RHC 2018-19 Course Catalog

Volume LIII

Accreditation 3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, California 90601-1616
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Board of
Governors, California Community Colleges (562) 692-0921
Rio Hondo College is accredited by the Accrediting
Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of www.riohondo.edu
the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, (10
Commercial Blvd., Ste. 204 Novato, CA 94949 (415) 506- 2018-2019 Catalog
0234 Telephone • (415) 506-0238 FAX), an institutional
accrediting body recognized by the Commission on July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019
Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S.
Department of Education. Serving the Communities of:
An additional list of Accreditations and Certifications can Pico Rivera
be found on page 8.
Santa Fe Springs
Statement of Policy Whittier
El Monte
The policy of this district is that, unless specifically
exempted by statute or regulation, every course, course South El Monte
section, or class, reported for state aid, wherever offered and and portions of
maintained by the district, shall be fully open to enrollment
and participation by any person who has been admitted to Norwalk
the colleges and who meets such prerequisites as may be La Mirada
established pursuant to section 55003 of division 6 of title 5 Downey
of the California Code of Regulations. La Puente
Industry
The College catalog represents official policies of the Rio
Hondo Community College District Board of Trustees. Board of Trustees

By virtue of Statute, authority is vested in the Rio Hondo Madeline Shapiro
Community College District Board of Trustees to add,
amend, or repeal any of its regulations, rules, and Vicky Santana
procedures in whole or in part at such time as it may elect.
Mary Ann Pacheco
The Rio Hondo College staff has worked to assure the
accuracy of all information in the catalog. Students are Norma Edith García
advised, however, that such information may be subject
to change without notice. Since the catalog is prepared in Gary Mendez
advance of the academic year, changes in some programs
and rules might occur. An addendum to the catalog is Diana Laureano
published in the fall. The catalog and accompanying Student Member
addendum are the final authority in regard to classes and
programs offered. The catalog and addenda are also posted Teresa Dreyfuss
on the web site at: www.riohondo.edu/catalog. Students Superintendent/President
are advised to consult a counselor whenever questions or
problems pertaining to academic programs arise.

This document is available in alternate
formats upon request.

Please contact Disabled Students
Program and Services at (562) 908-3420.

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 1

President’s Welcome provides efficient online access to grades, financial aid information,
library systems and many other College resources. In addition, the
Congratulations on making one of the College offers scholarships, student health services, as well as free
most important decisions in life by tutoring.
choosing to attend Rio Hondo College. We urge you to take advantage of the Student Success services and
On behalf of the Rio Hondo Community programs offered through the Counseling Center, Center for Career
College District, it is a pleasure to and Re-Entry Services, First-Year Success Center, and Transfer
welcome you to our hilltop campus where Center. Students who meet with a counselor on a frequent basis,
our faculty members, counselors, staff, update their Educational Plan, and use support services are more
and administrators are committed to likely to graduate and transfer to four-year universities. Our Rio
helping you reach your educational and Hondo College counselors are here to support your journey to
career goals. achieve Student Success!
We invite you to make the most of your time at Rio Hondo
Did you know Rio Hondo College, a College by participating in co-curricular activities and in student
Hispanic-Serving Institution, is one of life. The College has 14 intercollegiate athletic teams and offers
the top community colleges in the state opportunities in dance, theater, music, visual arts performances,
for underrepresented minorities who transfer to University of and debate competitions. Rio Hondo College is also home to an
California campuses? We were also named among the top 25 active student government that sponsors an array of clubs, interest
community colleges for Hispanic students nationwide. Our campus groups and cultural events.
enrolls approximately 18,000 students each semester, offering 24 As a student, you also have access to one of the largest and best-
associate degrees for transfer that guarantee admission to California equipped community college fitness centers in the country. The
State Universities, a four-year bachelor’s degree in automotive College’s 48,000 square-foot Physical Education Complex offers a
technology and a training partnership with Tesla, 51 associate NCAA-sized pool, renovated fields and tennis courts. The College
degrees, and 60 certificates. We are also noted for our Pathway to also has a world-class soccer field and a six-lane synthetic track.
Law School Program, state-of-the-art career and technical training As Superintendent/President, I look forward to welcoming you to
programs, and for our student-centered services for veterans, first- our Rio Hondo College campus.
generation students, single parents, foster youth, students with Congratulations once again, and best wishes to you and your
disabilities, and more. continued success.
Teresa Dreyfuss
One of the tools we encourage you to use, as an educational guide, Superintendent/President
is the 2018-19 College Catalog. By becoming familiar with this
Catalog, you will learn about the associate degrees leading to
successful transfer, general education requirements and programs,
and career certificates and courses. Another tool for success is
AccessRIO, our student information and registration system that

Administrators Government & Community
Relations.................................. Russell Castañeda-Calleros. Ed.D.
ADMINISTRATION Grant Development & Management..............................Michaela Brehm
Superintendent/President.............................................. Teresa Dreyfuss Information Technology Services............................. Gary Van Voorhis
Vice President, Interim Academic Affairs......... Laura Ramirez, Ed.D. Marketing & Communications.........................................Ruthie Retana
Vice President, Student Services............................................ Henry Gee Mechanical & Electrical Services..................................Anthony Ortega
Vice President, Finance & Business.................................Yulian Ligioso Operations & Maintenance................................................George Lopez
EXECUTIVE DEANS/DIRECTORS Personal and Academic Support Services (PASS) Program, Interim
Executive Dean, Institutional Research and Planning/ Project Manager...................................................................... Vacant
Interim Executive Director Rio Hondo College Police Academy...............................................................Walter Allen, III
Foundation.............................................................................. Vacant SSSP, Non/Credit, AEBG/ Continuing &
Executive Dean, Counseling and Contract Education Project Manager.....Francisco Suarez, Ed.D.
Student Equity........................................................................ Vacant Student Equity, Grant Manager.........................................Cecilia Rocha
Executive Director, Human Resources.......................Loy Nashua, J.D. Student Life & Leadership/District
DIVISION DEANS Compliance Officer.................................................. Shaina Phillips
Arts & Cultural Programs.................................... Grant Linsell, D.M.A. Student Success and Support Program,
Behavioral & Social Sciences........................................... Rebecca Green Grant Manager..............................................................Lisa Chavez
Business and Contract Education........................................ Gita Runkle Teacher Preparation Pipeline and Pathway (TIPP),
Career & Technical Education/Instructional Interim Project Manager.................................Maria Lea Martinez
Operations.....................................................................Mike Slavich FACULTY COORDINATORS
Communications & Languages.............................. Alice Mecom, Ed.D. Athletics.....................Steve Johnson/Bianca Urquidi /Jodi Senk, Ed.D.
Interim Counseling................................................................Lisa Chavez Basic Skills..........................................................................Tyler Okamoto
Educational Centers..................................................... Yolanda Emerson Center for Career and Re-entry Services................... Christine Waugh
Interim, Health Science & Nursing................................Catherine Page English as a New Language (ENLA).............................Tyler Okamoto
Kinesiology, Dance, and Athletics/Athletic Director.......Steve Hebert Evening & Weekend College...........Steve Hemenway/Vik Hovsepian
Library & Instructional Support................................................... Vacant Fire Technology.................................................................Tracy Rickman
Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering................. Vann Priest, Ph.D. First-Year Seminar Coordinator………………………….Sheila Lynch
Public Safety...................................................................Mark Yokoyama Fitness Center.................................................................... Kathy Pudelko
Interim, Student Affairs/Student Conduct..... Alisia Kirkwood, Ed.D. Guardian Scholars.............................................................Marisela Saenz
Student Success........................................................Melba Castro, Ed.D. Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator.............................. Abbie Perry
ASSISTANT DEAN Leadership Academy............................................................. Kelly Lynch
Student Success & Retention (Basic Skills)...................Barbara Salazar Learning Assistance Center................................................. Moises Mata
DIRECTORS, MANAGERS, AND PROJECT MANAGERS Math Science Center........................................................... George Wang
Accounting.......................................................................... Stephen Kibui Online Education............................................................Jodi Senk, Ed.D.
Admissions & Records.................................................Leigh Ann Unger Pathway to Law School................................................... Young Lee, J.D.
Child Development Center………………… Shireetha Gethers, Ed.D. Program Review.............................................................. Marie Eckstrom
Contract Management & Vending Services.................... Felix G. Sarao School Psychologist..............................................Denna Sanchez, Ph.D.
Deputy Sector Navigator, Grant Manager.........................Bruce Noble Speech/Forensics (Debate)...........................................Grant Tovmasian
Disabled Students Programs & Services............................Mark Matsui Staff Development/FLEX....................................................Katie O’Brien
Extended Opportunity Programs & Services/CARE.......Heba Griffiths Student Equity............................................................. Juana Mora, Ph.D.
Facilities Services............................................................................. Vacant Student Learning Outcomes...........................Alyson Cartagena, Ed.D.
Financial Aid, Scholarships & Transfer Center............................................................................ Jose Lara
Veterans Services.............................. Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval Veterans Services........................................................... Arely Castaneda

2 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

Division/Department Listing • Pathway to Law School: (562) 463-7008
• Puente: (562) 463-3207
Admissions & Records • Student Success and Support Program — Credit/Non-Credit
(562) 908-3415 or (562) 463-7639 • Transfer Center: (562) 463-4619
• International Students Program Division of Health Science & Nursing
Division of Arts & Cultural Programs (562) 908-3421
(562) 908-3471 • Acute CNA
• Cultural Events Hotline: (562) 908-3492 • Associate Degree Nursing
• Cultural Programs • Home Health Aide
• Performing Arts • Vocational Nursing
Music • Nurse Assistant Pre-Certification Training
Theater Division of Kinesiology, Dance and Athletics
• Visual Arts (562) 908-3409
Animation • Athletics
Art History • Dance
Ceramics • Fitness Center (562) 463-3461
Digital Art • Kinesiology
Photography Division of Library
Studio Art (562) 908-3417
Division of Behavioral & Social Sciences • Archives
(562) 463-7469 • Circulation
• Anthropology • Library (562) 908-3417
• Chicano Studies • Production
• Child Development/Education • Reference
• Economics • Office of Student Success and Retention
• History • Online Education
• Human Services Division of Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering
• Humanities (562) 908-3444 or 908-3472
• Philosophy • Astronomy, Geography, and Geology
• Political Science • Biological Sciences
• Psychology/Drug Studies • Chemistry
• Sociology • Environmental Sciences
• Support Programs • Mathematics
-Pre-school Laboratory • Math Science Center
Division of Business • MESA/TRIO/SSS STEM
(562) 463-7359 • Physics and Engineering
• Accounting Division of Public Safety
• Business/Management/Marketing (562) 463-7756
• Computer Information Technology • Administration of Justice
• District Lab • Advanced Officer Training
• International Business • Corrections
• Logistics • Forensics
Division of Career & Technical Education • Police Academy
(562) 908-3460 (562) 941-4082
• Advanced Transportation Technology Program (ATT) • Emergency Medical Technician
• Apprenticeship: (562) 908-3448 • Fire Academy
• Architecture/Civil/Engineering Technology • Fire Technology
• Geographic Information Systems • Homeland Security Training Center
• Electronics (Renewable/Green Energy) • Wildland Fire
• Heavy Equipment Technology Division of Student Affairs
• Honda PACT Program (562) 908-3498
• Welding/Fabrication • CalWORKs: (562) 463-7311
Division of Communications & Languages • Disabled Students Programs & Services: (562) 908-3420
(562) 908-3429 • EOPS/Care: (562) 908-3423
• English & Literature • Foster Care and Independent Living: (562) 908-3435
• English as a New Language (ENLA) • Guardian Scholars: (562) 908-3435
• English Writing Center • Student Health and Psychological Services: (562) 908-3438
• ESL/Language Lab • PASS (TRIO/SSS): (562) 463-3216
• Languages (ASL, Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish) • Student Life & Leadership: (562) 908-3427
• Learning Assistance Center (LAC) Division of Student Success
• Mass Communications/Journalism/Radio (562) 463-4693
-El Paisano, elpaisanoonline.com, La Cima • Assessment Center: (562) 463-7226
• Reading & Study Skills • Financial Aid, Scholarships and
• Reading Lab Veterans Services: (562) 908-3411
• Speech/Forensics • First Year Success Center: (562) 463-6650
• Study Abroad • Outreach and Educational Partnerships: (562) 463-4693
Division of Counseling & Student Success Equity • Veterans Service Center (562) 463-3370
(562) 908-3410
• Center for Career & Re-entry Services: (562) 908-3407 Rio Hondo College / 3
• Counseling Center: (562) 908-3410
• Student Equity: (562) 463-7066

2018-2019 Catalog

Contents 4 Support Services and Special Academic Programs
Academic Advisement ..........................................................27
1 General Information About Rio Hondo College Assessment Center...................................................................27
History.........................................................................................6 CalWORKs Program................................................................27
Vision, Mission, Values Statement..........................................6 Career Counseling
Goals Statement..........................................................................7 Center for Career & Re-Entry Services .......................27
Institutional Code of Ethics (BP 3050) ....................................7 Career Services.........................................................................27
Institutional Philosophy ..........................................................8 Re-Entry Services.....................................................................27
Institutional Affiliation..............................................................8 Child Development Center/Preschool Laboratory.............28
Accreditations & Certifications................................................8 Computer Resources...............................................................28
Facilities.......................................................................................9 Continuing Education & Contract Education Classes........28
Art Gallery..........................................................................9 Counseling ...............................................................................28
Black Box Theater...............................................................9 Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS).................29
Bookstore ............................................................................9 Distance Education: Online Courses.....................................29
Rio Café...............................................................................9 Extended Opportunity Programs & Services
Child Development Center/ (EOP&S/CARE)................................................................29
Pre-School Laboratory..................................................9 Financial Aid Services.............................................................29
El Monte Educational Center (EMEC)............................9 First Year Success Center........................................................31
Fitness Center.....................................................................9 Guardian Scholars....................................................................31
Observatory........................................................................9 Honors Transfer Program.......................................................31
Parking: Students/Visitors................................................9 Labs............................................................................................31
Rio Hondo Educational Center at Pico Rivera............10 Foreign Language/ENLA Lab........................................31
Santa Fe Springs Training Center..................................10 Mathematics & Sciences Center (MSC).........................32
South Whittier Educational Center (SWEC)................10 Nursing Simulation Center.............................................32
State Smog Center............................................................10 Pre-School Laboratory.....................................................32
Wray Theater....................................................................10 Reading Lab......................................................................32
Writing Center..................................................................32
2 College Policies & Procedures Writers' Resource Center................................................32
Academic Freedom..................................................................12 Library.......................................................................................32
Access to Student Records......................................................12 Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA)
Student Records .....................................................................12 and TRiO Student Support Services STEM..................32
Children on Campus...............................................................12 Orientation................................................................................33
Computer Usage......................................................................12 The PASS Program...................................................................33
Student Complaints/Grievance Procedures ........................13 Pathway to Law School...........................................................33
Directory Information ............................................................13 Puente Project...........................................................................33
Hazing ......................................................................................13 Student Health and Psychological Services.........................33
Non-Discrimination Policy.....................................................13 Study Abroad...........................................................................34
Fóliza contra la Discriminación.............................................14 Transfer Center.........................................................................34
Registered Sex Offender Information...................................14 Tutoring Support.....................................................................34
Sexual Harassment..................................................................14 Learning Assistance Center (LAC)................................34
Hostigamiento Sexual..............................................................15 Mathematics & Sciences Center (MSC).........................34
Sexual Misconduct Information and Veterans Services.....................................................................34
Title IX Compliance.........................................................16 Weekend College.....................................................................34
Standards of Student Conduct ..............................................17 5 Student Life & Leadership
Mental Health Clearance........................................................19 How to Get Involved In Campus Activities.........................35
Rio Hondo College's Policy on Drug and Alcohol Abuse.19 Student Government...............................................................35
Student Clubs...........................................................................35
3 Admission, Registration & Educational Costs ASRHC Sponsored Events......................................................35
Admissions: Becoming a Rio Hondo Student .....................20 Student Leadership Institute..................................................35
Who May Apply ......................................................................20 College Services Fee.................................................................35
Student Classification..............................................................20 Student Publications................................................................35
Residence Requirements.........................................................20 Athletics – Men’s & Women’s Intercollegiate Sports.........35
AB540 Students........................................................................21 Athletic Eligibility for California Community College
International Students.............................................................21 Intercollegiate Teams ......................................................36
Open Enrollment Policy..........................................................22 Student Conduct at College-Sponsored Events...................36
Unit Limitations.......................................................................22 6 Academic Guidelines
Adding/Dropping Classes .....................................................22 Attendance/Absences..............................................................37
Evaluation of Transcripts........................................................23 Academic Dishonesty..............................................................37
Student Success and Support Program Academic Honors....................................................................38
Academic Standards................................................................38
(formerly Matriculation)....................................................23 Probation Standards ...............................................................40
Five Steps to Becoming a Rio Hondo College Student.......23 Repetition of Courses Guidelines..........................................40
Student Success and Support Program Requirement.........24 Student Learning Outcomes (SLO).......................................41
College Responsibilities..........................................................24 Transcripts.................................................................................41
Student Responsibilities .........................................................24 Work Hours/Class Guidelines...............................................41
Student Rights..........................................................................24 Alternative Credit....................................................................42
Matriculation Exemptions......................................................24 Credit by External Examination.....................................42
Assessment Placement Appeals Procedure.........................25 AP, CLEP, IB Credits.......................................................42
RHC Prerequisite/Corequisite/Advisory Definitions.........25 Credit by Examination at Rio Hondo............................42
Clearing a Prerequisite............................................................25 American Council on Education (ACE) Credit...........42
Prerequisite/Corequisite Challenge Procedure...................25 Credit for Military Service..............................................42
Educational Costs ...................................................................26 Non-Collegiate Registered Nursing Training Credit.42
Scholarships..............................................................................26 Upper-Division Credit....................................................42
Student Financial Obligations ...............................................26
Enrollment/Fees Refunds ......................................................26 2018-19 Catalog
Resident Students.............................................................26
Non-Resident Students...................................................26
4 / Rio Hondo College

7 Degree & Certificate Guidelines Instructional
Degree Programs .....................................................................49 Calendar 2018-2019
The A.A. or A.S. Degree Concept..........................................49
The A.A. or A.S. Degree Requirements................................49 Summer 2018
Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or
Ten-Week Session (10-weeks)
Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) Requirements....49 ........................................Monday, June 4 – Friday, August 10
Associate Degree for Transfer - Reciprocity Policy.............50
RHC General Education and Proficiency Requirements...50 First Session (5-weeks)
Multiple Majors/Second Associate Degrees.........................51 ................................................Monday, June 4 – Friday, July 6
Catalog Rights .........................................................................51
Continuous Enrollment ..........................................................51 Evening Session (6-weeks)
Graduation................................................................................51 ............................................Monday, June 18 – Friday, July 27
Certificate Programs................................................................51
Certificate of Achievement........................................................51 Late Start: Day and Evening (8-weeks)
Certificate of Proficiency............................................................51 ......................................Monday, June 18 – Friday, August 10
Career Certificate.........................................................................51 (Includes on-site, off site & online classes)
Exceptions to Graduation/Certificate of Achievement
Requirements.......................................................................52 Second Session: Day Classes (5-weeks)
.........................................Monday, July 9 – Friday, August 10
8 Transfer
Transfer Programs...................................................................53 Fall 2018
Educational Planning for Transfer........................................53
Impacted Campuses & Programs..........................................53 Semester Dates (16-weeks)
Transferring to California State University (CSU)..............53 .............Saturday, August 18 - Saturday, December 8
CSU Certification.....................................................................54
CSU Application......................................................................54 Flex Day.........................................................Friday, August 17
CSU Application Filing Periods.............................................54 (Classes begin Saturday, August 18)
CSU General Education Breadth Course Requirements....55
Transferring to University of California (UC).....................55 8-Week Modules
Community College Transfer Priority Admission..............56 ..................(Module A) Saturday, Aug. 18 – Friday, Oct. 12
IGETC General Education Certification...............................56 ..................(Module B) Saturday, Oct. 13 – Saturday, Dec. 8
UC Impacted Majors................................................................56
Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)..................................56 Finals Week
UC Application.........................................................................56 .......................Monday, December 3 – Saturday, December 8
UC Application Filing Periods...............................................56
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum Spring 2019
IGETC) For CSU & UC....................................................57
Transferring to Independent Colleges & Universities........58 Intersession Dates (4-weeks)
Transfer Web Sites...................................................................58 .......................... Wednesday, January 2 - Thursday, January 24

9 Degree & Certificate Programs Semester Dates (16-weeks)
Associate of Arts Degree/Associate of Science Degree........... 59 ............... .................... Saturday, January 26 - Thursday, May 23
Certificate of Achievement.....................................................59
Career Certificate.....................................................................60 Flex Day...........................................................Friday, January 25
Certificate of Skill Proficiency................................................60 (Classes begin Saturday, January 26)
Associate Degree for Transfer................................................60
Non-Credit Certificate.............................................................61 Spring Break ................Monday, March 25 - Friday, March 29
Bachelor of Science Degree.....................................................61 (No weekend classes Saturday, March 23)
RHC Majors & Programs.................................................. 62-65
Fire Academy..........................................................................127 8-Week Modules
General Studies............................................................... 130-134 ......... .............(Module A) Saturday, Jan. 26 – Friday, March 22
Nursing Programs Overview....................................... 162-170 .............. (Module B) Saturday, March 30 – Thursday, May 23
Bachelor of Science Degree
Automotive Technology....................................... 200-208 Finals Week
........................................ Monday, May 20 – Thursday, May 23
10 Student Learning Outcomes
SLOs - Degree & Certificate ......................................... 209-221 Commencement.............................................. Thursday, May 23
SLOs - General Education............................................. 221-222

11 Courses of Instruction
C-ID Numbering System ............................................. 224-231
Credit Course Listing.................................................... 232-391
Non-Credit Course Listing........................................... 392-400

12 Administrators.......................................................... 401-402

13 Faculty....................................................................... 403-409

14 Maps......................................................................... 410-412

15 Index......................................................................... 413-416

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 5

1 General Information About
Rio Hondo College

History

The Rio Hondo Community College District was established
by election in October 1960, but first classes were not held
until 1963-1964. Since the district’s boundaries at that time
were identical to those of the Whittier Union High School
District, administration of the district was by the high
school district Board of Trustees. Creation of the El Rancho
Unified School District in 1962 required that Rio Hondo
College establish its own Board of Trustees, and an election
for that purpose was held in April 1962.

The new Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Phil Putnam as
the founding Superintendent-President in February 1963.
In May 1963, the Board chose Rio Hondo as the name
for the college. The name, long associated with the area
surrounding the Rio Hondo River, means “deep river.”

