her own, false presentation of one's self as the author or creator of a work, falsely taking credit for another person's unique method of treatment or expression, falsely representing one's self as the source of ideas or expression, or the presentation of someone else's language, ideas or works without giving that person due credit. It is not limited to written works. For example, one could plagiarize music compositions, photographs, works of art, choreography, computer programs or any other unique creative effort.
Plagiarism is cause for formal university discipline and is justification for an instructor to assign a lower grade or a failing grade in the course in which the plagiarism is committed. In addition, the University may impose its own disciplinary measures.
Course prerequisites cited with each course description in this catalog are intended to advise the student of any previous work needed for the course. Some course prerequisites will be automatically enforced electronically as part of the registration process. Students not meeting the stated prerequisites should determine their eligibility for such courses in consultation with their academic advisors and the appropriate instructor.
The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g) and regulations adopted thereunder (34 C.F.R. 99) set out requirements designed to protect students’ privacy in their records maintained by the campus. The statute and regulations govern access to certain student records maintained by the campus and the release of such records. The law provides that the campus must give students access to most records directly related to the student, and must also provide opportunity for a hearing to challenge the records if the student claims they are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate. The right to a hearing under this law does not include any right to challenge the appropriateness of a grade determined by the instructor. The law generally requires the institution to receive a student’s written consent before releasing personally identifiable data about the student. The institution has adopted a set of policies and procedures governing implementation of the statute and the regulations. Copies of these policies and procedures may be obtained at Office of Admissions and Records. Among the types of information included in the campus statement of policies and procedures are: (1) the types of student records maintained and the information they contain; (2) the official responsible for maintaining each type of record; (3) the location of access lists indicating persons requesting or receiving information from the record; (4) policies for reviewing and expunging records; (5) student access rights to their records; (6) the procedures for challenging the content of student records; (7) the cost to be charged for reproducing copies of records; and (8) the right of the student to file a complaint with the Department of Education. The Department of Education has established an office and review board to investigate complaints and adjudicate violations. The designated office is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.
The campus is authorized under the Act to release “directory information” concerning students. “Directory information” may include the student’s name, address, telephone listing, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, degrees, honors, and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. The above-designated information is subject to release by the campus at any time unless the campus has received prior written objection from the student specifying what information the student requests not be released. Written objections should be sent to the Director of Admissions and Records.
The campus is authorized to provide access to student records to campus officials and employees who have legitimate educational interests in such access. These persons have responsibilities in the campus’s academic, administrative or service functions and have reason for accessing student records associated with their campus or other related academic responsibilities. Student records may also be disclosed to other persons or organizations under certain conditions (e.g., as part of the accreditation or program evaluation; in response to a court order or subpoena; in connection with financial aid; or to other institutions to which the student is transferring).
Agencies of the State of California may request, for recruitment purposes, information including the names, addresses, major fields of study, and total units completed of CSU students and former students. The university is required by law to release such information to state agencies on request concerning students who have requested in writing that such information be released to state agencies. Students will have the opportunity during the first three weeks of the Fall semester to request in writing the release of such information by completing a form in the Office of Admissions and Records; this release is effective for one academic year and expires on the first day of the following academic year. Students will also have an opportunity to forbid release of any personal identifiable information to state agencies or any other person or organization.
California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) has a responsibility to its students and employees to provide a safe and healthful learning and working environment. The University recognizes the harmful effects of involuntary contact with smoke. It also recognizes the need to preserve the reasonable individual rights of smokers as long as doing so does not interfere with the right of the non-smoker to a smoke-free environment.
Therefore, it is the policy of CSUDH to prohibit smoking in campus buildings and certain other areas of the campus where non-smokers cannot avoid exposure to smoke. Specifically, smoking is prohibited in all campus buildings, including classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, offices, work areas, study areas, reception areas, meeting rooms, lobbies, hallways, stairwells, elevators, eating areas, lounges, and restrooms, and within twenty-five (25) feet of an exit, entrance, or operable window of any campus building. Smoking is also prohibited in all partially enclosed areas such as covered walkways, breezeways, walkways between sections of buildings, bus-stop shelters, exterior walkways and landings, all State vehicles, including electric and golf carts.
Smoking is permitted in outside ground areas twenty-five (25) feet beyond any exit, entrance or operable window of a campus building.
Exception: Smoking is prohibited on decks and patios associated with dining facilities or if it unavoidably exposes people entering and leaving adjacent buildings to smoke, or when it is explicitly prohibited during a particular event or activity scheduled in the area (such as in bleachers or row seating at athletic or other events).
Effective implementation of the Campus Smoking Policy depends upon the courtesy, sensitivity, and cooperation of all members of the campus community. It is a normal and reasonable duty of all employees of CSUDH and its auxiliaries, and expected conduct by all students, to comply with this policy.