College classes were offered for the first time in the late understanding of individual and community life, vocational
afternoons and evenings in September 1963 at Sierra and training in certain areas, and courses for improving
El Rancho High Schools. Following selection of the present academic performance necessary for studying at a higher
campus site, a $12 million bond issue to build the college level.
was approved by 80.1 percent of the district voters in
October 1963. During 1964 and 1965, Rio Hondo College The Rio Hondo College Foundation was established in 1992.
conducted classes for a limited enrollment at the former The Foundation assists the college in meeting the needs
Little Lake School in Santa Fe Springs. of its students and community. The Foundation’s focus is
to secure financial and community resources to support
The present campus opened in the fall of 1966 with an Rio Hondo College programs and services such as student
enrollment of 3,363 day and 2,682 evening students. scholarships, innovative educational projects, teaching and
Measure A, a $245 million bond passed by voters in 2004, training support, and capital expenditures.
now provides new buildings and facilities upgrades
campus-wide as well as new off-site educational centers in Vision
South Whittier and El Monte. Today, Rio Hondo enrolls
approximately 20,000 students per semester. Rio Hondo College strives to be an exemplary California
community college, meeting the learning needs of its
Rio Hondo College is an open-access California community changing and growing population and developing a state-
college that contains nine cities, in whole or part, four of-the-art campus to serve future generations.
distinct unincorporated communities, and a portion of
one other unincorporated community of Los Angeles Mission
County within our district boundaries. The cities include
El Monte, South El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, Rio Hondo College is committed to the success of its
and Whittier. The District also encompasses portions of diverse students and communities by providing dynamic
Norwalk, Downey, La Mirada, and the City of Industry. educational opportunities and resources that lead to
The unincorporated communities within our District degrees, certificates, transfer, career and technical pathways,
include Los Nietos, East Whittier, South Whittier, West basic skills proficiency, and lifelong learning.
Whittier, and a portion of Avocado Heights. The College
is a Hispanic Serving Institution with over 70 percent of Values Statement
students identified as Hispanic/Latino/a and a total ethnic
minority student population nearing 90 percent. As a teaching/learning community, we come together
and strive to meet the needs, aspirations, and goals of our
School districts within the college boundaries are the changing student population and communities. Since what
Whittier Union High School District, El Rancho Unified we value forms the core of who and what we are, the college
School District, and the El Monte Union High School community--trustees, faculty and staff--recognizes the
District. Students come to Rio Hondo seeking a variety importance of openly and candidly expressing the college’s
of educational experiences. Rio Hondo’s educational values. Rio Hondo College values the following:
program includes courses for transfer to four-year colleges
and universities, general education courses for greater 1. Quality teaching and learning
The college is dedicated to excellence in instruction

and student services to develop the intellectual and

6 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

personal competence of each student. Rio Hondo • to meet the changing technological needs required
College is committed to preparing students to adapt to to support the educational process and to enhance
the demands of a multicultural society. student access and success

2. Student access and success • to maintain a safe and pleasant environment for
Rio Hondo College recognizes the individual worth students, staff, and community

and potential of every human being. Accordingly, • to support participatory governance processes
the college offers an open access, comprehensive through effective communication among and
educational program to its students including basic involvement of students, faculty, staff, trustees,
skills, vocational education certificates and degrees, and community
general education and transfer courses, and, for its
community, economic development opportunities. • to provide leadership in the academic, cultural,
and economic life of the community
At Rio Hondo College, students will have an opportunity to
develop ethical values, learn the rights and responsibilities • to support the personal and professional growth of
of citizenship, develop career skills, and understand the trustees, faculty, and staff
scientific, artistic and social achievements of various
cultures including their own. • to develop and utilize fiscal resources in an
efficient and effective manner.
3. Diversity & Equity
Rio Hondo College remains committed to the diversity Institutional Code of Ethics
(BP 3050)
of students, faculty, staff, and management. Diversity
can be defined in many ways including ethnicity, I. The employees of Rio Hondo Community College
gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, District are committed to providing a high quality learning
physical abilities, religious beliefs, learning styles, environment to help our students successfully achieve their
political beliefs, or other ideologies. Appreciation of educational goals and objectives. Accordingly, they have
diversity means the following: interests in, and commitment to, ethical behavior. Ethical
persons are those who abide by principles and exemplify
• Recognizing that each individual is unique and virtues as understood within a given moral framework.
understanding individual differences. Many believe that virtue is intrinsically rewarding. At the
very least, that one be perceived as ethical is instrumental in
• Recognizing the things that people have in establishing credibility and trust.
common despite being members of diverse groups.
II. To support Rio Hondo’s commitment to ethical
• Creating a safe, positive, and nurturing behavior, college employees adhere to standards of ethical
environment that cultivates respect for what these and professional behavior related to their duties, and have
differences are. responsibilities to the institution and to individuals they
serve. Although one cannot “legislate morality” in the sense
• Moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing of mandating virtuous intentions, we can, and do, establish
and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity as general expectations of conduct.
a way of coming together as a community with a
common purpose. III. There are many sources of ethical inspiration and
guidance. All employees of Rio Hondo College are subject
The concepts of educational equity and student learning to official College policies and procedures; applicable
outcomes are central to the values of the College. Access regulatory agency requirements; local, state, and federal
to education and the opportunity for educational success laws; and professional standards (when applicable).
for all students shall be provided, with particular efforts in This includes policies such as the Rio Hondo College
regard to those who have been historically and currently Policy on Sexual Harassment (BP 3430), its Policy on
under-represented. Education should prepare students to Nondiscrimination (BP 3410), and its Policy on Academic
adapt to the demands of a multicultural society. Freedom (BP 4030).

4. Fiscal Responsibility IV. In addition, the Board of Trustees is subject to its own
Rio Hondo College recognizes the importance of Code of Ethics (BP 2715), and most of our employees are
members of professional organizations with their own
maintaining a fiscally sound, efficient, and effective established codes of ethics, such as the CTA, CSEA, and
college operation. It uses its resources—human, ACCCA. Employees are encouraged to consult their own
facilities, and financial—to the optimum benefit of its organizations, when applicable, for further guidance. As
students, community, and staff. constituents of Rio Hondo College, students are likewise
encouraged to maintain high Standards of Conduct (BP
5. Integrity and Civility 5500).
We value integrity, honesty and respect in our actions
V. As a further demonstration of commitment to high
and words. ethical standards, employees of Rio Hondo College aspire
to be guided by the following values statements. These are
Goals Statement guidelines and aspirations to be used for educational and
not disciplinary purposes, with our own conscience as the
With the rapid pace of change and the need to respond in a first and most salient means of evaluation:
reasonable, timely, and organized fashion - and keeping the
focus on our students - Rio Hondo College recognizes the
following goals as important to our collective success:

• to provide quality instruction to enhance the
teaching/learning process

• to provide quality student support programs

• to provide quality student services, utilizing a
student-centered process

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 7

• The College values open communication, honesty, which parallel the lower-division courses of four-year
dent performance against faculty standards. institutions and qualify the student for junior classification
at the university level. College transfer courses are accepted
• This College values open communication, honesty, at full value at most colleges and universities throughout
and truthfulness, and aspires to an “open door” the United States.
philosophy.
• Police Academy – California Commission on Peace
• This College values open inquiry, and honors Officers Standards and Training (POST) (Certified)
academic freedom.
• Fire Academy – California State Fire Marshal
• This College strives to protect human dignity and (Accredited); Accredited Local Processing for
individual freedom. “Fire Officer Certifications”- California State Fire
Marshals office
• This College values clear roles and responsibilities,
teamwork, and cooperation (as outlined in AB1725), • Regional Homeland Security Training Center
and therefore aspires to develop a climate of trust - certified by California State Fire Marshal and
and mutual support. California Emergency Management Agency (Cal
EMA) and certified as a UASI homeland security
• This College is committed to providing excellent regional training center in Los Angeles County.
educational opportunities to the community, and
the instructional faculty seeks to evaluate students • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Los
by honest appraisal of student performance against Angeles County Health Services EMT/Paramedic
faculty standards. Program Approval Section (Accredited)

Institutional Philosophy • Wildland Fire Program – U.S. Forest Service
(Certified)
Recognizing the individual worth and potential of every
human being, Rio Hondo College offers an open access, • First Aid and CPR – American Heart Association &
comprehensive educational program to residents of the American Red Cross (Certified)
college district.
• Expanded Scope Practice for EMTs – LA County
The college is dedicated to excellence in instruction and Department of Health Services (Certified)
student services to develop the intellectual and personal
competence of each individual. • Drug Studies Program – Accredited by California
Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators
At Rio Hondo College, students will have an opportunity to
develop ethical values, learn the rights and responsibilities • Nursing Program – Approved by the Board of
of citizenship, develop career skills, and understand the Registered Nursing, State of California and the
scientific, artistic, and social achievements of various Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric
cultures. Technicians, State of California.

Institutional Affiliation • CNA Programs – Approved through the
Department of Health Services State of California.
Rio Hondo College is a member of the Western Association
of Schools and Colleges, the American Association of • Automotive Programs: National Automotive
Community Colleges, and the California Association of Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)
Community Colleges. The college is also a member of the (Certified); California Automotive Business
San Gabriel/Foothill Association of Community Colleges Coalition Automotive Technician Training
(SanFACC). Standards (ATTS) (Certified); California Bureau of
Automotive Repair (BAR) Smog Check Technician
Accreditations & Certifications Training Institution (Certified).

Rio Hondo College is accredited by the Western Association
of Schools and Colleges and is authorized by the California
Community College Board of Governors to offer courses

8 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

Facilities Child Development Center/
Pre-School Laboratory
Art Gallery
The Rio Hondo Pre-School Laboratory located at the
The Rio Hondo College Art Gallery is located inside the Art Child Development Center provides quality pre-school
Building and is open to students and the community during services to the children of Rio Hondo students, staff, and
the academic year. The gallery provides an intimate setting community. Children must be between the ages of 3 and 5
for exhibits showing both student and professional artists, years old and are required to be partially (without the use
representing a variety of artistic disciplines. Used also as of a diaper or pull-up) to fully toilet trained. The Center
a teaching gallery, many of the exhibits are displayed and is supported by state funds and parent fees. Eligibility for
created by students enrolled in Art courses. The gallery state subsidized funding is determined by a combination of
is open to the public and exhibits are advertised in the family size and income. Some families may pay fees based
College’s Cultural Events brochure available from the on a sliding scale. Hours of operation are 7:30 A.M. to 5:00
Division of Arts & Cultural Programs and online at: http:// P.M., Monday through Friday. Holidays and breaks are
www.riohondo.edu/arts. Call (562) 908-3471 for more observed in accordance with the RHC academic calendar.
information. For more information, please call (562) 908-3494 or visit
the Rio Hondo website (click on Student Services and then
Black Box Theater Child Care). Rio Hondo College students from the Child
Development/Education Department, the Behavioral and
The Black Box Theater is located behind the Wray Theater. Social Science Division and Nursing utilize the Pre-School
With seating for approximately 80 guests, the Black Box Laboratory to observe the development and behavior of
provides a more intimate setting for student and visiting pre-school children and to apply the knowledge that they
performers. The performances are open to the public and gained in their courses working directly with children.
are advertised in the College’s Cultural Events brochure
from the Division of Arts & Cultural Programs. Call (562) El Monte Educational Center (EMEC)
908-3471 for more information.
The El Monte Educational Center (EMEC) is one of Rio
Bookstore Hondo College’s off-campus educational centers. It is
located at 3017 Tyler Avenue, El Monte, CA 91731. There
The Rio Hondo College Bookstore is located at the first are classrooms and a computer resource lab. Regular
floor of the Administration Building and stocks new, used college credit courses are offered at EMEC, including
and electronic textbooks, class supplies, RHC merchandise, basic skills classes as well as general education courses for
and a variety of educational materials. Used textbooks are graduation and transfer to a university. Assessment tests are
bought back year-round, at up to 50% of the new price. The offered. Continuing Education also offers non-credit courses
bookstore accepts cash, credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, at EMEC. For more information about classes and services
Discover, and American Express), personal checks (with at EMEC, please call (626) 443-8932.
valid driver's license and student ID), and bookstore gift
cards. Students can order their textbooks online at www. Fitness Center
riohondoshop.com. Books ordered online can be picked up
at the store or shipped via FedEx. The Rio Hondo College Rio Hondo College’s state-of-the-art Fitness Center is
Bookstore offers textbook rentals, saving students 65% or located in the Kinesiology Department (room 150).
more on select textbooks. Information is available in the Access is available by enrolling in KINA 130, a one-unit
bookstore or by logging on to www.rent-a-text.com. The Kinesiology Activity Class. Additional information is listed
bookstore is open Monday through Saturday, except college in the Class Schedule and on the Fitness Center web page.
holidays. The bookstore offers extended hours the first two
weeks of each semester. Students should refer to www. Observatory
riohondoshop.com for exact hours each semester. Ninety
percent of the commissions received from the bookstore Rio Hondo College is one of only 10 California Community
goes to the Auxiliary Service Fund for student activities. Colleges to possess an observatory. The Gordon D.
Crowell Astrophysical Observatory has been serving the
Rio Café students of the college and residents of the community
for over 45 years. The Observatory houses a 16-inch
The Rio Café, located on the first floor of the Student Union, reflecting telescope that is the largest telescope available
is the place to grab a snack or meal on the run. The 300 seat to the public in the Los Angeles area. We are open to the
dining room is ample enough to enjoy a delicious breakfast, public, year round, no fee, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
lunch, or dinner with friends. The café offers a mix of PDT and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. PST on selected clear Friday
healthy dining options, a mouth-watering grill featuring evenings. Visitors are asked to park in Lot C and walk
an exhibition grill of hot sandwiches, International Cuisine, up the observatory road to the Observatory. Please wear
Panini Grill, and Crepe station. Several beverage choices to comfortable walking shoes, dress warmly, and bring a
choose from and a variety of sweet and savory fresh-baked flashlight. Visitors are also advised that we do not have rest
pastries. Enjoy your favorite Starbucks Lattes, cappuccino® room facilities at the observatory. Call (562) 908-3472 for
Blended Beverages, Coffees and Teas at our Starbucks more information, or visit www.riohondo.edu/mathmatics/
Coffee Bar. The café accepts: Cash, Credit, and Apple Pay. astronomy/observatory-nights.
Hours for the Rio Café are: Monday through Thursday 7:00
am to 9:00 pm; Friday 7:00 am to 2:00 pm; Saturday 7:00 am Parking: Students/Visitors
to 1:00 pm. Catering is available at [email protected].
Parking facilities are provided for students and visitors
at nine locations on campus as designated in this College
Catalog. Students are required to display a Rio Hondo
College parking permit on all vehicles parking on campus.

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 9

Parking permits should be obtained at the time of South Whittier Educational Center
registration and thereafter at every semester registration or (SWEC)
where there is a change in vehicle(s). Motorcycle parking is
permitted only in specially designated areas in Lot B, Lot C, The South Whittier Educational Center (SWEC) is one of Rio
Lot E, Lot 1, and Lot 4. Hondo College’s off-campus educational centers located at
14307 East Telegraph Road, Whittier, CA 90604. There are
Visitors on campus may obtain temporary parking permits classrooms and a computer resource lab. Regular college
at the Parking Information Booth located off College Drive credit courses are offered at SWEC, including basic skills
to the left at Parking Lot 2 of the lower level parking stalls classes as well as general education courses for graduation
or at one of three day parking permit dispensers available in and transfer to a university. Assessment tests are offered.
these locations: Continuing Education also offers non-credit courses at
• Parking Lot A, center of lot SWEC. For more information about classes and services at
• Parking Lot A, near the bridge SWEC, please call (562) 941-2356.
• Parking Lot 6, near the stairs
• Parking Lot C, southeast corner of Lot C State Smog Center
• Parking Lot E, near entrance of PE Building
Rio Hondo College’s State Smog Center is a state-contracted
One (1) day parking permit fee is $3.00. The dispenser test facility that provides certain Smog Check services
accepts one dollar bills, credit cards, coins (including dollar for motorists. Working with Automotive Technology
coins). Dispenser does not give change for bills or coins. departments at the community colleges, the Consumer
A five (5) minute parking stall is located alongside the Assistance Referee Centers provide motorists the
dispenser for temporary parking while you purchase your opportunity to receive independent smog checks on their
permit. vehicles. Visit the web site www.smogcheck.ca.gov for the
eligibility conditions necessary to utilize a referee station.
Persons operating vehicles on campus are expected to abide Depending on the State’s schedule of operation, the Center
by all California vehicle codes as well as posted regulations. is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
Citations will be issued by campus security officers for p.m. by appointment only. Closed on State-determined
violations of such codes or for failure to abide by college holidays. Call (800) 622-7733 for hours of operation and an
parking or vehicular regulations. Everyone is required to appointment.
pay all fines in connection with such violations. Unpaid
fines will be referred to the DMV, and a hold will be placed Wray Theater
on your vehicle registration.
The Wray Theater, located on the lower quad, functions as
Persons using the parking facilities at the college do so at the main performance space for the college. Showcasing
their own risk. The college assumes no liability for the use a variety of student and professional performances in the
of the parking facilities. areas of theatre, dance, music, film, and guest lectures, the
theater seats approximately 300 persons. The performances
Rio Hondo Educational Center are open to the public and are advertised in the College’s
at Pico Rivera Cultural Events brochure available from the Division of Arts
& Cultural Programs. For more information, call (562) 908-
The Rio Hondo Educational Center at Pico Rivera is one 3471 or visit our web site at: http://www.riohondo.edu/arts.
of Rio Hondo College’s off-campus educational centers. It
is located at 9426 Marjorie Street, Pico Rivera, CA 90660.
There are classrooms and a computer resource lab. Regular
college credit courses are offered at the Pico Rivera center,
including basic skills classes as well as general education
courses for graduation and transfer to a university.
Assessment tests are offered. Continuing Education also
offers non-credit courses. For more information about
classes and services at the Pico center, please call (562) 222-
1482.

Santa Fe Springs Training Center

The Rio Hondo College Fire Technology program is located
at the Santa Fe Springs Regional Training Center at 11400
Greenstone Ave., Santa Fe Springs. The Training Center
houses the equipment and facilities for the College’s Fire
Academy, Homeland Security Training Center, Emergency
Medical Technician (EMT) program, Biddle Physical
Abilities Testing, CWH Firefighter Testing, National Fire
Firefighter Testing and Advanced Fire Marshal Training
Programs. Some Fire Technology classes are also held on
the main campus at the new Administration of Justice
Building. The Wildland Fire Technology program and the
Wildland Fire Academy are located at the AJ Annex on
the main campus. Please see Schedule of Classes for more
information.

10 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

SOUTH WHITTIER EDUCATIONAL CENTER Rio Hondo College / 11
14307 E. Telegraph Road
Whittier, CA 90604
Phone: 562-941-2356
Fax: 562-946-3817
DIRECTIONS:
1. Go northeast on Workman Mill Rd. toward College Dr.
2. Stay on Peck Rd.
3. Turn right onto Rooks Rd.
4. Merge onto I-605 S.
5. Take the Telegraph Rd exit, EXIT 12.
6. Turn left onto Telegraph Rd.
7. Make a U-turn onto Telegraph Rd.
8. SWEC is on the right.

EL MONTE EDUCATIONAL CENTER
3017 Tyler Ave.
El Monte, CA 91731
Phone: 626-443-8932
Fax: 626-443-8997
DIRECTIONS:
1. Go northeast on Workman Mill Rd. toward College Dr.
2. Stay on Peck Rd.
3. Peck Rd turns into N Durfee Ave.
4. Turn left onto N Peck Rd/E. Rush St.
5. Take the 1st left onto E Rush St.
6. Take the 3rd right onto N Tyler Ave.
7. EMEC is on the left.

RIO HONDO EDUCATIONAL CENTER
AT PICO RIVERA
9426 Marjorie Street,
Pico Rivera, CA 90660
Phone: 562-222-1482
DIRECTIONS:
1. Go northeast on Workman Mill Rd. toward College Dr.
2. Stay on Peck Rd.
3. Turn right onto Rooks Rd.
4. Merge onto I-605 S.
5. Take the Washington Blvd. West exit.
6. Turn right onto Washington Blvd.
7. Turn right on Passons Blvd.
8. Turn right on Marjorie St.
9. The Pico Center is on the corner of Passons and Marjorie.

SANTA FE SPRINGS TRAINING CENTER
11400 Greenstone Ave.
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Phone: 562-941-4082 extensions 21, 23, or 25
DIRECTIONS:
1. Go northeast on Workman Mill Rd. toward College Dr.
2. Go onto Peck Rd.
3. Turn right onto Rooks Rd.
4. Merge onto I-605 S.
5. Take the Telegraph Rd exit, EXIT 12.
6. Turn left onto Telegraph Rd.
7. Turn right onto Bloomfield Ave.
8. Bloomfield Ave. becomes Lakeland Rd.
9. Turn left to stay on Lakeland Rd.
10. Take the 1st right onto Greenstone Ave.
11. Academy is on the left.

2018-2019 Catalog

2 College Policies &

Procedures

Current Rio Hondo College Board Policies and Administrative Procedures can be found on the web site:
www.riohondo.edu/board/policies.htm.

Academic Freedom College personnel may also permit These provisions apply to records
access to student’s records to any received and used after November
Philosophy person for whom the student has 1, 1974. A student may request a
The maintenance of freedom of speech, executed written consent specifying report summarizing the number of
publication, religion, and assembly the records to be released and records he/she has requested or given
(each of which is a component of identifying the party to whom the consent to be released. Complaints as
intellectual freedom) is the breath of records may be released. College to procedure or improper release of
life in a democratic society. The need personnel will notify the recipient of record information may be filed with
is greatest in fields and institutions such records that the transmission the Office of Education, HEW FERPA,
of higher learning, where the use of information to third parties is DHEW, 330 Independence Avenue,
of reason and the cultivation of the prohibited. (Administrative Procedure S.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.
highest forms of human expression 5040)
are the basic methods for maintaining Children on Campus
freedoms. Society has come to rely Student Records
upon colleges and universities as a Except when children are enrolled
principal means of acquiring new Privacy Act - All student records at Rio in the Child Development Center,
knowledge and new techniques, Hondo College are kept in accordance other instructional programs in the
of conveying the fruits of past and with the provisions of the Family District, and/or attending public
present learning to the community, Educational Rights and Privacy Act of events under the supervision of a
and of transmitting these results 1974. Students may request access to parent or guardian, bringing children
to generations to come. Without those campus records that personally on campus while attending classes is
freedom to explore, to criticize existing identify the student; the student may not permitted. Parents and guardians
institutions, to exchange ideas, and to challenge the accuracy of the record or must be aware that the ultimate
advocate solutions to human problems, the appropriateness of its retention in responsibility for the safety of the
faculty members, staff and students the campus records. Student consent children in their care rests with them
cannot perform their work and cannot is needed for the release of records and no liability can be accepted by the
maintain their self-respect. Society covered by the Act to outside parties District nor any of its agents or staff for
suffers correspondingly. The liberty (e.g., prospective employers) except the consequences of children being on
that is needed requires a freedom of for those agencies entitled to access campus.
thought and expression within colleges under the provisions of the Act (e.g.,
and universities, freedom to carry the campus officials, other schools, federal Computer Usage
results of honest inquiry to the outside, educational and auditing officers
and a freedom to influence human and requests in connection with the Each computer user is responsible for
affairs in the same manner as other application of receipt of financial aid). the use of computing resources in an
informed persons do. Nor is the value effective, efficient, and lawful manner.
of freedom lessened because error at
times arises from its exercise. Learning,
intellectual development, and social
and scientific progress takes place on
a trial-and-error basis, and even the
unsound cause or hypothesis may call
forth the truth that displaces it. (Board
Policy 4030).

Access to 2018-19 Catalog
Student Records

All currently enrolled or former
students have the right of access to
any records relating to them and
maintained by the College. Students
may inspect and review records during
regular business hours in the Office of
Admissions and Records. Requests for
access to records will be granted no
later than five working days following
date of request. Qualified personnel
will be present to interpret records for
students.

12 / Rio Hondo College

Computing resources and equipment based on this type of allegation. These endangers a student seeking admission
are college property, and the college types of complaints are covered under into or affiliation with any student
retains the right to monitor systems separate Administrative Procedures organization. The term “hazing”
and limit access. Users of computing (AP 3435). does not include customary athletic
resources must abide by the rules/ events or school-sanctioned events.
policies established by the department For more information regarding A violation of this section that does
responsible for the supervision of student complaints and grievance not result in serious bodily injury is
the equipment. Each user must procedures, please contact the Office a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine
understand and acknowledge that of Student Affairs located in SS204 of not less than one hundred dollars
his/her freedom to access and display or visit: http://www.riohondo.edu/ ($100), nor more than five thousand
information is limited to authorized student_affairs/complaints-grievances. dollars ($5,000), or imprisonment in
academic and administrative uses. No the county jail for not more than one
person may use computer resources Directory Information year, or both. (Board Policy 5500)
for any illegal act, including the
possession or use of programs, files, This is to serve as public notice that Non-Discrimination
or instructions for violating system the following information is regarded Policy
security or violation of copyright law. by Rio Hondo Community College
Computer resources may not be used District as Directory Information, and Rio Hondo Community College
to intimidate or create an atmosphere may be released for distribution unless District complies with all federal
of harassment based upon any a stop action is initiated by a student and state rules and regulations and
protected class/category (gender, race, on the Rio Hondo College Directory does not discriminate on the basis
religion, ethnic origin, creed, sexual Information Denial of Release form of national origin, religion, age, sex,
orientation, or other categories as available in the Admissions and gender, gender identity, gender
applicable). (Administrative Procedure Records Office. A new form must expression, race or ethnicity, color,
3720) be completed each year. Directory medical condition, genetic information,
information includes: a student’s ancestry, sexual orientation, marital
Student Complaints/ name, whether or not he/she is status, physical or mental disability,
Grievance Procedures currently enrolled, participation in pregnancy, military and veteran status,
officially recognized activities and or because he or she is perceived to
The District provides a prompt and sports, weight and height of members have one or more of the foregoing
equitable means of resolving student of athletic teams, degrees and awards characteristics, or based on association
grievances and complaints. A received. (Board Policy 5040) with a person or group with one or
grievance is an alleged wrongful act more of these actual or perceived
by a Rio Hondo College staff or faculty A request for directory information characteristics in any program
member which has an adverse effect will be denied to any parties, not or activity. Inquiries regarding
upon a student’s academic or personal otherwise entitled to the information compliance and/or grievance
status right or privileges as a student by law, if the college determines that procedures may be directed to Dean
at Rio Hondo College. Students such release is not in the best interest of Student Affairs, Student Services
are protected against capricious, of the student. Further information Building, 2nd Floor, Room SS204,
arbitrary, unreasonable, unlawful, may be obtained from the Admissions (562) 908-3498.
false, malicious or professionally & Records Office. (Board Policy and
inappropriate evaluations or behavior Administrative Procedure 5040) Rio Hondo Community College
by a faculty member, a staff member, District recognizes its obligation to
an administrator or an official of Hazing provide program accessibility for all
the College or another student. persons with disabilities in a manner
Student complaints may be classified The California Legislature moved that does not discriminate in the
as grievances and fall into one of hazing from the educational codes and delivery of those services. The College
two categories: Academic, or Non- amended the Penal Code to include makes reasonable accommodations
Academic. Students are encouraged hazing in order to close legal loopholes for students, employees and members
to follow the Rio Hondo College and to deter students. Section 245.6 of the community who may be
Complaint and Grievance process. of the California Penal Code, which participating in campus activities.
Issues that are not resolved at the went into effect on January 1, 2007, (Administrative Procedure 3435)
campus level may be presented to the reads: It shall be unlawful to engage
State Chancellor’s Office using their in hazing. “Hazing” means any Inquiries regarding federal laws
complaint process. method of initiation or pre-initiation and regulations concerning
into a student organization or student nondiscrimination in education or
This procedure does not apply to body, whether or not the organization the District’s compliance with those
any matters for which a specified or body is officially recognized by provisions may also be directed to:
method of complaint resolution is an educational institution, which is
provided by law or by District policy, likely to cause serious bodily injury. Office of Civil Rights
such as: Student disciplinary actions, Hazing can be defined as any action United States Department of Education
which are covered under separate or activity which does not contribute
Board policies and Administrative to the positive development of a 50 Beale Street, Ste. 7200
Procedures (BP 5500, AP 5500); Police person; which inflicts or intends San Francisco, CA 94105
citations (i.e. “tickets”); complaints to cause physical or mental harm
about citations must be directed to the or anxieties; which may demean, (415) 486-5555
County Courthouse in the same way degrade or disgrace any person
as any traffic violation; or Complaints regardless of location, intent or or
of discrimination, harassment, or consent of participants. Hazing
retaliation, including grade grievances can also be defined as any action
or situation, which intentionally

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 13

Department of Fair Employment & Registered Sex of authority makes educational or
Housing Offender Information employment benefits conditional
upon an individual’s willingness
1900 Mariposa Mall Offenders are required to register with to engage in or tolerate unwanted
Suite 130 the Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Department sexual conduct.
prior to applying to Rio Hondo 2. Hostile environment sexual
Fresno, CA 93721 College. harassment occurs when
unwelcome conduct based on sex
Póliza contra la Once registered, the offender is is sufficiently severe or pervasive
Discriminación required to meet with the Dean of so as to alter the conditions of
Students Affairs with appropriate an individual's learning or work
El Distrito del Colegio de Rio Hondo documentation from the Sheriff’s environment, unreasonably
cumple con todas las reglas y regla- Department. interfere with an individuals
mentos federales y estatales y no academic or work performance,
discrimina a base de origen nacional, For further information, call the Pico or create an intimidating,
religión, edad, género, identidad Rivera Sheriff’s Department at (562) hostile, or abusive learning or
sexual, expresión sexual, raza o 222-5533 or the Dean of Student Affairs work environment. The victim
etnicidad, color, condición médica, at (562) 908-3498. must subjectively perceive the
información genética, ascendencia, ori- environment as hostile, and
entación sexual, estado civil, discapaci- Information concerning registered the harassment must be such
dad física o mental, embarazo o por ser sex offenders may be obtained from that a reasonable person of the
militar y veterano de las fuerzas arma- the Whitter Police Department, 13200 same gender would perceive the
das o porque él o ella son percibidos Penn St., Whittier, CA 90602 or by environment as hostile.
tener una o varias de las características calling (562) 567-9200. Sex offenders
precedentes o basado en la asociación are required to register with the police Sexual harassment can consist of
con una persona o el grupo con uno o in the jurisdiction in which they reside. virtually any form or combination
varios de estas características reales o of verbal, physical, visual or
percibidas. Esto se mantiene verdadero Sexual Harassment environmental conduct. It need not be
para todos los estudiantes que están explicit, nor even specifically directed
interesados en participar en programas Sexual Harassment is offensive, at the victim. Sexually harassing
educativos incluyendo programas de unwelcome sexual attention. conduct can occur between people of
carrera y educación técnica y/o activi- Sexual harassment is a form of sex the same or different genders. The
dades extraescolares. (AP 3435) discrimination which violates Title standard for determining whether
VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as conduct constitutes sexual harassment
Para más información sobre esta póliza amended, Title IX of the Education is whether a reasonable person of
y/o procedimientos de agravio, pueden Amendments of 1972, California the same gender as the victim would
ser dirigidas al Decano, Asuntos statutes, Rio Hondo Community perceive the conduct as harassment
Estudiantiles, ubicado en el edificio de College District Board policy BP 3430. based on sex.
Servicios para el Estudiante, segundo
piso, cuarto SS-204, (562) 908-3498. Definition – Sexual harassment Examples – Sexual harassment
consists of unwelcome sexual advances, includes, but is not limited to the
El Distrito del Colegio de Rio Hondo requests for sexual favors, and other following misconduct:
reconoce su obligación de proveer conduct of a sexual nature when: 1. Verbal: Inappropriate or
programas con accesibilidad para 1. submission to the conduct is
todas las personas con discapacidades offensive remarks, slurs, jokes or
en una manera que no discriminar made a term or condition of innuendoes based on sex. This
en la entrega de aquellos servicios. an individual's employment, may include, but is not limited
El Colegio hace modificaciones academic status, or progress; to, inappropriate comments
razonables para estudiantes, 2. submission to, or rejection of, regarding an individual's body,
empleados, y miembros de la the conduct by the individual is physical appearance, attire, sexual
comunidad quienes participen en used as a basis of employment of prowess, marital status, or sexual
actividades del colegio. (AP3435) academic decisions effecting the orientation; unwelcome flirting or
individual; propositions; demands for sexual
Preguntas o información sobre leyes 3. the conduct has the purpose favors; verbal abuse, threats or
federales y reglamentos contra la or effect of having a negative intimidation of a sexual nature; or
discriminación en la educación o el impact on the individual's work sexist, patronizing or ridiculing
cumplimento del Distrito con aquellas or academic performance, or of statements that convey derogatory
provisiones también pueden ser creating an intimidating, hostile attitudes about a particular
dirigidas a: or offensive work or educational gender.
environment; or 2. Physical: Inappropriate or
la Oficina de Derechos Civiles, 4. submission to, or rejection of, offensive touching, assault, or
Departamento de Educación de los the conduct by the individual is physical interference with free
EEUU used as the basis for any decision movement. This may include, but
50 Beale Street, Ste. 7200 affecting the individual regarding is not limited to, kissing, patting,
San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 486-5555 benefits and services, honors, lingering or intimate touches,
programs, or activities available at grabbing, pinching, leering,
o or through the community college. staring, unnecessarily brushing
against or blocking another
El Departamento de Empleo Justo Y This definition encompasses two kinds person, whistling or sexual
Vivienda of sexual harassment. gestures.
1900 Mariposa Mall 1. Quid pro quo sexual harassment
Suite 130 2018-19 Catalog
Fresno, CA 93721 occurs when a person in a position

14 / Rio Hondo College

3. Visual or Written: The display or 2. sometimiento al comportamiento, sexual es si una persona razonable
circulation of offensive sexually o rechazo del comportamiento, del mismo sexo percibiría
oriented visual or written del hostigador se presenta el comportamiento como
material. This may include, but is como criterio de empleo o de hostigamiento sexual.
not limited to, posters, cartoons, decisiones académicas en cuanto
drawings, graffiti, reading al individuo; Ejemplos – Hostigamiento sexual
materials, computer graphics or incluye, pero no se limita a, mal
electronic media transmissions. 3. el comportamiento tiene el intento comportamiento como:
de resultar en impacto negativo
4. Environmental: An academic en el trabajo del individuo o en los 1. Verbal: palabras impropias o
or work environment that estudios académicos del individuo, o ofensivas, menosprecios, chistes
is permeated with sexually- tiene el intento de crear un ambiente o burlas o insinuaciones sexuales.
oriented talk, innuendo, insults de intimidación y hostilidad en el Esto incluye, pero no se limita a,
or abuse not relevant to the empleo o en los estudios; o comentos impropios en cuanto
subject matter of the class. A al cuerpo del individuo, la
hostile environment can arise 4. sometimiento al comportamiento, apariencia física, atavío, valentía
from an unwarranted focus o rechazo del comportamiento, del sexual, estado civil, o preferencia
on sexual topics or sexually hostigador se usa como criterio sexual del individuo; flirteo
suggestive statements in the de cualquier decisión en cuanto o solicitudes mal recibidas;
classroom. An environment al individuo y los beneficios demandas de favores sexuales;
may be hostile if unwelcome o servicios, lauros del colegio, abuso verbal, amenazas
sexual behavior is directed programas, o actividades que se intimidación de tipo sexual; o
specifically at an individual or if presentan en o por el colegio. sexismo, comentos arrogantes
the individual merely witnesses que ponen en ridículo a un sexo, o
unlawful harassment in his or Esta definición incluye dos clases de que expresan actitud derogatoria
her immediate surroundings. hostigamiento sexual. contra un sexo.
The determination of whether an
environment is hostile is based on 1. Quid pro quo hostigamiento sexual 2. Físico: contacto físico impropio o
the totality of the circumstances, ocurre cuando una persona con ofensivo, asalto, o impedimento
including such factors as the puesto de autoridad presenta físico del movimiento de una
frequency of the conduct, the beneficios educativos o de persona. Esto puede incluir, pero
severity of the conduct, whether empleo como dependientes en no se limita a, besando, caricias
the conduct is humiliating or el sometimiento del individuo físicas, tocando intímamente,
physically threatening, and a participar en o tolerar agarrando a mano, pellizcando,
whether the conduct unreasonably comportamiento sexual mal mirando con lascivia, ojeando,
interferes with an individual's recibido. pasando ligeramente por encima
learning or work. o impidiendo el paso de otra
2. Ambiente hostil hostigamiento persona, silbando o haciendo
If you believe that you are a victim of sexual ocurre cuando ademanes o gesticulaciones
sexual harassment, contact the District comportamiento mal recibido, sexuales.
Title IX Compliance Officer in room implícitamente o explícitamente
A113, or (562) 908-3405. sexual, es bastante severo o 3. Visual o escrito: mostrando,
intruso para que se cambien diseminando, o manifestando
Hostigamiento Sexual las condiciones del ambiente materia, visual o escrita, ofensiva
de empleo, o de estudios, del y de sentido sexual. Esto puede
Hostigamiento sexual es acosamiento individuo, o para que se impida incluir, pero no se limita a,
sexual, ofensivo y mal recibido. excesivamente el trabajo del carteles, caricaturas, diseños,
individuo o los estudios del dibujos, grafiti, materia para
Hostigamiento sexual es una forma individuo, o para que se crea leer, gráficas en la computadora,
de discriminación sexual, lo cual un ambiente, de empleo o y materia transmitida
viola el Título VII del Acto de los educativo, de intimidación, electrónicamente.
Derechos Civiles de 1964, a como hostilidad y abuso. El individuo
se han enmendado, Título IX de como víctima tiene que percibir 4. Ambiente: el ambiente de empleo
los Enmendamientos de Educación personalmente el ambiente como o el ambiente académico que esté
de 1972, estatutos del Estado de hostil, y el hostigamiento tiene lleno de expresiones verbales de
California, y política de la Junta del que ser de tal manera que una sentido sexual, insinuaciones ,
Distrito del Colegio de Río Hondo persona razonable del mismo insultos o abusos verbales que
BP 3430. sexo percibiría el comportamiento no pertenecen al tema de la clase.
como hostigamiento sexual. Un ambiente hostil se puede
Definición – Hostigamiento sexual Hostigamiento sexual incluye realizar con enfoque impropio en
puede ser acosamiento sexual mal cualquier combinación de temas sexuales o con comentario
recibido, solicitudes de favores comportamiento verbal, físico, o implícitamente sexual en la clase.
sexuales, y otro comportamiento visual, o de control a través del Un ambiente puede ser hostil
implícitamente sexual con tal que: ambiente de empleo o educativo. si el comportamiento sexual
El hostigamiento sexual no tiene mal recibido es específicamente
1. sometimiento al comportamiento que ser explícito, ni tiene que dirigido a un individuo o si el
se presenta como requisito ser específicamente dirigido al individuo solamente observa
o condición del empleo del víctima. Hostigamiento sexual el hostigamiento ilícito en el
individuo, de la categoría o estado puede ocurrir entre personas del ambiente. La determinación
académico del individuo o de mismo sexo o de diferentes sexos. del ambiente como hostil se
adelantamiento del individuo; El criterio para determinar si basa en el conjunto de todas
comportamiento es hostigamiento las circunstancias, inclusive

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 15

elementos como la frecuencia del to investigate allegations of gender- to maintain your privacy, ask them
comportamiento, la severidad based discrimination and/or sexual before you talk to them.
del comportamiento, si el misconduct. The deputy investigators
comportamiento menosprecia o will use discretion on how they act NON-CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING
amenaza, y si el comportamiento in response to notice of gender-based OPTIONS:
impide excesivamente el empleo discrimination. Understanding that You are encouraged to speak to
del individuo o los estudios del different people on campus have officials of the institution to make
individuo. different reporting responsibilities formal reports of incidents (deans, vice
and varied abilities to maintain presidents, or other administrators
Si usted cree que usted ha sido víctima confidentiality, the District Title IX with supervisory responsibilities,
de hostigamiento sexual, llame a, Officer will assign deputy investigators campus security, and human
Oficial de Titulo IX del Distrito, en la depending on the situation and the resources). The College considers these
oficina A113, o de teléfono fuera del parties involved. people to be “responsible employees.”
colegio, llame al número (562) 908-3405. Notice to them is official notice to
To Report Gender-Based the institution. You have the right
Sexual Misconduct Discrimination, sexual harassment, and can expect to have incidents
Information and Title IX non-consensual sexual contact, non- of sexual misconduct to be taken
Compliance consensual sexual intercourse, or seriously by the institution when
sexual exploitation, please contact: formally reported, and to have those
OTHER MISCONDUCT OFFENSES incidents investigated and properly
(Will fall under TITLE IX when Loy Nashua resolved through administrative
gender-based) District Title IX Compliance Officer procedures. Formal reporting means
•Threatening or causing physical [email protected] that only people who need to know
harm, extreme verbal abuse, or other will be informed of the report, and
conduct which threatens or endangers CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING: information will be shared only
the health or safety of any person; If you want the details of the incident as necessary with investigators,
•Discrimination, defined as actions be kept confidential, you should speak witnesses, and the accused individual.
that deprive other members of with on-campus professional staff in
the community of educational or the Student Health and Psychological Federal Statistical Reporting
employment access, benefits or Services Office or off-campus rape Obligations: Certain campus
opportunities on the basis of gender; crisis resources who can maintain officials have a duty to report sexual
•Intimidation, defined as implied confidentiality. misconduct for federal statistical
threats or acts that cause an Reporting to those who can maintain reporting purposes (Clery Act). All
unreasonable fear of harm in another; the privacy of what you share–You can personally identifiable information
•Hazing, defined as acts likely to cause seek advice from certain individuals is kept confidential, but statistical
physical or psychological harm or who are not required to tell anyone information must be passed along to
social ostracism to any person within else your private, personally campus law enforcement regarding
the college community, when related identifiable information unless there the type of incident and its general
to the admission, initiation, pledging, is cause for fear for your safety, or the location (on or off-campus, in the
joining, or any other group-affiliation safety of others. These are individuals surrounding area, but no addresses are
activity (as defined further in the who the college has not specifically given) for publication in the annual
Student Code of Conduct); designated as “responsible employees” Campus Security Report. This report
•Bullying, defined as repeated and/ for purposes of putting the institution helps to provide the community with
or severe aggressive behavior likely on notice and for whom mandatory a clear picture of the extent and nature
to intimidate or intentionally hurt, reporting is required, other than in the of campus crime, to ensure greater
control or diminish another person, stated limited circumstances. If you are community safety. Mandated federal
physically or mentally (that is not unsure of someone’s duties and ability reporters include: student/conduct
speech or conduct otherwise protected
by the 1st Amendment).
•Violence between those in an intimate
relationship to each other;
•Stalking, defined as repetitive and/
or menacing pursuit, following,
harassment and/or interference with
the peace and/or safety of a member of
the community; or the safety of any of
the immediate family of members of
the community.

PRIVACY AND REPORTING:
The District Title IX Compliance
Officer, Loy Nashua, is responsible
for the purposes of initiating notice
and/or investigation of sexual
misconduct excluding cases involving
personnel (not related to a student).
The District Title IX Officer may
assign deputy investigators, who are
members of the investigative team,

16 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

affairs, campus law enforcement, another and for each other’s ideas Superintendent. (Administrative
coaches, athletic directors, student and beliefs, Rio Hondo College has Procedure 3530)
activities staff, human resources staff, guaranteed certain fundamental rights
advisors to student organizations to its students and faculty. C. Unlawful possession, use, sale,
and any other official with significant offer to sell, furnishing, or being
responsibility for student and campus Rio Hondo College students are part under the influence of any
activities. The information to be of a community in which ideas will controlled substance listed in
shared includes the date, the location be explored in a mature spirit of California Health and Safety Code
of the incident (using Clery location understanding and mutual respect. Section 11053 et seq., an alcoholic
categories) and the Clery crime Only in this mature spirit can the beverage, or an intoxicant of any
category. This reporting protects the college meet its obligations to those it kind; or unlawful possession of, or
identity of the victim and may be done serves. offering, arranging or negotiating
anonymously. the sale of any drug paraphernalia,
All students are required to abide as defined in California Health
Federal Timely Warning Reporting by the Standards of Conduct (Board and Safety Code Section 11014.5.
Obligations: Victims of sexual Policy and Administrative Procedure
misconduct should also be aware 5500) and failure to do so may result D. Drinking, possessing, or being
that college administrators must in disciplinary action such as a verbal under the influence of alcoholic
issue immediate timely warnings for or written reprimand, probation, beverages on campus or at any
incidents reported to them that are suspension and/or expulsion. The college sponsored event
confirmed to pose a substantial threat following conduct shall constitute
of bodily harm or danger to members good cause for discipline, including E. Committing or attempting to
of the campus community. The College but not limited to the removal, commit robbery or extortion.
will make every effort to ensure that suspension or expulsion of a student.
a victim’s name and other identifying F. Causing or attempting to cause
information is not disclosed, while A. Fighting, causing, attempting to damage to District property or to
still providing enough information for cause, or threatening to cause private property on campus.
community members to make safety physical injury to another person.
decisions in light of the danger. The G. Stealing or attempting to steal
reporters for timely warning purposes B. Possession, sale or otherwise District property or private
are exactly the same as detailed above. furnishing any firearm, knife, property on campus, or knowingly
explosive other dangerous object, receiving stolen District property
Standards of Student including but not limited to or private property on campus.
Conduct any facsimile firearm, knife or
explosive, unless, in the case of H. Willful or persistent smoking in
The Rio Hondo College campus is an possession of any object of this any area where smoking has been
academic community dedicated to type, the student has obtained prohibited by law or by regulation
teaching and learning. In order that written permission to possess the of the college or posting of a
teaching and learning may take place item from a District employee, District.
in an atmosphere of respect for one which is concurred with by the

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 17

I. Committing sexual harassment or which so incites students as to AA. Knowingly and without
as defined by law or by District create a clear and present danger permission providing or assisting
policies and procedures. of the commission of unlawful in providing a means of accessing
acts on College premises, the a computer, computer system or
J. Engaging in harassing or violation of lawful District computer network in violation of
discriminatory behavior based on administrative procedures, or this section.
disability, gender, gender identity, the substantial disruption of the
gender expression, nationality, orderly operation of the District. BB. Knowingly and without
race or ethnicity, sex, religion, age, permission accessing or causing
national origin, disability,sexual T. Persistent, serious misconduct to be accessed any computer,
orientation or any other status where other means of correction computer system, or computer
protected by law. have failed to bring about proper network.
conduct.
K. Engaging in intimidating conduct CC. Knowingly introducing any
or bullying against another U. Unauthorized preparation, giving, computer contaminant, commonly
student through words or actions, selling, transfer, distribution, or called viruses or worms, into any
including direct physical contact; publication, for any commercial computer, computer system, or
verbal assaults, such as teasing or purpose of any contemporaneous computer network.
name-calling; social isolation or recording of an academic
manipulation; and cyber bullying. presentation in a classroom or DD. Sexual assault on any District
equivalent site of instruction, personnel, District vendor,
L. Hazing, as defined as any method including but not limited to District visitor or student, upon
of initiation or pre-initiation handwritten or typewritten class off-campus grounds or facilities
into a student organization or notes, except as permitted by any maintained by the District,
student body, whether or not the district policy or administrative or upon grounds or facility
organization or body is officially procedure. maintained by affiliated student
recognized by the college, which organizations.
is likely to cause serious bodily V. Knowingly accessing and without
danger, or personal degradation, permission altering, damaging, EE. The obstruction or disruption, on
or disgrace, resulting in physical deleting, destroying, or otherwise or off-campus, of the District’s
or mental harm. using any data, computer educational or administrative
system or computer network process or any other District
M. Willful misconduct that results in in order to either (a) devise or function.
injury or death to a student or to execute any scheme or artifice
District personnel or which results to defraud, deceive or extort, or FF. The violation of any previous
in cutting, defacing, or other (b) wrongfully control or obtain order issued by the District
injury to any real or personal money, property or data. president that is not inconsistent
property owned by the District or with any of the other provisions
on campus. W. Knowingly accessing and without of this policy. This order may
permission taking, copying or be given by its publication in the
N. Disruptive behavior, willful making use of any data from a student newspaper or by notice
disobedience, habitual profanity computer, computer system, or on an official bulletin board
or vulgarity, or the open and computer network, or taking designated for this purpose.
persistent defiance of the or copying any supporting
authority of, or persistent abuse documentation, whether existing GG. Attempting to perform any
of, college personnel. or residing internal or external to previously identified act that
a computer, computer system or constitutes a cause for disciplinary
O. Cheating, plagiarism (including computer network. action.
plagiarism in a student
publication), or engaging in other X. Knowingly and without HH.Violation of District policies
academic dishonesty. permission using or causing the or regulations including those
use of computer services. concerning the formation
P. Dishonesty; forgery; alteration and registration of student
or misuse of District documents, Y. Knowingly accessing and without organizations, the use of college
records or identification; or permission adding, altering, facilities, or the time, place and
knowingly furnishing false damaging, deleting or destroying manner of public expression.
information to the District. any data, computer software, or
computer programs which reside II. Failure to comply with directions
Q. Unauthorized entry upon or use or exist internal or external to a of District officials acting in the
of District facilities. computer, computer system or performance of their duties.
computer network.
R. Lewd, indecent or obscene JJ. Soliciting or assisting another to
conduct on District-owned Z. Knowingly and without do any act which would subject a
or controlled property, or at permission disrupting or causing student to expulsion, suspension,
District sponsored or supervised the disruption of computer probation, or other discipline
functions. services or denying or causing pursuant to this policy.
the denial of computer services to
S. Engaging in expression which is an authorized user of a computer KK. Any other cause not previously
obscene, libelous or slanderous, system or computer network. listed which is identified as a

18 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

good cause by the College or the The mental health professional must be If you want help . . .
Hearing Panel. licensed by the State of California and Rio Hondo College has some resources
credentialed to render a professional to assist you in breaking out of drug
LL. Engaging in intimidating conduct opinion on matters of this nature. The and alcohol abuse. Call (562) 692-0921:
or bullying against another student is responsible for any expenses
student through words or actions, related to obtaining this mental health •Student Health and
including direct physical contact; clearance. Psychological Services
verbal assault, such as teasing or Rm SS230, ext. 3438
name-calling; special isolation or *The documentation for re-admittance
manipulation; and cyber bullying. shall be provided to the Dean of •Counseling Center
Student Affairs by a non-Rio Hondo Rm SS104, ext. 3410
Students who engage in any of the College District California licensed
above are subject to the procedures mental health professional. This information is provided to all
outlined in AP 5520. students per requirements of the Drug
Rio Hondo College’s Free School and Communities Act
Mental Health Policy on Drug and Amendments of 1989. (P.L. 101-226)
Clearance Alcohol Abuse

A student who is removed from Rio Hondo College wants to provide a
campus as a result of erratic, quality education for you. We believe
dangerous and/or threatening that creating a learning environment
behavior described in the Student which is free of drug and alcohol abuse
Code of Conduct (AP 5500); and/ is important. The college’s standard
or determination by a public safety of conduct (Board Policy 5500) clearly
officer that the student poses a threat prohibits the unlawful possession, use,
to himself/herself or the general public or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol
may be required, before the student by students on campus or as part of any
is readmitted to campus, to provide of its activities.
documentation from a licensed mental
health professional* stating that the What the College will do:
student will no longer engage in If you violate these policies, you may be
the behavior which gave rise to the subject to corrective action, up to and
student’s removal from campus and including suspension or expulsion. It
that the student's continued presence is important to note that the College
on campus is not a threat to himself/ is prepared to impose disciplinary
herself or others before the student is action as it deems fit. State laws may be
readmitted to campus. applicable.