The Campus Smoking Policy applies to all campus buildings and grounds owned, rented or leased by CSUDH. All members of the campus community students, faculty, staff and campus visitors are expected to comply with this policy.
Notification of this policy to members of the campus community and visitors shall be made by including the policy in the University Catalog, Schedule of Classes and the University Website. At least one copy of this policy shall be posted in each campus building. New employees will be notified of the policy by the Human Resources Management Office upon employment.
Signs shall be displayed at the entrances/exits of all campus buildings and other appropriate locations stating that smoking is prohibited within the building and/or area and that smoking is prohibited within twenty-five (25) feet of any exit, entrance or operable window of any campus building.
Violations of this policy should be reported to the appropriate administrator. There shall be no reprisals against anyone seeking assistance in enforcing this Policy.
This policy is effective as of September 7, 2004, and supersedes all previous CSUDH smoking policies.
Each student is responsible for compliance with the regulations printed in the current catalog, in the current schedule of classes and with official notices posted on official bulletin boards.
The University seeks to create the optimum climate for academic excellence for both students and faculty. Within this climate, students must have the opportunity to develop an understanding of their roles as citizens in a democracy. In order to achieve these goals, the University strives to minimize its regulatory controls over individual student conduct and to maximize the opportunity for student self-control and self-discipline. Students who attend the University are expected to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the laws of federal, state and local governments, as well as with the stated purposes of the University.
Inappropriate conduct by students or by applicants for admission is subject to discipline as provided in Sections 41301 through 41304 of Title 5, California Code of Regulations. These sections are as follows:
The University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy living and learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. Each member of the campus community should choose behaviors that contribute toward this end. Students are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their university, to be civil to one another and to others in the campus community, and contribute positively to student and university life.
Student behavior that is not consistent with the Student Conduct Code is addressed through an educational process that is designed to promote safety and good citizenship and, when necessary, impose appropriate consequences. The following are the grounds upon which student discipline can be based:
1) Dishonesty, including:
i) Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty that are intended to gain unfair academic advantage.
ii) Furnishing false information to a University official, faculty member, or campus office.
iii) Forgery, alteration, or misuse of a University document, key, or identification instrument.
iv) Misrepresenting one’s self to be an authorized agent of the University or one of its auxiliaries.
2) Unauthorized entry into, presence in, use of, or misuse of University property.
3) Willful, material and substantial disruption or obstruction of a University-related activity, or any on-campus activity.
4) Participating in an activity that substantially and materially disrupts the normal operations of the University, or infringes on the rights of members of the University community.
5) Willful, material and substantial obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or other traffic, on or leading to campus property or an off-campus University related activity.
6) Disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior at a University related activity, or directed toward a member of the University community.
7) Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person within or related to the University community, including physical abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, or sexual misconduct.
8) Hazing or conspiracy to haze. Hazing is defined as any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution in this state (Penal Code 245.6), and in addition, any act likely to cause physical harm, personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution. The term “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or school sanctioned events. Neither the express or implied consent of a victim of hazing, nor the lack of active participation in a particular hazing incident is a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act, and is also a violation of this section.
9) Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs or drug- related paraphernalia, (except as expressly permitted by law and University regulations) or the misuse of legal pharmaceutical drugs.
10) Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly permitted by law and University regulations), or public intoxication while on campus or at a University related activity.
11) Theft of property or services from the University community, or misappropriation of University resources.
12) Unauthorized destruction or damage to University property or other property in the University community.
13) Possession or misuse of firearms or guns, replicas, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, knives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals (without the prior authorization of the campus president) on campus or at a University related activity.
14) Unauthorized recording, dissemination, or publication of academic presentations (including handwritten notes) for a commercial purpose.
15) Misuse of computer facilities or resources, including:
i) Unauthorized entry into a file, for any purpose.
ii) Unauthorized transfer of a file.
iii) Use of another’s identification or password.
iv) Use of computing facilities, campus network, or other resources to interfere with the work of another member of the University community.
v) Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or intimidating and abusive messages.
vi) Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with normal University operations.
vii) Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws.
viii)Violation of a campus computer use policy.
16) Violation of any published University policy, rule, regulation or presidential order.
17) Failure to comply with directions or interference with, any University official or any public safety officer while acting in the performance of his/her duties.
18) Any act chargeable as a violation of a federal, state, or local law that poses a substantial threat to the safety or well-being of members of the University community, to property within the University community or poses a significant threat of disruption or interference with University operations.
19) Violation of the Student Conduct Procedures, including:
i) Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information related to a student discipline matter.
ii) Disruption or interference with the orderly progress of a student discipline proceeding.
iii) Initiation of a student discipline proceeding in bad faith.
iv) Attempting to discourage another from participating in the student discipline matter.
v) Attempting to influence the impartiality of any participant in a student discipline matter.
vi) Verbal or physical harassment or intimidation of any participant in a student discipline matter.
vii) Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under a student discipline proceeding.