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 19

3 Admission, Registration &
Educational Costs

Admissions: Becoming a • Permission
Rio Hondo Student Permission to enroll in college courses must be

Students who are high school graduates or individuals obtained from the school or district and the parent(s) of
18 years of age or over who show evidence that they can the student.
benefit from instruction may apply and will be admitted • High School Enrichment Students
to Rio Hondo College. All classes are open to those who High school students may enroll in classes for college
meet the necessary prerequisites. No person shall be credit. Permission to enroll must be obtained in
excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, advance from the high school and a parent or guardian.
or be subjected to discrimination under any educational Interested high school students may obtain information
program or activity sponsored by Rio Hondo College. See from the Admissions webpage under High School
Non-Discrimination Policy in Chapter 2 and Administrative Students, www.riohondo.edu/admissions/high-school-
Procedure 3435. students/. Additional information may be obtained by
calling or visiting the Admissions and Records Office.
Who May Apply Enrichment students are limited to 11 units of non-
remedial coursework.
You may be eligible for admission to Rio Hondo College if
you are: Residence Requirements
• A high school graduate or GED recipient
• Not a high school graduate but over 18 years of age If asked, a student must provide proof of California
• A current high school student who is recommended by residency (or in some cases, parent residency) for the
past 12-24 consecutive months. If the student is unable to
the school principal or designee for advanced academic document proof of California residency, he/she may still
or vocational classes, has the approval of the student’s enroll but must pay nonresident fees. To establish residency,
parent(s), and meets the college’s special admissions a student must be able to prove eligibility, through physical
criteria. (High school students may apply, but are presence and intent to make California their state of
LIMITED to 11 UNITS of non-remedial coursework per residency for one (1) year and one (1) day prior to the first
semester.) day of the term. Federal law precludes some visa types from
establishing residency. In addition to other requirements,
Student Classification a student must be able to prove residency for one year and
one day prior to the beginning of the semester. Selected
Students are classified according to the following exemptions from nonresident fees are provided in law:
classifications for the purpose of registration: such as certificated public school employees, agricultural
workers, military personnel and their dependents. If
New Student: A student who has never enrolled in a credit you feel that you might qualify for an exemption or have
course at any college, including Rio Hondo, or has only questions about residency, please contact the Admissions
enrolled as a high school student. and Records Office.

Returning Student: A returning student is a student who Nonresident Students – Legal Requirements-Education
did not register the previous semester but has registered in Code Section 76140 requires that tuition be charged to
the past. Students who are returning after an absence of a students who are not residents of the State of California and
semester or more (not including summer) must submit a who attend public community colleges within the state.
new application for admission online.

Continuing Student: A continuing student is a student
who attended the previous semester. To be classified as a
continuing student with registration priority privileges, a
student must maintain continuous enrollment (enrolled in
at least one course each semester, not including summer).

Enrichment Student: An enrichment student is a student
who is currently enrolled in grades K-12 or is home-
schooled.

• Enrichment students younger than 9th grade
Students younger than 9th grade will be admitted if

they are exceptional students and can benefit from
advanced scholastic coursework. These students may
only enroll in college level courses (degree applicable
courses), and must meet prerequisites.

20 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

The nonresident/international student fee of $258.00 per visitor visas) are not eligible for this exemption. (A full
unit (subject to change) plus a per unit enrollment fee is description of nonimmigrant alien classifications may
charged each semester/ summer session. Tuition charges be found in paragraph 15 of subsection (a) of Section
must be paid at the time of registration. 1101 of Title 8 of the U.S. Code.) People who entered
the country as nonimmigrant aliens but subsequently
The Admissions and Records Office should be consulted have gone out of status are not eligible for this
concerning the determination of residence. exemption until they apply to INS to change their status
to something other than nonimmigrant.
AB540 Students
The following Assembly Bills allow undocumented students
On October 12, 2001, Governor Davis signed into law to qualify for in-state tuition at California Community
Assembly Bill 540 which added a section to the California College and the California State University campuses:
Educational Code, section 68130.5. Section 68130.5 created
an exemption from payment of nonresident tuition for Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540), passed in 2001, grants students
certain nonresident students who have attended high school meeting certain criteria an exemption from paying resident
in California and received a high school diploma or its tuition at California Community Colleges.
equivalent.

1. The laws do not grant California residency. Assembly Bill 2000 (AB 2000) passed in 2014. This is an
2. Students exempt from paying nonresident tuition expansion of AB540. It increases the scope of student
eligibility for students who graduated early from a
pursuant to section 68130.5 do not become residents California High School with the equivalent of three or
and may not be eligible for state-funded programs more years of credits. If a student graduates early, they
which require residency. must have attended CA elementary or secondary schools
3. Students who meet the exemption requirements and for a cumulative total of 3 or more years. It allows students
who are unlawful immigrants are not eligible for any meeting the criteria below to pay in-state tuition, the same
federal financial aid programs. Many private sources as resident students.
have created scholarships specific to students not
eligible for traditional financial aid programs. Senate Bill 68 (SB 68) passed in 2017. This public
4. Students exempted from paying nonresident tuition postsecondary education exemption from nonresident
pursuant to section 68130.5 are not eligible for the tuition was approved by the governor and filed with
Governor’s Merit Scholar Programs because these the Secretary of State on October 5, 2017. This legislation
scholarships are only available for California residents. amended Education Code, section 68130.5, changing
5. Students must meet all requirements in section 68130.5 the criteria for students eligible for a nonresident tuition
(a) (1) – (4) to be eligible for the exemption. exemption, as previously defined in Assembly Bill 540
(2001). Senate Bill 68 expands the requirements of AB 540/
a. The student must have graduated from a AB 2000 to include attendance at California Community
California high school which he/she attended for Colleges and attainment of an associate's degree.
three or more years. There are no provisions for
partial attendance (e.g. two years and 7 months). The California Dream Act (Assembly Bills 130 and 131) were
The law does not require consecutive attendance signed into law in 2011. Together these bills compose the
nor require that the student attend the last three California Dream Act and give AB 540 / AB 2000 students
years in California (in the case of four-year high the right to apply for state financial aid, including Cal Grant
schools). A & B Entitlement awards, Cal Grant C awards, institutional
grants and community college fee waivers.
b. Such attendance could be at multiple California
high schools. International Students

c. The law does not distinguish between public Students from outside the United States are welcome to
and private high schools. There is no time limit pursue higher education at Rio Hondo College. The college
on how far in the past the student might have values the presence of students from diverse cultures on
attended a California high school. the college campus. Rio Hondo College is a Student &
Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) approved
d. The student must have graduated from a institution to admit F-1 students. The International Student
California high school or attained the equivalent Program admits new and transfer students every semester
thereof (e.g., a GED or a high school proficiency who meet the requirements. All F-1 visa students must
exam). be accepted by the International Student Specialist before
registering.
e. Except for nonimmigrant aliens, any nonresident
student who meets the first two requirements shall After being accepted to the college, all students must take
be exempted from nonresident tuition even if he or an assessment test to determine level of English, Math and
she is a US citizen or lawful immigrant. Reading. Each student is expected to register and complete
12 units in both the Spring and Fall semester with an overall
f. If the student has filed an application with the grade point average of 2.0.
INS to legalize status, the student may already be
eligible for resident fee status if the student has International students pay out of state fees which are
resided in California for more than one year and subject to change without prior notice. Financial Aid
one day since the time of INS application. (See is not available; students are expected to be financially
Title 5 Section 54045.) independent. It is mandatory that all international students
provide proof of health insurance coverage, by an approved
6. Students who are nonimmigrant aliens (the most insurance company, while attending Rio Hondo College.
common being the F series student visas and B series

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 21

An International Counselor is available to help students Adding/Dropping Classes
with a variety of issues; educational planning, choosing
a major, graduation requirements, transfer requirements Adding Classes: Students may add classes (including a
to 4-year colleges and Universities, tutoring and change of section of the same course) during or after the
communication with a professor. assigned registration time, prior to the semester/course
start. See the Admissions page on our website for more
For information regarding the International Students information on important dates and deadlines. The class
Program, please visit the website at www.riohondo.edu/ add must be processed via AccessRio, and students who
admissions/international-students/ or call (562) 463-7643. complete this process are officially enrolled in the class.

Admissions Requirements for Overseas Students If the class and wait list are full, the student must attend
• International Student Application class on the first day of instruction and request an add code
• Application processing fee of $40.00 (non- from the instructor. If the instructor provides an add code,
refundable) the student can then use the add code to register for the
• Copy of Passport class via AccessRio by the published deadline.
• English Proficiency must be met by one of the
following methods Dropping Classes: Rio Hondo College has a Drop for
◦◦ English is the students primary language Non-Payment procedure. Prior to the start of each semester,
◦◦ TOEFL 45iBT there will be Common Drop Dates. The students who do
◦◦ IELTS 5 not pay their fees or are not exempt will be dropped. The
◦◦ iTep 3 full procedure, including a list of exempt student groups, is
• Bank Certification (original bank statement or a letter posted on the Admissions website.
from a bank, on bank letterhead, signed by a bank
official, showing a minimum $20,000 USD available It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw
to the student) (drop) from classes prior to the drop deadline. Students
• 18 years of age by the time the semester begins must drop before the “Last day to Drop with a Refund”
to avoid fees or drop before the “Last day to Drop With a
Admissions Requirements for Transfer Students “W” to avoid receiving a failing grade.
• International Student Application
• Application processing fee of $40.00 (non- Student-Initiated Withdrawal: While it is the student’s
refundable) responsibility to withdraw by the deadline, an instructor
• Copy of Passport, Student Visa, I-94 and I-20 form may drop a student with poor attendance. To find the drop
• English Proficiency must be met by one of the deadlines for a particular course consult the online Class
following methods: Schedule and click on the CRN number of the course. There
◦◦ College Level English Completed (official students will find information on critical dates for the
college transcripts must be submitted) specific course, including drop dates.
◦◦ TOEFL 45iBT
◦◦ IELTS 5 The student must withdraw from the class via Access Rio by
◦◦ iTep 3 the established deadline. Failure to follow through with the
◦◦ Completion of appropriate level of English drop procedure may result in the student receiving a failing
at an approved Language School (see list of grade.
institutions and minimum level required www.
riohondo.edu/international-students ) Instructor-Initiated Withdrawal: A student may be
• Bank Certification (original bank statement or a letter withdrawn before the drop deadline (75% of course length)
from a bank, on bank letterhead, signed by a bank by the instructor of the course if the student is no longer
official, showing a minimum $20,000 USD available participating in the course. Definitions of non-participation
to the student) shall include, but are not limited to, excessive unexcused
• 18 years of age by the time the semester begins absences. While an instructor may drop a student from
class for poor attendance, it is the student’s responsibility to
Open Enrollment Policy withdraw if the student is no longer attending the class.

The policy of this district is that, unless specifically There are five types of course withdrawal notations:
exempted by statute or regulation, every course, course
selection, or class, reported for state aid, whenever offered 1. Withdrawal with a refund – A student who withdraws
or maintained by the district, shall be fully open to from a course before the published deadline to drop with
enrollment and participation by any person who has been a refund (10% of the course) will not be responsible for the
admitted to the college and who meets such prerequisites fees for the course and no notation will be on their student
as may be established pursuant to regulations contained in record (transcript) for the dropped course.
Title V.

Unit Limitations 2. Withdrawal without receiving a “W” – A student who
withdraws from a course before the published deadline to
Students are limited to 18 units (15 units for summer drop without a “W“ (30% of course length) will receive no
sessions) unless they receive approval from a counselor notation on their student record (transcript) for the dropped
for additional units. Students are limited to 18 units per course. A student who withdraws from all classes prior
session (15 units for summer) unless they receive approval to the “drop without a ‘W’” deadline will no longer be
from a counselor for additional units. Students must meet classified as a continuing student for priority registration
with a counselor and complete a Unit Overload form. High purposes.
School students are limited to 11 UNITS of non-remedial
coursework. 3.W ithdrawal with a “W” – A student who withdraws
from class between 30% to 75% of the course length (after

22 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

the drop without a “W” but before the drop deadline) will must complete assessment and orientation in order to
receive a “W” notation on their student record (transcript). receive priority registration. They also need to develop an
The “W” is not used to calculate a student’s grade point educational plan which can be accomplished by enrolling
average (GPA) but may affect academic progress and result in a counseling course, attending an educational planning
in progress probation/dismissal. workshop, or by scheduling an appointment with a
counselor. Non-matriculating students are exempt from
4.M ilitary Withdrawal “MW” – A student serving as an participating in core services, but they are advised to access
active or reserve U.S. military serviceperson who receives these services if they decide to pursue a degree or certificate.
orders compelling a withdrawal from courses may request
a military withdrawal. Upon submission and verification of The Student Success and Support Program is the process
such orders, a student can petition to withdraw from classes responsible for bringing together the college and a student,
with a “MW” notation on the student’s transcript. Military who enrolls for credit, into an agreement for the purpose
withdrawals are not counted in progress probation and of realizing the student’s educational goals through the
dismissal calculations. Military withdrawal petitions are college’s established programs, policies, and requirements.
available in the Admissions and Records Office. The primary purpose of the Student Success and Support
Program is to enhance a student’s success at the college. A
5.E xcused Withdrawal “EW” – A student may submit a student is expected to participate in these services unless
petition to withdraw from a course(s) due to specific events the student requests an exemption from a particular service.
beyond their control which affects their ability to complete Exemption forms may be obtained in the Counseling
a course(s). These events may include a job transfer outside Department. All students are strongly encouraged to
the geographical region, an illness in the family where participate in the process.
the student is primary caregiver, the student is subject to
immigration action, or other extenuating circumstances. Military Veteran students must participate in all
The excused withdrawal “EW” notation is not counted in matriculation components as required by the Veterans
progress probation and dismissal calculations. Administration (VA).

Evaluation of Transcripts Components of Matriculation
Matriculation is composed of the following steps designed
All students enrolled at Rio Hondo College should have to enhance student success:
official transcripts from their high school on file. 1. Admission to the college.

Students with previous coursework from a regionally 2. Orientation to the college’s programs and services.
accredited college/university should have official transcripts
from all colleges attended sent directly to Rio Hondo 3. Placement, and/or Assessment if needed for English
College. Hand carried transcripts are not accepted. These or English-as-a-Second Language, Math, and Reading
transcripts can verify completion of prerequisite courses, skills.
eliminating the necessity of taking all or part of the
assessment tests, and can assist the counselors in working 4. Educational Plan that provides counseling and
with the student. Official transcripts from all regionally advisement for assistance in defining an educational
accredited colleges are required for evaluation towards a goal and developing a plan to achieve the goal.
certificate, associate degree, or meeting general education
requirements for transfer. Five Steps to Becoming a
Rio Hondo College Student
Transcripts from foreign universities must be evaluated by
an approved credential evaluation service. Included in the following section are the Five Steps to
becoming a Rio Hondo College student. All new non-
All transcripts must be sent directly to the Admissions and exempt students (“non-exempt” refers to students seeking
Records Office. Transcripts become the property of the an AA-T/AS-T degree, a certificate or transfer) are required
college and cannot be returned to the student, copied, or to complete Placement (Assessment, if needed), Orientation,
forwarded to another institution. and Educational Plan (prior to registration for classes). A
hold may be placed on a student’s registration if they fail
Student Success and Support to complete their Placement, Orientation, and Educational
Program (formerly Matriculation) Plan. Non-exempt students who do not complete their
Assessment, Orientation and Educational Plan will receive
Senate Bill 1456 revised and renamed the Matriculation an immediate hold on their registration.
Act of 1986 as the Seymour-Campbell Student Success
Act of 2012. Signed by Governor Brown on September 27, Step 1: Application
2012, the program began on January 1, 2013 and will be Rio Hondo College uses Open CCC for application
implemented in stages over a five-year period. processing. To submit an application for admissions log on
to www.riohondo.edu and click the “Apply Now” button.
The Student Success and Support Program supports the
transition of new students into the college by providing Step 2: Orientation
them services that promote academic achievement and Orientation to the college is an important part of the
successful completion of degrees, transfer preparation, matriculation process and should be completed prior to
career technical education certificates, or career the first semester of coursework. It provides students with
advancement. Based on student responses to the Rio information on college services, registration procedures,
Hondo College Application for Admission, students course placement, and recommended courses to register
self-identify as either matriculating or non-matriculating. for in the first semester. Students can complete the online
Students identified as matriculating are referred to core orientation through the AccessRio student portal.
services: assessment, orientation, and counseling. Students

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 23

Step 3: Placement Student Responsibilities
Students are asked to complete the Placement Tool
which can be obtained through the AccessRio student In the Student Success and Support Program process, the
portal. Based on responses entered into the Placement student also has certain responsibilities. The student, to
Tool, students will be either (1) placed in courses using support his/her own success, has the responsibility to:
high school coursework, high school grades, and overall
high school grade point average or (2) required to take • Express a broad educational intent upon admission
an Assessment. The purpose of the Placement Tool and • Provide high school and/or college transcripts
Assessment at Rio Hondo College is to assess the student’s
skill level in English, reading and mathematics and provide and other supporting documentation to assist the
the student with the necessary resources for a successful counselor in making the best possible placement
college experience. recommendations
• Declare a specific educational goal by the time 12
Some students will be directed to take the Assessment. The semester units are completed
assessment is available by appointment throughout each • Meet with a counselor to develop an educational
semester and during the summer. For information, please plan within the same semester
contact the Assessment Office at (562) 463-7226 or visit • Participate in counseling/advisement
LR-130. • Attend class, complete assignments, and maintain
progress toward a defined goal
Step 4: Educational Plan • Drop classes he/she no longer wishes to attend.
The Educational Plan process is designed to support
students with the finest academic advisement and Student Rights
counseling possible. Placement information assists the
counselor in outlining a useful and clear educational plan In accordance with the matriculation agreement, the student
for the student’s educational goals. Students can schedule has the right to:
an appointment throughout each semester and during
the summer. For more information, please contact the • Challenge placement decisions and any
Assessment Office at (562) 463-7226 or visit LR-130. prerequisite or corequisite by completing the
appropriate form, which can be obtained from the
Step 5: Registration Counseling Department.
Upon completing steps 1-4, a student can register online
on dates specified online under the admissions and records • You may file a complaint of unlawful
link. discrimination with the Dean of Student Affairs
Office.
Registration Appointments – The appointment time
established for each student is the date and time the student Matriculation Exemptions
can begin using the AccessRio online registration system for
a given semester. Students who meet one of the following exemption criteria
for any of the matriculation components, may obtain an
Students can find their registration appointment times exemption form from the Counseling area. Military students
by logging into their AccessRio account under Student, must participate in all matriculation components as required
Registration and then clicking on Registration Status. by the VA.

Student Success and Support A. Placement, Orientation, and Counseling
Program Requirement – All students are encouraged to participate in these
components; an exemption may be granted according to one
All new students are encouraged to participate in the of the following criteria:
components of admission, orientation, placement, and
educational planning. However, exemptions for these • Students who are enrolled only in activity, skill
components may be granted if certain criteria are met. (See building, or personal growth classes (e.g., acting,
Matriculation Exemptions.) All new, non-exempt students physical fitness, ceramics) or job skills training
who are unable to complete the placement process before (e.g., computer literacy, accounting, brake service),
their first semester of attendance may enroll; however, or
they must complete placement prior to registering for their
second semester at the college. Students who have not • Students who have already completed an AA/
completed the placement process may be unable to register AS degree or higher. Military students must
for certain courses that require prerequisites. participate in all matriculation components as
required by the VA.
College Responsibilities
B. Placement
In the Student Success and Support Program process, the – Further placement exemption may be granted according to
college has certain responsibilities. The college, to support one of the following criteria:
student success, agrees to provide:
• Students who have successfully completed the
• Processing applications for admission equivalent of ENGL 035 or ENGL 101 at another
• Assessment of basic skills, study skills, and career community college or university are exempt from
taking the English Placement Test.
interests
• Orientation to college programs and services • Students who have successfully completed the
• Counseling/advising to provide assistance in equivalent of MATH 020 or higher at another
community college or university are exempt from
developing an educational plan taking the Math Placement Test.
• Follow-up and referral to services
• Students who have taken a Rio Hondo College-
approved assessment test at another college are
exempt from taking the appropriate assessment
tests.

24 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

C. Orientation Corequisites – A course corequisite indicates another course
– All students must complete the online orientation; that must be taken concurrently with the desired course.
an exemption may be granted according to one of the
following criteria: Prerequisites/corequisites that are listed in the college
catalog include:
• Students who are concurrently enrolled at a four-
year college or university, or • Courses for which specific prerequisite/corequisites
have been validated,
• Students who have previously participated in a
Rio Hondo College orientation. • Sequential course work in a degree-applicable
program, and
Assessment Retest Policy
English, Reading and Math assessment scores are valid for • Courses in which a prerequisite/corequisite is
two years. After two years, students are advised to re-test. necessary for transfer to a four-year college.
For more information, visit the Assessment office located in
LR-130. Questions about prerequisites/corequisites are best resolved
with a counselor or instructor prior to the first day of class.
If students are attempting to meet a prerequisite/corequisite
Assessment Placement through the assessment process, they may appeal
Appeals Procedure (challenge) their assessment placement results.

All students have the right to appeal any placement Advisories – A course advisory indicates that if students
decision after going through the assessment process. have the designated preparation or previous course work,
An assessment placement appeal requires written they are likely to perform better academically in the course
documentation and an explanation of alternative course or program in question because of that experience or
work, background, or abilities that adequately prepare the preparation. Unlike prerequisites or corequisites, advisories
student for the course. An Assessment Placement Appeals do not require that students have the suggested preparation;
form can be obtained from the Counseling Department or rather, it is strongly recommended.
the appropriate division office (either Communications and
Languages or Math and Sciences). Reasons for appealing Clearing a Prerequisite
an assessment placement may include one or more of the
following: If a student believes he/she has met a prerequisite at another
institution, he/she can see a counselor for a prerequisite
• the course recommended is not reasonably clearance. Students must provide evidence of meeting the
available, or prerequisite using documentation such as an academic
transcript. See a counselor for details.
• the student believes the recommended course
is not valid or necessary for success in the next Prerequisite/Corequisite
course level for which it is required, or Challenge Procedure

• the student believes the placement results All students have the right to challenge any prerequisite or
are discriminatory or are being applied in a corequisite. A prerequisite or corequisite challenge requires
discriminatory manner, or written documentation that should include an explanation
of alternative course work and/or background or abilities
• the student has the documented knowledge or that adequately prepares the student for the course. A
ability to succeed in the next level course without Prerequisite/Corequisite Challenge form can be obtained
taking the recommended course by the appropriate from the Counseling Department, division offices or at
division office. www.riohondo.edu under Academic divisions, Career &
Technical Education, Counseling. The link will be at bottom
Upon filing the Assessment Placement Appeals form, the of the page.
student may enroll in the desired class. If the appeal is not
upheld, the student will be required to drop the class. The Reasons for challenging a prerequisite may include one or
district will ensure that the appeal process is finished, and more of the following:
the student is notified in writing within five (5) working
days. Students wishing to appeal this decision should • 1. A prerequisite/corequisite is not reasonably
contact the Executive Dean of Counseling and Student available (must be made prior to the first week of the
Equity or designee. semester) or the student believes the prerequisite/
corequisite is not valid or necessary for success in the
RHC Prerequisite/Corequisite/ course for which it is required, or
Advisory Definitions
• 2. The student believes the prerequisite/corequisite
The college REQUIRES students to meet prerequisite/ is discriminatory or being applied in a discriminatory
corequisite requirements before taking the course in manner, or
question.
• 3. The student has the documented knowledge or
Prerequisites – A course prerequisite indicates that ability to succeed in the course without meeting the
the preparation or previous course work is considered prerequisite/corequisite.
necessary for success in the desired course. In order for a
prerequisite requirement to be met, the prerequisite course Upon filing the Prerequisite/Corequisite Challenge form, the
must be passed with at least a satisfactory grade. If a student may enroll in the challenged class. If the challenge
prerequisite course is taken at Rio Hondo College, the grade
of “P” or a minimum grade of “C” is required.

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 25

is not upheld, the student will be required to drop the Scholarships
class. The district will ensure that the challenge process is
finished, and the student is notified in writing within five A variety of scholarships are available to Rio Hondo
(5) working days. Students wishing to appeal this decision College students. For more information, contact the Rio
should contact the Executive Dean of Counseling and Hondo College Foundation at (562) 908-3476 or go online
Student Equity or designee. to www.riohondo.edu/foundation to view scholarship
opportunities.
Educational Costs
Student Financial Obligations
Enrollment Fee – Students who have established legal
residence in California must pay the enrollment fee Withholding Grades, Transcripts, etc. for Nonpayment
established under state law and subject to change without of Financial Obligations (59410) – The governing board of
notice. These fees will be waived at the time of enrollment a community college district may provide by appropriate
if the student can demonstrate he/she qualifies under the rules and regulations that grades, transcripts, diplomas and
exempt criteria specified by the State of California. Out- registration privileges, or any combination thereof, shall
of-state and international students must pay nonresident be withheld from any student or former student who has
tuition fees of $258.00 per unit plus the $46.00 a unit fee as failed to pay a proper financial obligation due to the district
required under state law (fees subject to change). or a college. (BP 5035)

College Services Fee – The Associated Students of Rio Enrollment/Fees Refunds
Hondo College is funded through the college services fee.
The fee is $7.00 for day, evening, and off-campus students Resident Students
during the fall and spring semesters and $4.00 for summer Resident students who drop by 10% of the course will
sessions. The fee is automatically assessed at the time of receive a refund. Refunds are automatic and do not
registration. A waiver form is available in the Admissions require any paperwork to be submitted. Please check the
and Records Office. Rio Hondo web site, under the Admissions Important
Dates and Deadlines, link for specific deadline dates. Any
GO RIO Fee – This fee was approved by the Associated enrollment fee refund is subject to a once-per-semester
Students of Rio Hondo College to subsidize costs of the service charge of $10.00. Last day to drop with a refund
GO RIO bus program. The fee is $9.00 for Spring and Fall deadline may vary. Please visit the online Class Schedule
terms only. A waiver form is available in the Office of and click on the course CRN for specific dates for each
Government and Community Relations. Students must course.
meet eligibility criteria to qualify for the GO RIO fee waiver.
Nonresident Students
Student Parking Fee – Under provision of Education Code Nonresident students who drop by 10% of the course
72247, a Student Parking Fee program has been established. section will receive a refund. Refunds are automatic
This fee provides for the use of student parking lots, better and do not require any paperwork to be submitted. Any
traffic flow during peak hours, parking lot security, and use enrollment fee refund request is subject to a once-per-
of the tram service. semester service charge of $10.00. Last day to drop with a
refund deadline may vary according to the course begin
The student parking fee for day and evening students and end dates. See Important Dates and Deadlines
during the fall/spring semesters is $40.00. The fee for on the Admissions and Records webpage for specific dates.
summer sessions students is $20.00. Motorcycle parking is
$10.50 for fall/spring semesters; $5.50 for summer sessions. The nonresident student will receive a 50% refund of
out-of-state fees if the request for a refund is received in
Student Health Fee – Rio Hondo College provides a Admissions and Records during the third or fourth week
health services program, as approved by the Board of of the fall/spring semester or during the second week of the
Trustees, for students who formally register at Rio Hondo summer session. No refunds will be granted after the fourth
College, are currently enrolled, and pay a $19 health fee week of the fall/spring semester or after the second week of
($16.00 for summer). Antibiotic medication and women- the summer session. Please check the Admissions webpage
wellness laboratory tests are available for a nominal fee. under Fees & Refunds www.riohondo.edu/admissions/fee-
Fee- exempted students include those who document refunds/ for specific deadline dates.
religious reasons. A full refund will be made only if
requested in writing prior to the semester refund deadline. In the event that law mandates other fees and law does not
prescribe the refund policy, the refund of such fees shall be
Student Representation Fee – This $1.00 fee provides in the same manner as the refund of health, college services,
support for students or representatives who may be stating and parking fees.
their positions and viewpoints before city, county, and
district government, and before offices and agencies of
the state and federal government. Students may refuse to
pay this fee on religious, political, or moral grounds by
submitting a refusal in writing to the Office of Student Life
and Leadership prior to registration.

Books – Students are required to purchase all books and
supplies needed for their courses. Book costs will vary from
semester to semester. Often purchasing used books can
reduce this amount.

26 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

4 Support Services and Special
Academic Programs

Academic Advisement

Assistance in developing an educational plan to obtain a
certificate, degree, or to transfer to a university is available
through contact with the counselor who advises in the
student’s major field or any general counselor in the
Counseling Department.

All regular instructors maintain office hours each week
to interact with students. Faculty members are valuable
contacts in providing personal information related to a
student’s career or college choice.

Assessment Center staff at (562) 463-7311, or visit our website at http://www.
riohondo.edu/calworks/.
The Assessment Center administers a variety of tests,
including the assessment for placement. The placement Career Counseling
information is important for the advisement process and Center for Career & Re-entry Services
for student selection of courses and programs in alignment
with their educational goals. Placement must be completed Career Services
before registering for English, ENLA, mathematics and
reading courses. Information about scheduling assessment The Center for Career & Re-Entry Services (CCRS) mission
tests is available on the Assessment web page. The is to assist individuals in making confident career and life
Assessment Center is located in the Learning Resource decisions and to help adult learners succeed through the
Center, room LR141. provision of comprehensive educational, counseling, and
the following support services:
CalWORKs Program • Individualized career counseling services including

The CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and academic, career and personal counseling
Responsibility to Kids) Program is a specialized program • Job preparation skills including: resume writing,
for families with children who are receiving temporary cash
assistance from the Department of Public Social Services interview skills, interview tips, choosing a major/career
(DPSS). The purpose of the CalWORKs program at Rio and job search strategies
Hondo College is to help students achieve their educational • Assistance in creating an educational plan, schedule,
goals while preparing them for the workforce so that and registering for classes
students can transition off of cash assistance and become • Use of computer lab and career library
self-sufficient. • Located on the CCRS website, a monthly calendar
of career-related workshops and an online jobs and
The CalWORKs program provides services and resources internships database (College Central Network) can be
to support the unique needs of students to further their found
educational success by providing: • Assisting students to determine a major and choose a
career based on interests, aptitudes, and abilities
• Personal counseling • Utilizing validated career assessments including Myers-
• Academic and career advising Briggs Test Inventory (MBTI) and Strong Interest
• Case management and progress monitoring to ensure Inventory (SII)
• Online career resources that offer information and
compliance with DPSS guidelines assessments for career decision-making
• Work study opportunities in various departments on
Re-entry Services
campus
• Priority Registration The CCRS offers comprehensive support services to Adult
• No cost books and supplies Re-Entry students, identified as adult learners who are at
• Job development and preparation least 25 years of age and are new to college or returning
• Free child care referrals for class and study time after at least a 5-year absence. Adult Re-Entry students
• Transportation assistance receive the following additional support services:
• Laptop loans
• Referrals to on and off campus resources

For more information, please come by our office located
in the Student Services building, Room SS220, contact our

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 27

• Counselors available to assist in navigating all Rio • Student Services Building (1st Floor)
Hondo College resources • Transfer Center (SS250)

• Individualized career counseling services including Continuing Education &
career-related workshops and information sessions Contract Education Classes
specifically designed for Adult Re-Entry students
The mission of Continuing Education is to enrich the lives of
• Online counseling services that allow Adult Re-Entry non-traditional college students by providing empowering
students to experience a face-to-face counseling session lifelong learning opportunities and the ability to function
in an online environment utilizing Cranium Café effectively within their community. The high-quality
instructional programs are a combination of fee-based
• Assistance in creating an educational plan based on and non-credit courses directly reflecting the needs of
schedule and registration assistance the community. The courses provide students with an
opportunity for language acquisition, career advancement,
• Use of computer lab and career library (with free college preparedness, and life enrichment through good
printing) health and personal fulfillment. While the College offers
many of the same opportunities, the Continuing Education
• FREE career assessments and interpretations department focuses on the personal and professional
• A monthly newsletter highlighting campus events development of diverse, non-traditional students who are
• Annual Adult Re-Entry Success Conference looking for a short-term alternative to credit courses.
• Access online job portal via College Central Network
The Continuing Education Office brings customized
For more information, visit the CCRS located in SS350, Professional Development business, and short-term training
contact our staff at (562) 908-3407, or visit our website at to the community and local businesses. Training programs
http://www.riohondo.edu/career-center/. are designed to meet specific needs of the organization.
Professional development courses and workshops are
Child Development Center/ offered on campus, in the community, online, and are
Pre-School Laboratory available to community members and employees of area
businesses. Programs include computer applications, small
The Child Development Center/ Pre-School Laboratory business workshops, career development, supervision,
operates a high quality early childhood program for international business, environmental technology,
preschool children, who turn 3 by September 1st up pharmacy technician, personal development and more.
until they qualify for kindergarten, while offering Contract Training can be conducted at a company site or at
laboratory opportunities for community college students the college training facilities. Bilingual training programs
and responding to the needs of the children’s families. are also provided.
Enrollment is available for Rio Hondo student parents,
staff and faculty and the local community. California For information, please refer to the Continuing Education
State Preschool provides funding support for families Class Schedule, our web page or call (562) 908-3469.
who qualify according to income and family need. Full
fee enrollment is also available. Hours of operation are Counseling
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Holidays and
breaks are observed in accordance with the RHC academic The primary responsibility of the counseling staff is to
calendar. For more information, please call (562) 908-3494 provide counseling support for Rio Hondo students, faculty,
or visit the Rio Hondo website under the Current Student and the campus community. Counselors strive to respect
Menu>Resources>Preschool. individuality, to encourage personal development and
to foster a climate in which academic growth will occur.
The program implements the California Preschool Learning Therefore, counseling and student services are organized
Foundations and Curriculum Frameworks, which prepares to aid each student in establishing, clarifying, and pursuing
children for Kindergarten and the child development field’s personal, educational, and career goals.
agreed upon developmentally appropriate practices.
The Counseling faculty offers courses (COUN 105, 100, 101
Teachers prepare the learning environment and plan and 151) which are designed to aid students in acquiring
activities to challenge each child’s developing skills and the skills, information, and personal awareness needed for
understanding while focusing on their interests. Each college and career success.
child’s entry skill level and developmental progress is
tracked and documented utilizing the California Desired Counselors are available throughout the year for
Results Developmental Profile (DRDP). consultation. Counselors can assist students with a variety
of issues: program planning, choosing a major, graduation
Computer Resources requirements, transfer requirements to 4-year colleges
and universities, personal problems, scholarships and
Rio Hondo offers computer access to students at various financial aid programs, tutoring, and communication with
locations. Visit the Computer Resources web page for more a professor. Students should make an appointment well
information. in advance of registration to meet with a counselor. More
information is available on the Counseling web page or
• Center for Career & Re-entry Services (SS350) by calling (562) 908-3410. The Counseling Department is
• Disabled Students Programs and Services (SS330) located in the Student Services Building, room SS160.
• District Computer Lab (B107 and B108)
• El Monte Educational Center
• First Year Success Center (LR101)
• Learning Assistance Center (LR114)
• Library (2nd Floor)
• Math and Science Center (S300)
• PASS Program (LR105)
• Rio Hondo Educational Center at Pico Rivera
• Santa Fe Springs Regional Training Center
• South Whittier Educational Center

28 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

Disabled Students Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) is
Programs & Services (DSPS) a supplemental component of (EOP&S) that specifically
assists students who are single head of households with
Rio Hondo College offers both classroom instruction and children, by offering supportive services so they are able to
student support services for students with disabilities. acquire the education, training and marketable skills needed
Resource rooms and expert staff are available to students to transition from welfare-dependency to employment and
who need disability-related accommodations and support eventual self-sufficiency for their families. In addition to
services. A variety of support services are available to EOP&S services, CARE students also receive:
eligible students with a disability. Students with a disability,
including but not limited to students with a physical, • Motivational & informational Workshops
learning or psychological disability, students with a visual • CARE Merit Grants
impairment, acquired brain injury, Attention Deficit • Meal Vouchers
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), an Autism Spectrum • Gas Cards
Disorder, or Intellectual Disability may be eligible for • Agency & County Referrals
services.. • Single Parent Conferences
• Case Management and Advocacy
Services include specialized tutoring, test-taking assistance, • Family Holiday Events
sign language interpreters and real-time captioners, Braille • Fundraising Events
and non-Braille transcription services, and disability-related
specialized counseling services. Other services include To find out how to qualify for EOP&S/CARE or to get more
registration assistance, priority enrollment and a variety of information, please contact our office at (562) 908-3423 or
assistive computer technologies which promote equal access come visit us in the Student Services Building, room SS240.
to college instructional programs and activities for students www.riohondo.edu/eops
with disabilities.
Financial Aid Services
For complete information on our programs please contact
Disabled Students Programs & Services at (562) 908-3420, Rio Hondo College participates in a variety of Federal and
via video phone at (562) 364-8433 or visit our web page. The State financial aid programs. These programs are designed
DSPS office is located in the Student Services Building, Rm to assist students with tuition, fees, books, supplies,
SS330. transportation and room and board.

Distance Education: Online Courses Most financial aid programs require a student to be
enrolled at least half-time in a degree, certificate, or transfer
Rio Hondo College offers students the opportunity to take program. Federal aid eligibility is also limited to students
college courses over the Internet through its Office of Online who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or other eligible
Education. Online courses offer the same curriculum as non-citizens. Additional eligibility requirements apply to
traditional classes except students may obtain lectures, class each program and may be obtained from the Financial Aid
materials, communicate with the instructor, participate in Office.
class discussions and complete assignments via the Internet
anywhere and at any time. Rio Hondo's Office of Online To apply, students must complete a Free Application for
Education offers students a variety of online courses to Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov or a
fulfill general education, certificate, degree, and transfer California Dream Act Application at https://dream.csac.
requirements for the University of California, California ca.gov. The Rio Hondo College Federal School Code is
State Universities, and other private universities. Online 001269. The priority deadline to apply is March 2 to be
registration, counseling, tutoring and library support eligible for all available aid. However, you may still apply
services are available. The instruction provided as distance after March 2, although funding may be limited. Visit the
education is subject to the requirements that may be Financial Aid Office for further information located in the
imposed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. Student Services Building, room SS130 or visit the Financial
§12100 et seq.) and section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of Aid web page.
1973, as amended, (29 U.S.C. §794d). For further information
check the online Class Schedule, visit the Office of Online Federal Financial Aid Programs
Education web site or call (562) 463-3218. The federal government offers a variety of grants for
students.
Extended Opportunity
Programs & Services (EOP&S/CARE) Federal Pell Grant - This grant is available to all eligible
applicants. Limited eligibility may also be available to less
Extended Opportunity Programs & Services is a state than half-time students.
funded program that provides “over and above” services
to students from economically and educationally Federal Supplemental Educational
disadvantaged backgrounds. The program supports the Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) –
enrollment, retention, and transfer of students and helps A limited number of grants are available. Priority is given
facilitate the successful completion of their educational to students who apply by the priority deadline and have
goals. EOP&S services include: exceptional financial need.

• Counseling Services/Educational Planning Federal Work Study - Provides part-time jobs to students
• Priority Registration with financial need. Students generally work up to 20 hours
• Academic Probation Interventions per week and must be enrolled in at least 6 units.
• Textbook Services
• Educational Supplies Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP) - Students may apply
• Laptop, Voice Recorder & Calculator Loans for a Subsidized or Unsubsidized loan from the federal
• Cap & Gown for Graduates government. Loan workshops and a loan application
• Meal Vouchers

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 29

are required for all students applying for a student loan. the California Dream Act Application and meet the
Students must be enrolled in at least 6 units. Federal student eligibility requirements.
loans must be repaid with interest.
• Community College Completion Grant (CCCG) -
Return to Title IV Funds Students must be receiving a Cal Grant B or Cal Grant
In accordance with the Federal Regulations HEA, Section C, and the Full-Time Student Success Grant. Students
4848, 34 CFR 668.22, Rio Hondo College will apply a refund must be attending 15 units per term or 12 or more units
policy to all eligible students under the Return to Title IV to receive the FTSSG and enrolled in 30 units per aid
funds requirements. Students who receive federal financial year. Students enrolled in 12 units may be eligible,
aid and withdraw from all classes prior to completing only if 30 units or less are required to complete your
at least 60% of the semester will have their financial educational goal. In order to determine eligibility,
aid eligibility recalculated and may have to repay any students must submit a Comprehensive Student
"unearned" portion of financial aid received. Educational Plan to the Financial Aid Office.

Loans • California College Promise Grant (formerly known
(Emergency Loans from ASRHC) as the Board of Governors Fee Waiver) - For eligible
The Associated Students of RHC offer a 60-day, interest- California residents and AB540 eligible students
free loan to students to assist them in emergency situations completing the Free Application for Federal Student
and for the purpose of buying books and supplies. Students Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application.
who have no outstanding debt to the college, are enrolled The California Community College Promise Grant
in a minimum of 6 units, and have a GPA of 2.0 or above permits enrollment fees to be waived.
may apply at the Student Life & Leadership Department
in the Student Union, during the first 2 weeks of the fall Loss of Eligibility for California College Promise Grant
and spring semesters only. Loans are on a first-come, first- A student shall become ineligible for a California College
served basis. Promise Grant if the student is placed on academic or
progress probation, or any combination thereof, for two
Scholarships consecutive primary terms.
(Institutional Financial Aid Programs)
There are numerous scholarships available to Rio Hondo Loss of California College Promise Grant eligibility shall
College students. These scholarships are funded and become effective at the first registration opportunity after
sponsored by a variety of on and off campus resources. To such determination is made. Foster Youth shall not be
view or apply for available scholarships please visit: www. subject to loss of eligibility due to placement on academic
riohondo.edu/scholarships/ or progress probation. This exemption for Foster Youth is
effective until the date specified in Education Code section
State Financial Aid Programs 66025.9(c).
The State of California offers a variety of grants for students.
The California Dream Act of 2011 is the result of two Appeal Loss of Board of California College Promise Grant
assembly bills (AB130 and AB131). Together these bills allow A student may appeal the loss of a California College
undocumented and documented students who meet certain Promise Grant due to extenuating circumstances, or where
provisions of AB540 law to apply for and receive private a student with a disability applied for, but did not receive a
scholarships funneled through public universities, state- reasonable accommodation in a timely manner. Extenuating
administered financial aid, university grants and community circumstances are verified cases of accidents, illnesses,
college fee waivers. To apply, students must complete a free or other circumstances that might include documented
California Dream Act application with the California Student changes in the student’s economic situation or evidence
Aid Commission each year by March 2nd for priority filing. the student was unable to obtain essential student support
services. Extenuating circumstances also includes special
Cal Grants – The California Student Aid Commission consideration of the specific factors associated with
awards Cal grants. Students must be legal residents of Veterans, CalWORKs, EOPS, and DSPS student status.
California and have financial need or qualify for AB540 Additionally, a student may appeal to regain California
status. To be considered, students must complete a Free College Promise Grant eligibility by demonstrating
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa. significant academic improvement (i.e., minimum 2.0 GPA
ed.gov or California Dream Act Application at www.csac. and completing more than 50% of attempted units) or by
ca.gov, and submit a GPA Verification form by the March 2 sitting out for two consecutive primary terms.
deadline. (September 2 is an additional deadline for FAFSA
filers attending California Community Colleges only.) Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP)
The federal government mandates aid recipients to make
• Cal Grant B - This grant helps students with living satisfactory academic progress (SAP) towards a degree or
expenses, books, supplies, transportation and other certificate to maintain financial aid eligibility. To determine
non-direct educational expenses. continued eligibility, the Financial Aid Office reviews each
student's academic progress at the end of every semester,
• Cal Grant C - Assists with the cost of a technical or including summer.
career education. Provides assistance for books, tools
and equipment. Satisfactory Academic Progress is evaluated in three areas:
1. Grade Point Average Requirement - Student’s pursuing
• Full Time Student Success Grant (FTSSG) - This grant a course of study leading to an A.A degree, A.S degree,
is awarded to eligible Cal Grant B and Cal Grant C Baccalaureate degree, certificate, or transfer program must
students that are enrolled full-time (12 or more units). maintain at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA average.
Limited grant funding is available. This grant is also 2. Unit Requirement/Pace of Progression - Students are
awarded to eligible AB540 students who complete required to successfully complete a minimum of 67% of

30 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

units attempted each semester. Classes with grades of A, Guardian Scholars
B, C, D, or P are considered units successfully completed.
Classes with grades of F, I, NP, IP, or W will count as The Guardian Scholars Program is a comprehensive student
attempted units, but not as successfully completed units. support program that serves current and former foster
3. Maximum Time Frame Requirement - Students enrolled youth pursing higher education. The Guardian Scholars
in a degree or certificate program may receive financial Program at Rio Hondo College is dedicated to providing
aid for a maximum of 150% of the length of that program. services and support that meet the unique personal and
Degree programs at Rio Hondo College typically require a academic needs of students to successfully transition to
60 unit length for completion. Thus, students may receive adulthood, obtain a degree/certificate, and/or transfer to
financial aid for up to 90 attempted units (60 units x 150% a four-year university. The Guardian Scholars Program
= 90 units). Students pursuing a Baccalaureate degree from provides the following services to eligible students:
Rio Hondo College may receive financial aid for up to 180
attempted units. Once unit maximum is reached, students • Priority Registration
are ineligible to receive further financial aid. Grades of F, I, • Counseling Services/Educational Planning
NP, IP or W are considered attempted units and included in • Case Management & Advocacy
Maximum Time Frame unit calculation. • Textbook & Emergency Assistance
• Educational Supplies
Students not meeting any of the minimum SAP • Laptop & Calculator Loans
requirements outlined above will be placed on financial aid • Academic/Life Skills Workshops and Events/Field Trips
warning for one academic semester (students exceeding • On Campus Meal Vouchers
maximum time frame are not placed on financial aid • Cap & Gown with Stole for Graduates
warning). Students on financial aid warning may continue • Partnerships with County ILP Services/Transitional
to receive financial aid during this period.
Coordinators
Students not meeting minimum SAP requirements for two • Referrals to on and off campus resources
consecutive semesters will be suspended from receiving • Access to Computer & Printer on Campus
financial aid (federal and state, with the exception of
the California College Promise Grant). Any financial For more information, please visit the Guardian Scholars
aid awarded when a student becomes ineligible will be office located in the Student Services Building, room SS307
withdrawn. or call (562) 463-7472.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Honors Transfer Program
Students suspended from receiving financial aid can
regain financial aid eligibility by meeting minimum SAP The Rio Hondo College Honors Transfer Program is
requirements (2.0 GPA, complete 67% of attempted units, designed to meet the needs of students who seek a
not exceed 90 units) for two consecutive semesters, without challenging educational experience that goes beyond the
financial aid and enrolling in a least 6 units each semester. regular degree program.
Once a student has completed two consecutive semesters,
meeting the minimum SAP requirements, he or she must The Honors Transfer Program incorporates a more in-depth
submit a SAP Appeal Request form to the Financial Aid investigation of topics. Many honors classes are kept
Office. Students ineligible for financial aid due to maximum intentionally small to facilitate the discussion/seminar rather
time frame units must submit a SAP Appeal Request Form, than lecture format. A reduced class size also encourages a
along with a full educational plan and typed statement more collaborative learning experience allowing students
indicating why he or she attempted 90 units or more (180 to interact more freely with each other and the faculty
units for Baccalaureate degree). members who teach these courses.