20) Encouraging, permitting, or assisting another to do any act that could subject him or her to discipline.
The Chancellor shall adopt procedures to ensure students are afforded appropriate notice and an opportunity to be heard before the University imposes any sanction for a violation of the Student Conduct Code.
Sanctions for the conduct listed above can be imposed on applicants, enrolled students, students between academic terms, graduates awaiting degrees, and students who withdraw from school while a disciplinary matter is pending. Conduct that threatens the safety or security of the campus community, or substantially disrupts the functions or operation of the University is within the jurisdiction of this Article regardless of whether it occurs on or off campus. Nothing in this Code may conflict with Education Code Section 66301 that prohibits disciplinary action against students based on behavior protected by the First Amendment.
The President of the campus may place on probation, suspend, or expel a student for one or more of the causes enumerated in Section 41301. No fees or tuition paid by or for such student for the semester, quarter, or summer session in which he or she is suspended or expelled shall be refunded. If the student is readmitted before the close of the semester, quarter, or summer session in which he or she is suspended, no additional tuition or fees shall be required of the student on account of the suspension.
During periods of campus emergency, as determined by the President of the individual campus, the President may, after consultation with the Chancellor, place into immediate effect any emergency regulations, procedures, and other measures deemed necessary or appropriate to meet the emergency, safeguard persons and property, and maintain educational activities.
The President may immediately impose an interim suspension in all cases in which there is reasonable cause to believe that such an immediate suspension is required in order to protect lives or property and to insure the maintenance of order. A student so placed on interim suspension shall be given prompt notice of charges and the opportunity for a hearing within 10 days of the imposition of interim suspension. During the period of interim suspension, the student shall not, without prior written permission of the President or designated representative, enter any campus of the California State University other than to attend the hearing. Violation of any condition of interim suspension shall be grounds for expulsion.
Anyone who is found to be liable for copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages suffered as a result of the infringement along with any profits of the infringer attributable to the infringement that are not already taken into account in computing the actual damages, or “statutory” damages between $750 and $30,000 per work infringed. In the case of a “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed (see 17 U.S.C. §504). Courts also have discretion to award costs and attorneys’ fees to the prevailing party (see 17 U.S.C. §505). Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. Criminal penalties may vary depending on the nature of the offense and whether the infringer has previously been convicted of criminal copyright infringement under 18 U.S.C. §2319 (see 17 U.S.C. §506 and 18 U.S.C. §2319).
Under the federal Student Right-to-Know legislation, institutions of higher education are required to disclose information regarding graduation rates for first time, full-time, regularly enrolled freshman. Prospective and currently enrolled students may review this information on the CSU Dominguez Hills Division of Student Affairs webpage accessible at www.csudh.edu/stuaffs/coninfo.htm. Questions regarding this information are referred to the Media Relations Office at the University.
The federal government requires that institutions of higher learning inform prospective and continuing students regarding information pertaining to campus crime statistics, graduation and transfer rates, Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), and athletic participation rates/financial support (Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act). In addition to CSUDH's Drug and Alcohol Policy, this information is available at the following web site:www.csudh.edu/stuaffs/coninfo.htm.
Information concerning grievance procedures for students who feel aggrieved in their relationships with the university, its policies, practices and procedures, or its faculty and staff may be obtained from The Office of Human Resources Management. 1000 E. Victoria St. Carson, CA 90747. (310) 243-3771.
The California State University takes complaints and concerns regarding the institution very seriously. If you have a complaint regarding the CSU, you may present your complaint as follows:
If you believe that your complaint warrants further attention after you have exhausted all the steps outlined by the president or designee, or by WASC, you may file an appeal with the Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs at the CSU Chancellor’s Office. This procedure should not be construed to limit any right that you may have to take civil or criminal legal action to resolve your complaint.
Students receiving veteran's benefits have several important responsibilities regarding their certification status for receipt of those benefits. These responsibilities are:
It is the responsibility of each veteran student receiving benefits to notify the Office of Admissions and Records immediately upon withdrawal from the University. This is done through use of the Notice of Withdrawal form. The form, including last date of attendance, should be completed and submitted promptly upon cessation of attendance.
When a course is added or dropped, the veteran student must complete and submit the Change of Program form immediately, including last date of attendance for dropped courses, so that any necessary adjustment in certification may be prepared and submitted by the Office of Veterans' Affairs.
Graduate level veteran students are reminded that full-time certification for eight units is based upon enrollment in eight units of graduate level (500) courses or undergraduate level courses which are part of the graduate program. Enrollment in eight units of courses other than courses in the graduate program does not constitute full-time enrollment status. The status of graduate level students enrolled in undergraduate courses not in the graduate program will be certified as less than full time.
1000 E. Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747
310-243-3696
© 2021 California State University, Dominguez Hills