For extenuating circumstances, a student may be eligible Rio Hondo College has signed honors transfer agreements
to appeal for reinstatement of financial aid, without with UCLA, UC Riverside, UC Irvine, San Diego State, Cal
completing two consecutive semesters and meeting State Fullerton, Chapman University, Pomona College,
minimum SAP requirements. Reasons a student may be Pitzer College, Occidental College, La Sierra University,
eligible for an Extenuating Circumstances SAP Appeal Loyola Marymount, Whittier College, Pacific University
include: serious illness, injury or medical condition (Oregon), Whitman College (Washington), and many other
requiring doctor’s care, death of an immediate family private colleges.
member, victim of a crime or unexpected disaster or other
extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control. To complete the Honors Transfer Program, students
must take five honors courses, achieve at least a 3.2 grade
SAP appeals are reviewed by the SAP Appeals Committee, point average for all transferable college courses taken,
for approval or denial, based upon the student’s individual complete the required general education courses as well
circumstances. All decisions are final and there is no higher as prerequisite work for their major. In addition, honors
appeal. students must meet with the honors counselor twice a
semester. For more information and application forms,
First Year Success Center visit the Honors Transfer Program website http://www.
riohondo.edu/honors/.
The First Year Success Center is a place to enhance the
academic success of all first year students at Rio Hondo Labs
College through a network of student support services.
Students meet with a counselor to develop an Educational Labs provide an environment for students to practice and
Plan and receive assistance with AccessRIO navigation, develop their skills in a variety of courses and often with the
registering for classes and applying for Financial Aid. It is assistance of Instructors or Instructional Assistants.
located in room LR101 in the Learning Resource Center.
Foreign Language/ENLA Lab
The Foreign Language Lab is located on the first floor of
the Learning Resource Center and is available for students

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 31

enrolled in ENLA, ASL, or foreign language classes that computers, wireless access, charging stations for mobile
require a lab. devices, laptops and a self-service copy/print center are also
available.
Mathematics & Sciences Center (MSC)
The Mathematics & Sciences Center located in the Science Individual study carrels, group tables, and informal seating
Building, room S300, provides computers, mathematics areas allow for quiet study. To students who prefer to work
interactive software, and multi-media study aids. An together on class assignments, the library offers seven group
assigned instructor, instructional assistants, and tutors study rooms that can be reserved for two hours at a time.
are available to assist students. Hours are listed for each
semester on the MSC web page: www.riohondo.edu/ Circulation Services
mathematics-and-sciences/mathematics-and-sciences- The circulation desk at the entrance to the library serves as
homepage/tutoring. the first point of student service. Library staff help:

Nursing Simulation Center • Activate your library privileges.
The Simulation Center is a “safe” place for students to • Check out books, laptops and a limited number
practice their skills in a simulated hospital environment,
“Roadrunner General Hospital.” It was created in order of high-demand course textbooks; students can
to support and supplement the clinical component of the also check out headphones and charging cables for
nursing program. With the use of high-fidelity patient library use only.
simulators and clinical scenarios, students are able to • Loan audiovisual equipment to faculty and staff, and
practice and experience situations that might not arise in the fill requests for campus signage.
clinical setting, thus adding to their clinical expertise. The
Simulation Center uses the following types of simulators: 2 Reference Services
adult, 1 birthing, 1 newborn and 1 pediatric, thus offering Because of the ever-expanding variety and range of
learning activities covering the full nursing curricula. Our available information, students today must learn the critical
Center is temporarily located in HS-11 near parking lot 3. thinking and information literacy skills required to optimize
For more information, visit the Health Science & Nursing the use of research resources. Librarian faculty at the
web page. reference desk teach these skills through:

Pre-School Laboratory • Individualized assistance with research queries
Rio Hondo Students from the Child Development/ • Extended consultation by appointment with students
Education Department, the Behavioral and Social Science
Division and Nursing utilize the Pre-school Laboratory and faculty
to observe the development and behavior of pre-school • Instruction in conducting effective research, in
children and to apply the knowledge that they gained in
their courses working directly with children. collaboration with teaching faculty on campus and at
the educational centers
Reading Lab • Drop-in research workshops, and
The Reading Skills Lab is located on the first floor of • A 3-unit library research class (LIB 101)
the Learning Resource Center in LR118. While the lab is
used primarily for READ 021L and READ 022L students For much more information about library services,
to supplement their lectures in READ 021 and 022, it is including the online catalog and research guides, please
open to any student who might need help with a reading contact a reference librarian at (562) 908-3484 or check the
assignment from another class. library's website at: www.riohondo.edu/library.

Writing Center Math Engineering Science
The Writing Center is located on the first floor of the Achievement (MESA) and TRiO Stu-
Learning Resource Center and is available for students dent Support Services STEM
enrolled in English 30, 35, 101, and 201 courses. Students
must attend a Writing Center Orientation that takes place The MESA Community College and TRiO SSS STEM
the first week of each semester. Students should check their Programs support students who plan to graduate from Rio
class schedule for their registered lab day and time. Hondo College with an Associate’s degree and transfer to
four-year institutions in science, technology, engineering,
Writers’ Resource Center and mathematics (STEM).
The Writers’ Resource Center is an interdisciplinary writing Program Objectives:
center housed on the first floor of the Learning Resource • Increase college retention and transfer rates to
Center. It is open to any student who requests assistance four-year institutions for STEM majors.
with writing for any subject. The student receives one-on- • Increase the number of under-represented
one or small group assistance from an English teacher. students who graduate with degrees in STEM majors.
Schedule an appointment online at www.riohondo.edu/wrc • Provide academic and personal support for STEM
or drop by LR126A.
majors.
Library Program Components
• MESA Center for tutoring and group study in S205.
The Rio Hondo College Library is the research center of • Academic Excellence Workshops designed to reinforce
the College. Occupying the second floor of the Learning
Resource Center, the library offers a full range of books, concepts and topics learned in chemistry, mathematics,
periodicals, online databases, e-books, and streaming videos and physics courses
in support of the college curriculum, as well as for general • Academic advisement and educational plans
enrichment. Computer workstations, ADA-compliant through transfer
• Assistance with study skills and time management
• Support with application and transfer to four-year
institutions
• Exposure to information about internships, research
opportunities, and other enrichment programs
• Information about financial aid, scholarships, and
money management

32 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

• Mentoring with peers, professors, and professionals Please visit the Pathway to Law School web page for the list
• Leadership training of participating law schools and course requirements. The
• Professional and academic conferences program is located in the Administration Building, room
• Networking opportunities A203.
• Career information
• MESA Counselor Puente Project

For complete program information about the MESA/ The Puente Project is a national-award winning program that
TRiO SSS STEM Programs, please contact us in room S205 has helped tens of thousands of educationally disadvantaged
(562)-463-3222 or visit www.riohondo.edu/mesa. Program students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities,
eligibility requirements apply. earn degrees, and return to the community as leaders and
mentors to future generations. Puente is a one-year program
Orientation that combines accelerated instruction in English, intensive
academic counseling, and mentoring. The Puente Project
Orientation familiarizes and acquaints students with office is located in the Administration Building, Room A203.
important college policies and expectations, as well as For more information, visit the Puente web page http://www.
the range of services and programs available. The “My riohondo.edu/puente/.
Online Orientation” is available via the AccessRio portal.
The completion of Orientation is mandatory for all New Student Health and
Students. In compliance with SSI statewide regulations, Psychological Services
New Students who do not complete an Online or In-person
Orientation may have a hold placed on their registration. Student Health and Psychological Services helps keep
New and Continuing Students may access their “My Online students physically and emotionally healthy so they can
Orientation” by logging onto AccessRio.>> Click on the My perform at their best. Professionals available include a
Online Orientation button. physician, a psychologist, psychology interns, nurses,
EMTs, and clerical support staff. The licensed professionals
The PASS Program evaluate and treat minor, temporary physical and
emotional conditions that require short-term care. If more
The PASS Program (Personal and Academic Support intensive treatment is needed, referrals to outside resources
Services) is a federally-funded TRIO Program, through are provided.
Student Support Services, which prepares low-income and/
or disabled students for graduation or transfer into four- Health Services include:
year colleges and universities. • First Aid care for accidents and other emergencies
Services are free to eligible students and include: • Appointments with a Registered Nurse
• TB Tests
• Educational advisement • Flu Shots
• Tutoring services • Pregnancy Tests
• Priority registration • Vision Test
• Student success workshops • Hearing Tests
• College Success and Transfer Preparation • Sick room available if needed
• Financial / Economic Literacy and Resources • Over-the-counter medications for minor illnesses
available in the vending machine for a nominal
The PASS Program office is located in the Student Services fee. Located on the 2nd floor, SS bldg.
Building, room SS140. For more information, visit the PASS • Blood pressure checks, height and weight
Program web page or call (562) 463-3216. measurement
• Blood Tests
Pathway to Law School • HIV Testing
• Resources, assessments, and referrals to low cost
The Pathway to Law School program is for services in the community
underrepresented first-generation college students
interested in learning more about careers in the legal Psychological Services include:
field and entry to law school. The initiative is designed Short-term counseling for students who are struggling with
to enhance opportunities and advancement in the legal issues such as family and social relationships, romantic
profession for diverse populations. Ideally, students will relationships, life transitions, identity, grief, stress, trauma,
spend two years at Rio Hondo College then transfer to anxiety, or depression. The following confidential services
any accredited undergraduate institution to complete their are available to students who are experiencing personal
bachelor’s degree and then be considered for a priority problems:
admissions review to the eight participating law schools.
• Individual Counseling
Students will receive: • Group Counseling
• Individual counseling and mentoring • Crisis Intervention
• Exposure to careers in law • Stress Management
• Networking and learning opportunities • Consultations and referrals
• Membership to the Rio Hondo College Pre-Law
Society Student Health and Psychological Services is located in
• LSAT Test prep support the Student Services Building, room SS230. For more
• Priority admissions review at participating law information, visit the Student Health and Psychological
schools Services web page at www.riohondo.edu/student-health-
• Law school application fee waived services.

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 33

Study Abroad Veterans Services

Rio Hondo College is a member of the Southern California Veterans and Veteran Dependents are encouraged to take
Foothill Consortium that currently offers two study advantage of the counseling services and educational
abroad experiences each year that provide students with programs offered by Rio Hondo College. The Veterans
a unique opportunity to enrich their education. In fall, Service Center (VSC) is a one-stop center that offers
students study in London, England and, during the spring, veteran's counseling, certifications, financial aid advising,
in Spain. Students enroll in classes, receive transferable tutoring, and other valuable resources. Rio Hondo College
general education units and can apply for financial aid cooperates with the Veterans Administration and with
and scholarships to help with the costs. Program courses the California State Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
and activities are geared toward taking advantage of the in helping veterans and their dependents to obtain
international location, and students gain invaluable multi- the education necessary to realize their academic and
cultural experience by living and learning outside of the vocational goals. Rio Hondo College has been approved
United States. For more information, visit the Study Abroad for the training of veterans and eligible dependents.
web page at http://www.riohondo.edu/study-abroad/. Veterans and dependents are required to comply with
Veteran Regulations Sections 21.4135, 21.4235 and 21.4277
Transfer Center in regards to required attendance and progress that the
student-veteran or dependent must meet in order to receive
The primary responsibility of the Transfer Center is to educational benefits under Title 38, United States Code.
ensure a transfer culture by providing comprehensive
support services and resources as well as counseling The Veterans Administration requires all entering students
services to empower students seeking to transfer to to be formally evaluated in writing for possible award of
four-year colleges and universities. credit for previous training and experience. This applies
to all students, full-time and part-time, degree and non-
The Transfer Center provides up-to-date information about degree candidates. To prevent possible future interruption
transferring to four-year colleges or universities and public, of educational benefits, it is essential that an official copy of
private and out-of-state institutions. The Transfer Center all previous course work (college or service) be on file at Rio
assists students, counseling faculty and staff, with the Hondo College Admissions & Records office and in the Rio
transfer process of as well as coordinates various activities, Hondo College Veterans Service Center located on the first
resources, and services that support the transfer process. For floor of the Student Services Building.
more information visit the Transfer Center in the Student
Services Building, room SS250, call (562) 463-4619 or visit Satisfactory academic progress of veterans or eligible
the Transfer Center web page. dependents is measured by the successful completion of
the number of units enrolled. Non-punitive grades (W NP
Tutoring Support or NC) are not considered making satisfactory progress.
Benefits will be retroactively terminated effective the first
Tutoring services are available free to Rio Hondo College day of the semester for any non-punitive grade received.
students at two locations on campus, the Learning If the veteran submits to the VA mitigating circumstances,
Assistance Center and the Mathematics & Science Center. overpayments may or may not be waived. Should a veteran
Tutoring is also available to students enrolled in specialized fail to make satisfactory progress for two semesters,
programs. For more information, visit the Tutoring web cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, benefits will be terminated.
page www.riohondo.edu/tutoring/. The veteran must contact the RHC Veterans Service Center
to set up an appointment for his/her case to be reviewed
Learning Assistance Center (LAC) by a Veterans counselor. The Veterans counselor will
The Learning Assistance Center provides one-to-one recommend a suitable course of study. Upon satisfactory
tutoring, organized study groups, and workshops to assist completion of one semester of approved courses, where the
students in reviewing and reinforcing course-related cumulative GPA reaches a minimum of a 2.0, benefits will
concepts through a variety of instructional aids and be reinstated.
materials. LAC services are available to all Rio Hondo
College students at no charge. Students may schedule The veteran or dependent has the responsibility to adhere
tutoring appointments or study group sessions at the to these standards of attendance and progress and to notify
LAC desk on the first floor of the Learning Resource the Rio Hondo College Veterans Service Center of any
Center. Hours are listed on the LAC web page: http:// change in status that would affect the collecting of veteran's
www.riohondo.edu/communications-and-languages/labs/ benefits. Monthly attendance reporting is required of
learning-assistance-center-lac/. veterans and dependents. Additions, drops, withdrawals
and last day of attendance MUST BE REPORTED AT
Mathematics & Sciences Center (MSC) ONCE.
The Mathematics & Science Center located in the Science
Building, room S300, provides free math tutoring for all Rio Please visit the Rio Hondo College Veterans Service Center,
Hondo College students. In addition, online math courses in the Student Services Building, Rm SS150 for details and
are offered through the MSC. Other resources available to application forms. Information is also available on the Rio
MSC students include computers, mathematics interactive Hondo College Veterans Service Center web page.
software, and multi-media study aids. An assigned
instructor, instructional assistants and tutors are available Weekend College
to assist students. Hours are listed for each semester on the
MSC web page: http://www.riohondo.edu/mathematics- The Weekend College is designed for working adults who
and-sciences/mathematics-and-sciences-homepage/ wish to take classes towards a degree, transfer, or personal
tutoring/. enrichment and improvement. Friday, Saturday, and
occasional Sunday classes are scheduled each semester.
Refer to the online Class Schedule for further information.

34 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

5 Student Life &
Leadership

How to Get Involved In Student Leadership Institute
Campus Activities
The Student Leadership Institute (SLI) at Rio Hondo College
Getting involved in activities at the college enriches the is a non-credit certificate program in partnership with
college experience for students. Rio Hondo College has California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). Students who
a variety of ways in which a student may get involved, participate acquire and develop the skills and awareness
including student government, athletics, and clubs. necessary to become an effective leader on campus, in the
community, and in their future career. They learn the value
Student Government of networking, gain effective communication skills, enhance
their confidence, define their leadership style, and engage
The Associated Students of Rio Hondo College (ASRHC) in co-curricular activities that augment their academic
is a self-sustaining student government organization. The learning. Students who successfully complete the program
ASRHC officers serve as student representatives at campus- earn a leadership certificate signed by the CSUF college
wide committees, impacting decision-making that will president, a very marketable tool on a resume and on
ultimately enhance the student experience at RHC. transfer applications. Contact the Student Life & Leadership
Department at (562) 908-3427 for more information.
Student Clubs
College Services Fee
Students may pursue a special interest through participation
in one of the campus clubs or organizations. Those who When a student enrolls in the college they pay a college
choose to participate in this aspect of college life may derive service fee. This fee entitles students to the following:
valuable social and educational experiences. Each club has • ASRHC Emergency Loans
individual service projects and traditions, and is sponsored • Access to the Library Textbook Reserve
by one or more members of the permanent faculty or staff. • Free photo I.D. Card for first I.D. only. (Additional or
Contact the Student Life & Leadership Department at
(562) 908-3427 for more information. replacement I.D.’s cost $5.00 each.)
• Various campus activities and events
ASRHC Sponsored Events • Free admission to some athletic events and theatre

The Associated Students of Rio Hondo College sponsors productions
a variety of activities that fall within the Student Life and • Discount tickets to AMC Theaters, some amusement
Leadership Guiding Values: Student Success and Degree
Completion, Cultural Diversity, Social Responsibility, and parks and more!
Leadership Development. The ASRHC collaborates with • Membership in campus clubs and organizations
various campus departments and clubs to ensure that • Opportunities to be elected to student senate.
events and activities reach all students across campus.
Student Publications

El Paisano is a weekly student produced award-winning
publication that has attained Congressional recognition
for its excellence in print, digital, and television broadcast
journalism. La Cima is the college’s magazine. El Paisano
serves as a training opportunity for prospective students
interested in journalism, mass media, communications,
public relations, and broadcasting with theory and
hands-on production skills. Students interested can view
student work at: www.elpaisanoonline.com

Athletics – Men’s & Women’s
Intercollegiate Sports

Rio Hondo College is a member of an athletic conference
formed by the California Community College Athletic
Association (CCCAA).

Conference competition is scheduled in the following sports
for men: baseball, basketball, water polo, swimming, soccer
and wrestling; and for women: soccer, softball, basketball,
beach volleyball, volleyball, tennis, water polo, and
swimming.

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 35

Male or female students who wish to become members of 2. Students will be directly responsible to the advisor.
a team should check the class schedule online at: www. 3. Rules established by the host school on location
riohondo.edu for the current offerings for both men and
women’s intercollegiate athletic teams; contact the coach must be observed.
of that team in the Athletic Department for details; and 4. Prior to the conference, student participants and
enroll in that class during registration. Prior to registration,
students should see the Athletic Academic Counselor. advisors shall read the code of conduct.
Appointments can be made by contacting the Athletic 5. Attendance at all meetings including meals is
Department at (562) 908-3409. Additional information is
also available on the Athletics web page. considered part of the participant’s responsibility
while at a conference unless first excused by the
Athletic Eligibility for advisors.
California Community College 6. Students may not represent Rio Hondo College
Intercollegiate Teams at any event away from the campus without an
advisor unless they are given special permission to
Male and female students may represent the college in do so by the college administration.
athletic contests upon verification of their status as amateur
athletes in the sports in which they wish to compete. In B. Regulation of Conduct
order to be eligible to participate, student athletes MUST 1. It is contrary to California State Law to possess,
BE actively enrolled in a minimum of 12 units at his/her serve, or consume alcoholic beverages or
community college during the competition in the sport. Of marijuana at any college function including
the 12 units, 9 must be in academic subjects, and 3 units regional or state conferences, regardless of the age
may be Kinesiology activity courses. of those participating. Anyone who appears under
the influence of alcoholic beverages or marijuana
Current Returning Student Athletes: shall be subject to disciplinary action by the
To be eligible for the second season of a sport, the student conference and Rio Hondo College.
athlete MUST COMPLETE and PASS 24 SEMESTER UNITS 2. All participants at conferences or on trips are
AT A MINIMUM GPA OF 2.0 BETWEEN SEASONS OF expected to show proper consideration for the
COMPETITION. Of these units, 18 must be in academic rights and welfare of others. Undue noise and
classes and 6 units may be Kinesiology activity courses. disturbances shall be considered violations of this
These units must be completed PRIOR to the beginning of regulation.
the semester of the second season of sport. Units completed 3. No firearms will be permitted on any trip. College-
and passed during the first season of sport shall be included approved pistol and rifle matches are excepted.
in the calculation of the 24-semester unit requirement.
Social Functions
Entering Freshman beginning Fall of 2015: 1. The college must sponsor any club or organization
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY: In order to be eligible and recruiting Rio Hondo College students.
remain eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate 2. All social functions on campus must be cleared
athletics competition a student athlete has to successfully through the Student Life and Leadership
complete at least 6 units (semester or quarter) during the Department.
preceding academic term in which the student is enrolled 3. Students attending social functions on campus
as a full-time student at the certifying institution with a are under the jurisdiction of the college and must
cumulative 2.0 GPA beginning with and including the units assume individual responsibility for the accepted
taken during the first semester/quarter of competition. standards of behavior.
Institutional verification for eligibility for continuing 4. Guests of Rio Hondo College students shall be the
competition will be completed within one week of the responsibility of the student. Guests are expected
posting of grades for the academic term by the institution. to behave as students and, as such, abide by
college regulations.
A student transferring to Rio Hondo College who has 5. Students shall be responsible for all property
previously PARTICIPATED in intercollegiate athletics at damage incurred by guests during any activity
another California community college MUST COMPLETE sponsored on campus.
12 units at Rio Hondo College PRIOR to the beginning of
the semester of competition.

Students are NOT ALLOWED more than TWO SEASONS
of athletic competition in any one sport. Students who have
questions concerning athletic eligibility should check with
the Athletic Director by calling the Kinesiology, Dance, and
Athletics Department at (562) 908-3409. All student athletes
are expected to comply with the Decorum policy in the State
Constitution for Athletics.

Student Conduct at
College-Sponsored Events

A. Basic Responsibilities at Conferences:
1. Participants, students and advisors shall be fully
informed concerning their responsibilities for
proper conduct during a trip and at the conference.

36 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

6 Academic Guidelines

Attendance/Absences Definition of Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as representing the words, ideas, or
It is the students’ responsibility to officially register for a work of another as one’s own in any academic exercise.
course prior to the “last day to add” deadline. It is also the Plagiarism consists of taking the words or substance
students’ responsibility to withdraw from a course prior to of another work and either copying or paraphrasing
the drop deadlines to ensure their record is clear. without giving credit to the source whether that material
is paraphrased or copied verbatim or near verbatim form.
All registered students should be present at the first meeting Plagiarism is applicable to written, oral, and artistic work.
of the class unless other arrangements have been made with The following examples are only some of the many forms
the instructor, prior to the first class meeting. The instructor plagiarism may take:
may drop students who are not present by the end of the first
class. However, it is the students’ responsibility to officially • Word-for-word copying of work written by
drop any class that they no longer wish to attend to ensure someone else
their record is clear.
• Failure to give proper credit for ideas,
Students are expected to attend all meetings of each course statements of facts, or conclusions derived by
in which they are enrolled. The instructor of each class another, including undocumented web source
determines the attendance policy. After an absence, it is the usage
responsibility of the student to check with their instructor to
obtain missed materials or information on completion of all • Failure to use quotation marks when quoting
missed assignments. directly from another, whether a paragraph,
sentence, or phrase
Academic Dishonesty
• Close and extended paraphrasing of another
Academic dishonesty is defined as cheating, plagiarism, or work without acknowledging the source
obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for work by the use
of any dishonest, deceptive, fraudulent, or unauthorized • Submitting a paper purchased from a research or
means or helping someone else to commit an act of term paper service, including the internet
academic dishonesty.
Other Specific Examples of Academic Dishonesty
Definition of Cheating • Purposely allowing another student to copy
Cheating is the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain from your paper during a test
credit for academic work through the use of dishonest, • Giving homework, term paper or other academic
deceptive, fraudulent, or unauthorized means. Helping work to another student to plagiarize
someone commit an act of academic dishonesty is also • Having another person submit any work in your
considered cheating. The following are only some of the name
many forms cheating may take: • Lying to an instructor or college official to improve
your grade
• Copying another’s work on an exam, paper, or project; • Altering graded work after it has been returned,
any behavior that defeats the intent of an exam then submitting the work for re-grading
• Stealing tests
• Possessing or using unauthorized materials during • Forging signatures on college documents,
an exam; or collaborating on a project, homework, or altering campus documents or records, tampering
other assignment to be turned in for credit where the with grading procedures, fabricating assignments,
instructor expressly forbids such collaboration or altering medical excuses
• Collaboration without permission of instructor
• Communicating with fellow students during an exam, • Gaining unlawful or unauthorized access to
taking an exam for another student, purposely allowing college or district computers or servers
another student to copy during an exam, or providing
coursework for another student to turn in as his or her Academic Dishonesty and its Consequences
own effort • Faculty members have the right to choose whether
or not to pursue suspected cases of plagiarism and
• Fabricating, falsifying or misrepresenting data or cheating.
results from experiments, interviews or surveys • When addressing plagiarism or cheating with
reasonable evidence, the faculty member should
• Submitting the same work in more than one class for meet with the student to discuss the concern. The
credit without permission from the instructor student shall have the opportunity to share their
side of the story and explain their behavior.
• Knowingly furnishing false information to the college • Faculty members may consult with their Division
including forgery, altering of campus documents Dean or Dean of Student Affairs when determining
or records, tampering with grading procedures, whether academic dishonesty has occurred.
fabricating lab assignments, or altering medical excuses

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 37

• In situations where cheating or plagiarism has incompetence, or unavailability of instructor or death of
occurred, the faculty member is to determine instructor, the final determination concerning removal
the academic consequence in compliance with or change of grade will be made by the Vice President
Education Code, and board policy and procedures, of Academic Affairs with the appropriate involvement
which prohibit dropping a student from a course of faculty from the discipline and the Academic Senate.
for engaging in academic dishonesty. Faculty All returned work must be retained by the student as
members shall inform students of the grade documented evidence in order to pursue a request for a
penalty that will be assessed. The consequences grade change. (RHC AP 4231)
may be any of the following options:
Grades from a grading scale shall be averaged on the basis
- Receive a “0” on that assignment of the point equivalencies to determine a student’s grade-
- B e referred to the Dean of Student Affairs point average (GPA). The highest grade shall receive four
for further disciplinary action points, and the lowest grade shall receive 0 points, using
• In situations where academic dishonesty has only the following evaluative symbols:

occurred, the faculty should also notify their Symbol Definition Credit Granted Grade Point
Division Dean, and report the violation to the
Dean of Student Affairs. All pertinent information A Excellent yes 4
such as exams, plagiarized sources, and/or
other possible evidence should be attached and B Above Average yes 3
submitted with the form.
• Students will meet with the Dean of Student C Average yes 2
Affairs and receive due process; students have the
right to grieve an action they feel violates their D Below Average yes 1
student rights.
• The Dean of Student Affairs will address the F Failure no 0
behavior reasonably through the procedures
outlined in AP 5520. To calculate a grade point average (GPA), divide the total
• The Student Affairs Office will maintain records grade points by the total GPA units.
related to violations of academic dishonesty
and other violations of the college Standards of The following evaluative symbols are not used in
Conduct policy. calculating GPA:

Academic Honors Symbol Definition Credit Granted

Dean's List – Dean’s List certificates are awarded in the fall P Pass (satisfactory) yes
and spring semesters to all students whose semester grade-
point average is 3.5 or higher in 12 or more graded units NP No Pass (less than satisfactory) no
completed.
SP Satisfactory Progress no
Alpha Gamma Sigma – Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) is the
California Community College Scholastic Honor Society. (SP is used for noncredit courses only.)
The purpose of this organization is to foster, promote,
maintain, and recognize scholarship while engaging the The following non-evaluative symbols are used to
students in service to the college and community. AGS indicate course status:
also offers cultural and social programs and enrichment
activities as part of the total college experience. Symbol Definition

Any student completing 12 semester units of college work I* Incomplete
in a maximum of 2 semesters with a minimum grade-point
average of 3.0 may join AGS. (“*” indicates the default letter grade

Academic Standards to be received by the student if the incomplete

Units – The conventional unit of measurement of college is not completed within one year)
work is called the semester hour or unit of credit. A unit
consists of 18 lecture hours of class time per semester IPP Incomplete Pass
(together with 36 hours of study outside of class per
semester). Laboratory work is ordinarily valued at one INP Incomplete No Pass
unit for 54 hours of class time per semester. Twelve units
or more is considered a full-time load. No student will IP In progress
be permitted to carry more than 18 units without special
permission of a counselor. In the case of probationary RD Report Delayed
students, the maximum load is 12 units.
W Withdrawal
Grades and Grade Changes – The instructor of the course
shall determine the grade to be recorded for each student. MW Military Withdrawal
The determination of the student’s grade by the instructor
is final in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or EW Excused Withdrawal
incompetence. The removal or change of an incorrect
grade from a student’s record shall only be done upon P/NP: Pass/No Pass
authorization by the instructor of the course. A student has In addition to courses in which all students are evaluated on
one year from the end of the term in question to request a a Pass/No Pass basis, students may enroll in one course each
grade change. In the case of fraud, bad faith, clerical error, semester on a “P/NP” basis. Unless otherwise specified, a
student may elect at registration, or no later than the end
38 / Rio Hondo College of the third week (by end of first week of summer school),
whether the basis of evaluation is to be “P/NP” or a letter
grade. A “P” (Pass) is defined as “C” grade or better. If a
course is taken as P/NP, it is not factored into the GPA, but
credit is awarded when a P is earned.

All units (credits) earned on a Pass/No Pass basis in
accredited California institutions of higher education or
equivalent out-of-state institutions shall be counted in
satisfaction of community college curriculum requirements.

IMPORTANT: Students will not be allowed to request a
letter grade after the dates listed on the RHC website (www.
riohondo.edu/admissions/important-dates-and-deadlines);
nor to request a letter grade for previously completed
courses in which they earned a Pass “P.”

2018-19 Catalog

I : Incomplete – An incomplete grade, “I,” may Basic skills courses are defined as courses “in reading,
be assigned for academic work not completed for writing, computation, and English As A New Language
unforeseeable emergencies and justifiable reasons at the end which are designated by the community college district as
of the term. The condition for removal of the “I” shall be non-degree credit courses pursuant to Section 55002(d) of
stated by the instructor in a written record. This record shall Title V.”
contain the conditions for removal of the “I” and the grade
assigned in lieu of its removal (IA, IB, IC, ID, IF, IPP, INP). Rio Hondo College defines basic skill courses as courses
This record must be given to the student with a copy on file in reading, writing, computation and English As A New
with the registrar until the “I” is made up or the time limit Language with a course number less than 40. ENLA and
has passed. A final grade shall be assigned when the work learning disabled students are exempted. Students who feel
stipulated has been completed and evaluated or when the they would benefit by taking more than 30 semester units of
time limit for completing the work has passed. pre-collegiate basic skills courses should see the Director of
Admissions & Records.
The “I” may be made up no later than one year following
the end of the term in which it was assigned. Under unusual Classification of Students
circumstances, a student may petition for an extension of
the one-year period. Freshman: 0 to 29 units completed

IP: In Progress – An in-progress grade, “IP,” shall be used Sophomore: 30 to 59 units completed
to denote that the class extends beyond the normal end
of an academic term. It indicates that work is in progress Full-time: Students enrolled for 12 or more units in fall and
but that assignment of a substantive grade must await spring (4 or more units in summer)
completion of the course. The “IP” symbol shall remain
on the student’s permanent record in order to satisfy Part-time: Students enrolled for less than 12 units in fall and
enrollment documentation. The appropriate evaluative spring (less than 4 units in summer).
grade and unit of credit shall be assigned and appear on
the student’s record for the term in which the course is Challenge of Educational Records – Education Code 76232
completed. allows a student to challenge the contents of a student’s
educational record (per Education Code 76232) to correct
RD: Report Delayed – The report delayed grade, “RD,” or remove information that the student alleges to be: (1)
may be assigned by the registrar only. It is to be used when inaccurate; (2) an unsubstantiated personal conclusion
there is a delay in reporting the grade of a student due to or inference; (3) a conclusion or inference outside the
circumstances beyond the control of the student. It is a observer’s area of competence; or (4) not based on the
temporary notation to be replaced by a permanent symbol personal observation of a named person with the time and
as soon as possible. place of the observation. See the Director of Admissions &
Records for more information.
W: Withdrawal – A withdrawal or drop between 20% and
60% of the term courses length will result in a “W” notation Academic Renewal Guidelines – The academic renewal
on a student's permanent record. See section 3 for specific procedure permits the alleviation of a student’s previously
withdrawal information. recorded substandard academic performance that is not
reflective of a student’s present demonstrated ability and
MW: Military Withdrawal – A military withdrawal grade, level of performance. Academic renewal may gain for
“MW,” occurs when a student who is a member of an students the benefits of their current level of ability and
active or reserve United States Military Service receives performance and not permanently penalize them for poor
orders compelling a withdrawal from courses and petitions performance in the past.
to receive a “MW.” See section 3 for specific military
withdrawal information. Therefore, within the regulations listed, Rio Hondo College
may disregard particular, previously recorded substandard
EW: Excused Withdrawal – The EW symbol is used to work from a student’s cumulative grade-point average.
denote withdrawal in accordance with Title 5 Section
55024. A student may submit a petition to withdraw from 1. The student may petition through the Admissions
a course(s) due to specific events beyond their control and Records Office to remove previous
which affects their ability to complete a course(s). These substandard work (any course in which a grade
events may include a job transfer outside the geographical below 2.00 has been recorded) taken at Rio Hondo
region, an illness in the family where the student is primary College. The district superintendent or designee
caregiver, student is subject to immigration action, or other may grant permission.
extenuating circumstances. The excused withdrawal “EW”
notation is not counted in progress probation and dismissal 2. Up to 30 units may be alleviated.
calculations. 3. A student’s current demonstrated ability may

Grade Report – Grades will be issued at the end of each be the basis for alleviating previous substandard
session. work.
4. In order to qualify, the student must meet one of
Auditing the following criteria:
Students are not permitted to audit courses and may not a. Earn 30 consecutive units with a minimum of a
attend classes in which they are not officially enrolled. 2.0 grade-point average(GPA) from any regionally
accredited college or university, following the
Basic Skills Enrollment completion of the most recent substandard work to
The California Education Code limits students to no more be alleviated, and two (2) years must have elapsed
than 30 semester units of pre-collegiate basic skills units. since the most recent work to be alleviated.
b. Earn 15 consecutive units with a minimum of a
2018-2019 Catalog 2.5 grade-point average (GPA) from any regionally
accredited college or university, following the

Rio Hondo College / 39

completion of the most recent substandard work to Dismissal – A student shall be dismissed from the college
be alleviated, and one (1) year must have elapsed for a period of one semester (excluding summer session)
since the most recent work to be alleviated. when his/her grade-point average in three consecutive
5. The student’s academic record will be semesters is less than 2.00 in all units attempted or when
appropriately marked indicating those courses that 50% or more of all units attempted have entries of “W” and
have been alleviated. “NP.” Before reinstatement to the college, the student must
meet with a counselor.
When academic work is alleviated, grades are not removed;
they are noted and subtracted from the grade point average. Notice – Students will be notified by mail if they are on
All entries remain legible so that a true and complete record academic probation or progress probation and will also be
is maintained. There is no assurance that alleviated courses notified that they need to meet with a counselor prior to
will be treated similarly by other educational institutions reinstatement to the college. Probation and dismissal status
outside the district. may be appealed to the Dean of Counseling & Student
Success.
Final Examinations
Final examinations will be given in all courses during Repetition of Courses Guidelines
the last week of each semester. The final exam schedule
for spring and fall is listed on the RHC web site (www. Course repetition occurs when a student who has
riohondo.edu) and may vary from the regular class hours. previously received an evaluative symbol (A, B, C, D, F,
P/NP, W) in a credit course, re-enrolls in the course and
Honors Scholar receives an evaluative symbol. Students may be permitted
Honors Scholars are students who have completed any six to enroll more than one time in the same credit course if
honors courses, completed all general education transfer they or the course meets certain criteria. Students will not
requirements, achieved a grade-point average of 3.2, and be permitted to enroll in the same credit course more than
completed all lower division major prerequisites. All honors three times, except in special circumstances or when the
courses have an “H” designation. course is designated as repeatable and allows a greater
number of repetitions as established in Title 5. All attempts
Probation Standards to take a course that result in the student earning an
evaluative symbol (A, B, C, D, F, P/NP, W) on their record
Disciplinary Probation – A student may be placed on will be counted for the purposes of calculating the total
disciplinary probation for infraction of state law, education number of times a student has enrolled in a course. Students
code, board policy, student government regulations, or are limited to four (4) enrollments in courses that are
behavior unbecoming a student at Rio Hondo College. related in content for the following courses types: Physical
education courses, visual arts courses, performing arts
Students on disciplinary probation may not represent the courses, and intercollegiate academic and vocational courses
college in any activity, conference, or field trip, nor can they designated as repeatable pursuant to section 55041.
hold office in the Associated Student government or in any
student body sponsored club. Course repetition may occur under the following
circumstances:
Academic Probation – A student who has attempted at least
12 semester units as shown by the official academic record I. The course is designated as a “repeatable course”
shall be placed on academic probation if the student has consistent with the requirements of Title 5
earned a grade-point average below 2.0 in all units which §55041: Courses that may be repeated without a
were graded on the basis of the grading scale described petition are identified as such in the college catalog
in the section Academic Standards–Grades. If a student and fall within the following categories:
is placed on academic probation for two consecutive a. The course repetition is necessary to meet
semesters, the student must receive approval by a counselor the major requirements of CSU or UC for
prior to registering for classes in the following semester. completion of a bachelor’s degree.
b. The course is designated as intercollegiate
Removal from Academic Probation – A student on athletics.
academic probation for a grade-point deficiency shall be c. The course is designated as intercollegiate
removed from probation when the student’s accumulated academic or vocational competition.
grade-point average is 2.0 or higher.
II. To alleviate substandard work: A course in which
Progress Probation – A student who has enrolled in a a student grade of “D” or “F” or “NP” has been
total of at least 12 semester units as shown by the official recorded may be repeated twice. Students must
academic record shall be placed on progress probation complete a “Petition for Grade Alleviation With
when the number of all units in which a student has Course Repetition” form available in Admissions
enrolled and for which entries of “W” and “NP” “are and Records in order to remove the effects of the
recorded reaches or exceeds the number of units with grade from the GPA. When a student repeats a
other grades. If a student is placed on progress probation, class to alleviate substandard academic work, the
the student must receive approval by a counselor prior to previous grade and credit shall remain legible,
registering for classes in the following semester. however, it will be disregarded in the computation
of grade point averages. Students may use course
A student on progress probation because of an excess of work from any regionally accredited college to
units for which entries of “W” and “NP” are recorded shall replace Rio Hondo College coursework in which
be removed from probation when the total number of units a “D” or “F” or “NP” was recorded provided the
in this category drops below the number of those with other courses are deemed comparable.
grades.
III. To enroll in a class from which a student has
previously withdrawn: Students may repeat

40 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

courses that result in withdrawal with a “W” course is necessary for employment or licensure.
symbol being assigned. Students may have a Students must certify or document that there has
maximum of two withdrawals from a course been a significant change in industry or licensure
prior to receiving a grade, excluding military standards necessitating course repetition.
withdrawals and withdrawals due to extenuating
circumstances. The “W” shall not be used in A student’s permanent academic record will indicate any
calculating a student’s GPA, but must be used in courses repeated using an appropriate symbol and will be
determining probation and dismissal. annotated in such a manner that all work remains legible,
ensuring a true and complete academic history.
IV. Student meets the criteria for special
circumstances: Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

A. Extenuating circumstances: Course-level and program-level outcomes are developed by
A student may repeat a course when he/she faculty and assessed on a cyclical basis in order to improve
teaching and student learning. All course level outcomes
demonstrates that the previous grade was due are listed in course syllabi so students are aware of them at
to extenuating circumstances. Extenuating the beginning of each term. An Outcomes Committee meets
circumstances are verified cases of illness, accidents monthly to review all matters relating to outcomes. The
or other circumstances beyond the control of the Committee has developed and oversees institutional-level
student. Student’s wishing to repeat a course due outcomes. More information about outcomes can be found at
to extenuating circumstances must complete a www. riohondo.edu/slo/.
“Course Repetition” form available in Admissions
and Records and submit it with documentation Transcripts
of the extenuating circumstances and appropriate
signatures and approvals to Admissions and Upon written application, the Admissions and Records
Records. A course repeated due to extenuating Office will issue a document verifying grades or enrollment.
circumstances may only be repeated once, but the The first two copies requested are issued free. Thereafter, a
previous grade and credit may be disregarded in fee of $3.00 for each record is charged. Forms are available
computing the student’s GPA. in the Admissions and Records Office or online.

B. Significant lapse of time: Students may repeat Transcripts may also be ordered online via AccessRio or
a course in which they previously received a directly on the Credentials website. Transcripts will usually
satisfactory grade due to a significant lapse of time, be processed within three (3) working days. An emergency/
comprised of no less than 36 months or as required rush transcript request is available online for an additional
by specific program mandates AND the course is cost. Rush order will be processed within one (1) working
required by the district as a properly established day. Details are provided on the Admissions and Records
recency prerequisite; or another institution of higher web page.
education to which the student is seeking to transfer
requires the student to have taken the course more Work Hours/Class Guidelines
recently than the student’s last enrollment.
For each hour spent in a lecture class, a student should plan
C. Variable unit, open-entry/open-exit courses: to spend about two hours a week in study and homework.
Student may enroll in a variable unit open-entry/ Thus, a load of 15 units plus study time may require 45
hours a week– more than a full-time work week. Following
open-exit course as many times as necessary to are suggested work hours versus class load guidelines:
complete the entire curriculum of the course.
Working Hours/Week Units
D. Occupational Work Experience: Students may None 12 – 16
petition to enroll more than once, even if the 10 10 – 11
student received a satisfactory grade, in an 20
occupational work experience course. Enrollment 30 7–9
is limited to 16 credit hours of cooperative work 30+ 3–6
experience (CWE) and/or general work experience 1–3
(GWE) in a given field during the enrollment
period. (§55040) In order to maintain an academic balance, the following
information should be considered:
E. Legally mandated training: Students may re-enroll
in courses that are required by statute or regulation 1. Students can expect to spend at least three hours
as a condition of paid or volunteer employment. (one in class and two outside of class) each week
Students must certify or document that the course for every unit taken. A student with 12 units will
repetition is legally mandated. need 24 hours of study time for a total of 36 hours
needed for school each week.
F. Special courses for student with disabilities:
Students may enroll multiple times in classes 2. Employment time and college time combined
designated as “special classes” if it is determined should not exceed 60 hours weekly.
that such repetition is required for that person as a
disability-related accommodation. 3. Students should distribute study time
appropriately for each class – often preparation
G. Significant change in industry or licensure for a lecture class differs from preparation for a
standards: Students may petition to repeat a course laboratory class.
as a result of a significant change in industry or
licensure standards such that repetition of the 4. Students should consult frequently with their
instructors – their office hours are designed for that
purpose.

5. To assist in their academic success, students should
use the tutoring services, the library, counselors,
and other support services.

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 41

Alternative Credit Students may be exempt from this if they are requesting
to challenge and receive credit by examination for a high
Credit by External Examination school / Regional Occupational Program Career and
A student in good standing who has completed at Technical Education (CTE) articulated pathway (Title 5
least 12 units in residence and is actively enrolled at Section 55052).
Rio Hondo College may petition to receive Credit by
External Examination from the Advanced Placement (AP) American Council on Education (ACE) Credit
examinations, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Credit may be granted for those courses listed in the
and/or International Baccalaureate (IB). However, course American Council on Education source book. The courses
credit cannot be granted if it duplicates previous course listed may be treated as lower-division transfer courses by
work completed at Rio Hondo. Credit awarded will not Rio Hondo College and may be acceptable for units towards
be used to meet residency requirements. Please note that graduation requirements for the associate degree provided
course credit and units granted at Rio Hondo College may all other graduation requirements are fulfilled.
differ from course credit and units granted by a four-year
transfer institution. Before any course is applied to a departmental major and/
or to a certificate, the course is subject to departmental
Guidelines for receiving credit: approval of equivalencies and for prerequisites. Otherwise,
1. A request form must be completed and returned to the course shall be applied for elective credit only.
the Admissions and Records Office.
2. An official transcript of the test scores must be sent Students are to be apprised of the fact that although Rio
to the Admissions & Records Office to be kept as Hondo accepts such a course as a transfer course and
part of the official record. applies units toward the degree, transfer of said course to a
specific four-year institution is subject to current articulation
AP credit may be granted for Advanced Placement tests agreements with that institution.
which have been satisfactorily passed with a score of 3, 4, or
5. See the College Credit for Advanced Placement section on Credit for Military Service
the pages that follow for a list of accepted tests. Rio Hondo College may grant credit for service courses as
described in the Guide to the Evaluations of Educational
CLEP credit may be granted for College Level Examination Experiences in the Armed Forces by the American Council
Program tests in selected areas. See the College Level on Education. Course work from the Community College of
Examination Program section on the pages that follow for a the Air Force will be granted credit on the basis of similarity
list of accepted tests. to Rio Hondo programs.

IB: International Baccalaureate credit may be granted for Veterans desiring credit for military service must request
the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examinations such credit and present authentic military service and
with scores of 5, 6, or 7. Official IB scores must be sent to training records, including a copy of the discharge papers
the Admissions and Records Office. See the International (DD214) to the Admissions & Records Office. Upon the
Baccalaureate section on the pages that follow for a list of presentation of the DD214, two P.E. requirements may be
accepted tests. waived for the A.A. or A.S. degree. Requests for military
credit will be evaluated upon the presentation of proper
Credit by Examination at Rio Hondo documents, and the completion of 12 units in residence of
The Board of Trustees of Rio Hondo College, in accordance work at Rio Hondo College.
with provisions of Title 5 (55753), authorizes the college to
grant appropriate semester unit credit to any student who is Those veterans planning on applying for veterans benefits
currently enrolled and successfully passes an examination while attending classes must submit proper documentation
administered by appropriate staff. Students may not be of military service, schools, and any postsecondary credits
enrolled in the course for which they want to challenge and prior to enrolling at Rio Hondo. These documents are
receive Credit by Examination. to be sent to the Veterans Office at Rio Hondo College.
Records will be reviewed and evaluated prior to enrollment
Individual departments and/or specialty areas may elect to and development of an educational plan. Under some
grant course credit to enable students who can demonstrate conditions, students may be allowed to enroll and have their
proficiency in specific bodies of subject matter, to plan a military and educational records submitted prior to the end
relevant educational program that will exclude courses in of the first semester of attendance.
which essential levels of mastery of subject matter material
have been previously attained. Non-Collegiate Registered Nursing Training Credit
Credit may be granted to a student who has a valid
Students shall be given course credit up to a limit of 12 Rio California RN license for nursing courses taken at an
Hondo College units upon the successful completion of accredited non-collegiate RN nursing program toward the
examinations (which will not count as units in residence). Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. Credit granted may
The student’s transcript will denote credit earned by credit not exceed the total number of nursing units required for
by examination. the Associate Degree in Nursing at Rio Hondo College.

Each department identifies courses that are eligible for Upper-Division Credit
challenge. Students will receive a grade for each course Upper-division credit from U.S. regionally accredited
challenged based on the written guidelines developed by institutions may be used to fulfill Rio Hondo graduation
the individual department. requirements. Please see a counselor for more information.

To challenge a course and receive Credit by Examination
a student must be registered in the college and be in good
standing. Course(s) must be listed in the college catalog.

42 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

Credit By External Examination:

College Credit For Advanced Placement (AP) Tests

Students must have the College Board send AP exam results to the Office of Admissions and Records (hand-carried copies
will NOT be accepted) for use on the A.A./A.S. or GE patterns. Course credit and units granted at Rio Hondo College may
differ from course credit and units granted by a transfer institution. Students may earn credit for Advanced Placement
(AP) Tests with scores of 3, 4, or 5. AP credit can be used to meet IGETC, CSU GE and A.A./A.S. general education (GE)
and/or major requirements.

For most AP subjects, results indicate that AP Exam scores of 5 are equivalent to A+ and A grades in the corresponding
college course. AP Exam scores of 4 are equivalent to grades of A-, B+, and B in college. AP Exam scores of 3 are equivalent
to grades of B-, C+, and C in college. More information on the reliability and validity of AP scores is available online at
www.collegeboard.org.

EXAM RHC AA CSU GE CSU - UNITS EARNED IGETC UC - UNITS EARNED
(MAJOR AND/OR GE) TOWARD TRANSFER TOWARD
Art History Score of 3 or better for subject Area C1 or C2 TRANSFER
Art (Studio-2D Design) area unless otherwise indicated 3 semester units 6 semester units Area 3A or 3B
Art (Studio-3D Design) 3 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Art (Studio-Drawing) ART 105, 106 3 semester units N/A units
AP STUDIO ARTS 6 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
LIMITATIONS N/A units **
Biology N/A N/A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
N/A units**
Calculus AB N/A N/A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
units**
Calculus BC N/A N/A **Maximum credit 8
quarter/5.3 semester units
AP CALCULUS EXAM BIOL 101 Area B2 and B3 6 semester units Area 5B (with lab) for all studio arts exams
LIMITATIONS 4 semester units 4 semester units 4 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Chemistry units
Chinese Language & Score of 3 – Math Competence and Area B4
Culture Communication & Analytical 3 semester units 3 semester units* Area 2A 4 quarter/2.7 semester
Computer Science A Thinking 3 semester units units**
3 semester units Area B4
Score of 4 or 5 - MATH 190 3 semester units 6 semester units* Area 2A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
4 semester units 3 semester units units**

Score of 3 – Math Competence and
Communication & Analytical
Thinking
3 Semester Units
Score of 4 or 5 - MATH 190, 191
8 semester units

Score of 3 – Chemistry 120 Areas B1 and B3 *Only one exam in calculus Area 5A (with lab) **Maximum credit 8
Score of 4 or 5 – Chemistry 130 4 semester units or computer science may be 4 semester units quarter/5.3 semester units
5 Semester units used toward transfer for both
Humanities Area C2 Area 3B and 6A
3 Semester Units 3 semester units 6 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
units
N/A N/A 6 semester units N/A
8 quarter/5.3 semester
3 semester units* units
2 quarter/1.3 semester
Computer Science AB N/A N/A 6 semester units* N/A units***
Area B4 4 quarter/2.7 semester
Computer Science N/A 3 semester units 6 semester units* N/A units***
Principles 8 quarter/5.3 semester
AP COMPUTER Score of 3 - Social & Behavioral Area D *Only one exam in calculus units
SCIENCE EXAM Science 3 semester units or computer science may be ***Maximum 4
LIMITATIONS 3 semester units used toward transfer quarter/2.7 semester units
Score of 4 or 5 – ECON 101 Area D for both
Economics - Score of 3 - Social & Behavioral 3 semester units 3 semester units Area 4B
Macroeconomics Science 3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester
3 semester units Area A2 units
Economics - Score of 4 or 5 – ECON 102 3 semester units
Microeconomics ENGL 101 Area A2 and C2 3 semester units Area 4B 4 quarter/2.7 semester
3.5 semester units 6 semester units 3 semester units units
English - Language & ENGL 101, LIT 102 6 semester units
Composition 6.5 semester units 6 semester units Area 1A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
English - Literature & 3 semester units units*
Composition Area 1A or 3B 8 quarter units/5.3
AP ENGLISH EXAM 3 semester units semester units*
LIMITATIONS *8 quarter/5.3 semester
units maximum for both

Continued on next page.

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 43

Continued from previous page.

EXAM RHC AA/AS CSU GE CSU - UNITS IGETC UC - UNITS
(MAJOR AND/OR GE) EARNED EARNED
TOWARD
Score of 3 or better for subject area TOWARD TRANSFER TRANSFER

unless otherwise indicated 4 quarter/2.7 semester
units
Environmental Science Natural Science w/Lab Area B2 and B3 (if taken 4 semester units Area 5A (with lab)
4 semester units prior to Fall 2009) 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
or 6 semester units units
French Language & Humanities Area B1 and B3 6 semester units Area 3B and 6A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Culture 3 Semester Units (regardless of when taken) 6 semester units 3 semester units units
4 semester units 3 semester units Area 3B and 6A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
French Literature Humanities 3 semester units 3 semester units units
3 Semester Units Area C2 Student can satisfy the Area 3B and 6A 4 quarter/2.7 semester
German Language & 3 semester units requirement after transfer 3 semester units units
Culture Humanities Area 4H 4 quarter/2.7 semester
Government & Politics - 3 semester units Area C2 6 semester units 3 semester units units
Comparative 3 semester units Area 4H
Government and Politics Social & Behavioral Science 6 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
- U.S. 3 semester units Area C2 6 semester units units
3 semester units 3 semester units Area 3B or 4F
POLS 110 Area D 6 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
3 semester units 3 semester units 6 semester units units
Area D and US-2* 6 semester units Area 3B or 4F 8 quarter/5.3 semester
History - European Social & Behavioral Science or 3 semester units 3 semester units units
Humanities *Does not fulfill 3 semester units Area 3B or 4F 4 quarter/2.7 semester
History - U.S. 3 semester units California Government 3 semester units units
HIST 143, 144 requirement 6 semester units Area 4E 8 quarter/5.3 semester
History - World 6 semester units 3 semester units units
HIST 101, 102 Area C2 or D 6 semester units Area 3B and 6A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Human Geography 6 semester units 3 semester units 3 semester units units
Italian Language & Social & Behavioral Science 6 semester units* Area 3B and 6A 4 quarter/2.7 semester
Culture 3 semester units Area C2 or D and US-1 3 semester units units
Japanese Language & Humanities 3 semester units 4 semester units* Area 3B and 6A
Culture 3 semester units 4 semester units* 3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester
Latin Humanities Area C2 or D 4 semester units* units
3 semester units 3 semester units 4 semester units* Area 3B and 6A
Latin - Vergil Humanities *Maximum 4 semester units 3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester
3 semester units Area D toward GE and 6 semester units
Latin - Literature 3 semester units units toward transfer Area 3B and 6A
Humanities Area C2 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Music Theory 3 semester units 3 semester units units
Area C2 N/A
Physics B Humanities 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
3 semester units Area 5A and 5C units**
Physics 1 Fine Arts Area C2 4 semester units
3 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Physics 2 Area 5A and 5C units
Natural Science w/Lab Area C2 4 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Physics C - Mechanics 4 semester units Area 5A and 5C units
Physics C – (if taken prior to Fall 2012) 4 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester
Electricity/Magnetism Natural Science w/ Lab Area 5A and 5C units**
AP PHYSICS EXAM 4 semester units 3 semester units 3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester
LIMITATIONS Natural Science w/ Lab Area C2 Area 5A and 5C units**
4 semester units 3 semester units 3 semester units **Maximum 8 quarter/
Psychology Natural Science w/Lab 5.3 semester units for
4 semester units Area C1 all physics exams
Seminar Natural Science w/Lab
Spanish Language & 4 semester units (if taken prior to Fall 2009) 4 quarter/2.7 semester
Culture units
Spanish Literature & Score of 3 - Social & Behavioral 3 semester units
Culture Science N/A
Statistics 3 semester units B1 and B3
Score of 4 or 5 – PSY 101 8 quarter/5.3 semester
(if take prior to Fall 2013) units
N/A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
4 semester units* units
SPAN 101, 102 B1 and B3 4 quarter/2.7 semester
8 semester units 4 semester units* units
SPAN 201 B1 and B3
4 semester units 4 semester units* 2018-19 Catalog
MATH 130 Area B1 and B3
4 semester units 4 semester units*
Area B1 and B3
4 semester units*

Area D 3 semester units Area 4I
3 semester units 3 semester units

N/A 3 semester units N/A
6 semester units
Area C2 6 semester units Area 3B and 6A
3 semester units 3 semester units 3 semester units
Area C2 Area 3B and 6A
3 semester units 3 semester units
Area B4 Area 2
3 semester units 3 semester units

44 / Rio Hondo College

Credit by External Examination

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Rio Hondo College will award CLEP credit toward the Associate Degree and transfer to the CSU system accordingly. UC
does not accept CLEP exams. Course credit cannot be granted if it duplicates previous coursework completed. Official
CLEP scores must be sent directly to Rio Hondo’s Office of Admissions and Records. A student must be actively enrolled
and have completed 12 units in residence at Rio Hondo College when applying for credit by CLEP exam. CLEP credit may
not be used to meet any residency requirement.

CLEP EXAM PASSING MIN. SEM. CSU-GE AREA/ PASSING RIO HONDO RIO HONDO
SCORE FOR UNITS CERTIFICATION SCORE FOR EQUIVALENT SEMESTER
CSU CREDIT EARNED FOR UNITS RIO HONDO RIO HONDO COURSE (FOR UNITS
ADMISSION GE AREA CREDIT CREDIT AWARDED
American 50 D ASSOCIATE DEGREE)
Government 50 3 units 3 units Social/Behavioral 50 3 units
50 3 units Sciences NA
American 3 units C2 6 units
Literature 50 3 units Humanities 50 LIT 112A/B
Analyzing and 3 units 3 units
Interpreting 3 units C2 Humanities 50 LIT 102
Literature 3 units 3 units
3 units Natural Sciences 50 NA 3 units
Biology 3 units B2
3 units
Calculus 50 NA Language & 50 NA 3 units
NA B4 Rationality 50 NA 3 units
Chemistry 50 NA 3 units Natural Sciences
NA
College Algebra 50 3 units B1 Language & 50 NA 3 units
3 units Rationality
College Algebra- 50 3 units Language & 50 NA 3 units
Trigonometry NA 6 units B4 Rationality
College Comp. 3 units Language & 50 ENGL 101 3.5 units
Rationality
College Comp. NA B4 Language & 50 ENGL 101 3.5 units
Modular 50 3 units Rationality
50 Language & 50 ENGL 101 (if taken 3.5 units
English Comp. 50 NA Rationality
Language & before July ’10)
(no essay) NA Rationality
Humanities 50 ENGL 101 (if taken 3.5 units
English Comp. NA
before July ’10)
(with essay) NA
50 LIT 146A/B 6 units
English Literature C2 (if taken before

Financial 50 F’11) NA 50 ACCT 101 4 units
Accounting 50 Humanities
French Level I 3 units 80 FR 101/102 8 units
NA

NA

2018-2019 Catalog Continued on next page.
Rio Hondo College / 45

Continued from previous page.

CLEP EXAM PASSING MIN. SEM. CSU-GE AREA/ PASSING RIO HONDO RIO HONDO
SCORE FOR UNITS CERTIFICATION SCORE FOR EQUIVALENT SEMESTER
CSU CREDIT EARNED FOR UNITS RIO HONDO RIO HONDO COURSE (FOR UNITS
ADMISSION GE AREA CREDIT CREDIT AWARDED
French Level II 59 C2 ASSOCIATE DEGREE)
12 units (if 3 units Humanities 80 12 units
FR 101/102/201
taken prior to F’15)

Freshman College 50 9 units (if taken NA Language & 50 ENGL 101 (if taken 3.5 units
Composition Rationality
German Level I 50 F’15 or after)
60 NA
German Level II NA Humanities

before July ’10)

6 units NA NA NA NA
12 units (if C2
3 units 60 NA 3 units
taken prior to F’15)
History, US I 50 D+US-1 Social/Behavioral 50 NA 3 units
50 9 units (if taken 3 units Sciences 50 NA 3 units
History, US II 50 D+US-1 50 NA 3 units
50 F’15 or after) 3 units Social/Behavioral 50 NA 3 units
Human Growth & 50 Sciences 50 CIT 101 3 units
Development 3 units E
Humanities 50 3 units Social/Behavioral NA NA NA
50 3 units Sciences 50 BUSL 110 3 units
Information 50 C2 50 3 units
Systems & Comp. 50 3 units 3 units Humanities 50 NA 3 units
NA
Applications 3 units NA NA
Intro to Educ.
3 units NA
Psychology
Introductory 3 units NA NA
Business Law 3 units
Introductory 3 units NA Social/Behavioral
Psychology 3 units Sciences
Introductory D
3 units Social/Behavioral
Sociology Sciences
D
3 units

46 / Rio Hondo College Continued on next page.
2018-19 Catalog

Continued from previous page.

CLEP EXAM PASSING MIN. SEM. CSU-GE AREA/ PASSING RIO HONDO RIO HONDO
SCORE FOR UNITS CERTIFICATION SCORE FOR EQUIVALENT SEMESTER
CSU CREDIT EARNED FOR UNITS RIO HONDO RIO HONDO COURSE (FOR UNITS
ADMISSION GE AREA CREDIT CREDIT AWARDED
Natural Sciences 50 B1 or B2 ASSOCIATE DEGREE)
3 units 3 units Natural Sciences 50 3 units
NA 3 units
3 units B4 Language &
Pre-Calculus 50 3 units Rationality 50 NA NA
3 units 3 units
Principles of 50 NA NA NA NA 3 units
Accounting 50 3 units
Principles of 50 3 units D Social/Behavioral 50 NA 3 units
Macroeconomics 50 3 units 3 units Sciences 50 NA 8 units
Principles of 50 3 units 50 MGMT 150 12 units
Microeconomics 50 D Social/Behavioral
Principles of 63 3 units Sciences 3 units
Management NA
Principles of NA 3 units
Marketing 3 units
Spanish Level I 3 units NA NA 50 MRKT 170
Spanish Level II
6 units NA Humanities 50 SPAN 101/102
C2 Humanities 63 SPAN 101/102/
12 units (if 3 units
201
taken prior to F’15)

Trigonometry 50 9 units (if taken B4 (if taken prior to Language & 50 NA
Rationality
Western 50 F’15 or after) F’06) 50 NA
Civilization I 50 Humanities or 50 NA
3 units 3 units S/B Sciences
Western C2 or D Social/Behavioral
Civilization II 3 units 3 units
Sciences
3 units D
3 units

RHC: Students will get specific course credit only where a Rio Hondo equivalent course has been designated. A student
who receives CLEP credit and then takes the equivalent RHC course will have the unit credit for such duplication deducted
prior to being awarded the Associate degree.

CSU: All CSU campuses will accept the minimum units shown and apply them toward fulfillment of the designated
CSU-GE area if the examination is included as part of a full or subject-area certification. Please note that individual CSU
campuses may choose to grant more units than specified toward completion of the CSU General Education-Breadth
requirements.

IGETC: CLEP exams cannot be used to certify IGETC.

Please see a counselor for assistance in determining CLEP credit for graduation and/or transfer.

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 47

Credit by External Examination
International Baccalaureate (IB)

EXAM RHC AA GE Area Credit CSU GE CSU - UNITS EARNED IGETC UC - UNITS
Score of 5 or better Score of 5 or better, TOWARD TRANSFER Score of 5 or Better EARNED TOWARD
unless noted otherwise
IB Biology HL Natural Science 6 semester units Area 5B TRANSFER
3 semester units Area B2 6 semester units 3 semester units
IB Chemistry HL Clearance for BIOL 111L or 120L 3 semester units 6 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
6 semester units Area 5A units
IB Economics HL Natural Science Area B1 6 semester units 3 semester units
IB Geography HL 3 semester units 3 semester units 6 semester units Area 4B 8 quarter/5.3 semester
IB History (any region) Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 semester units units
HL 3 semester units Area D 6 semester units Area 4E 8 quarter/5.3 semester
IB Language A - Lit. HL Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 semester units 3 semester units units
3 semester units Area D 6 semester units Area 3B or 4F 8 quarter/5.3 semester
IB Language A - Lang. Humanities or Social/Behavioral 3 semester units 3 semester units units
& Lit. HL Sciences 6 semester units
3 semester units Area C2 or D 6 semester units Area 3B and 6A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
3 semester units 6 semester units 3 semester units units
Humanities 6 semester units
3 semester units Score of 4 or better 3 semester units Area 3B and 6A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Area C2 6 semester units 3 semester units units
Humanities 3 semester units
3 semester units Score of 4 or better Area 3B 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Area C2 3 semester units units
IB Language A1 (any Humanities 3 semester units
language) HL 3 Semester Units Score of 4 or better Area 3B 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Area C2 (* F’13) 3 semester units units
IB Language A2 (any Humanities 3 semester units
language) HL 3 semester units Score of 4 or better Area 6A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
IB Language B (any Area C2 (* F’13) 3 semester units units
language) HL Humanities 3 semester units
3 semester units Score of 4 or better Area 2A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
IB Mathematics HL N/A 3 semester units units
Language & Rationality Score of 4 or better
IB Physics HL 3 semester units Area B4 Area 5A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
3 semester units 3 semester units units
IB Psychology HL Natural Science Area B1 Area 4I
3 semester units 3 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
IB Theatre HL Social/Behavioral Science Area D units
3 semester units 3 semester units Area 3A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Score of 4 or better 3 semester units units
Fine Arts Area C1
3 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
units

*if taken prior to

48 / Rio Hondo College 2018-19 Catalog

7 Degree & Certificate
Guidelines
Degree Programs minimum of 60 degree applicable units, with a 2.0 grade-
point average (GPA) or better, and at least twelve (12) units
Rio Hondo College offers a variety of two-year programs in residence, and which will include:
leading to the Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science
(A.S.), Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T), and Associate I. A major consisting of a minimum of eighteen (18) units
in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees. See this catalog for a with a minimum “C” grade, and satisfactory completion of
listing of degree programs available. any one (1) of the following general education requirements.

The A.A. or A.S. Degree Concept a. Certified completion of the California State Univer-
sity General Education breadth pattern (CSUGE);
Central to an associate degree, coursework is designed to
introduce students to the variety of means through which b. Certified completion of the Intersegmental General
people comprehend the modern world. This coursework Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern;
is referred to as the general education requirement of the
degree. It reflects the conviction of the college that those who c. Certified completion of the Rio Hondo College
receive these degrees must possess in common certain basic General Education and Proficiency requirements as listed.
principles, concepts and methodologies both unique to and
shared by the various disciplines. College educated persons The Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree will be
should be able to use this knowledge when evaluating and conferred with a major consisting of a minimum of 18 units in
appreciating the physical environment, the culture, and the a specified field of study (or major). A listing of all majors can
society in which they live. Most importantly, these degrees be found in the degree listing in the college catalog. In addi-
should lead to better self-understanding. In addition to the tion, a minimum of a “C” grade for all coursework within the
general education coursework, courses within an area of major is required. Effective Fall 2008, courses can be used to
specialization, called a major, are required for an associate meet a General Education area and Major requirement.
degree. The area of specialization will appear on the face of
all diplomas. Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T)
or Associate in Science for Transfer
Students should meet with a counselor and create an educa- (AS-T) Requirements
tion plan in order to ensure fulfillment of requirements of an
Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree. The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill
1440, now codified in California Education Code sections
General Education Exceptions – Those students who have 66746-66749) guarantees admission to a California State
been awarded a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accred- University (CSU) campus for any community college student
ited college or university in the United States will be exempt who completes an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT). The
from the Rio Hondo College general education and profi- Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or the Associate in Sci-
ciency requirements should they pursue an associate degree ence for Transfer (AS-T) is intended for students who plan
at this institution. Please see a counselor for additional to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU
information. campus.

Course Substitutions – Request for a Course Substitution Students completing these degrees (AA-T or AS-T) are guar-
form must be completed and returned to the Admissions and anteed admission to the CSU system but not to a particular
Records Office in order to substitute one course for another campus or major. In order to earn one of these degrees, stu-
or to waive part of a requirement in the event of discontinued dents must complete 60 semester units of CSU-transferable
courses. The course substitution request will be reviewed by coursework with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0. A minimum
a faculty representative, Dean of the discipline involved, and of 18 semester units in the major must be completed with
by the Articulation Officer. Rio Hondo College may accept a grade of “C” or better in each course (or with a “P” if the
extension and continuing education courses after taking into course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis and the “P” is equal
consideration whether they are comparable to Rio Hondo to a “C” or higher). Students are required to complete either
courses, are from a regionally accredited institution, are taken the CSU GE pattern or IGETC pattern along with 12 units in
for credit or a letter grade, and are degree-applicable at the residence. There are no additional graduation requirements
originating institution. for an AA-T or AS-T degree.

The A.A. or A.S. Degree Requirements Students transferring to a CSU campus that deems the AA-T
or AS-T as similar to the transfer major will be required
Both the Associate of Arts and the Associate of Science to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a
degrees require a minimum of 60 units with a 2.0 or better bachelor’s degree. This degree may not be the best option for
grade-point average (GPA). At least 12 units must be in resi- students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or
dence at Rio Hondo College. Non-degree applicable course- other institution that is not part of the CSU system. Students
work will not be included in the total number of units earned should consult with a counselor when planning to complete
toward a degree. the degree for more information on university admission and
transfer requirements.
The degree of Associate of Arts or Associate of Science will
be conferred upon any student satisfactorily completing a

2018-2019 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 49