Rio Hondo College Course Catalog 2019-20

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- 2019-2020 Catalog
0234 Telephone • (415) 506-0238 FAX), an institutional
accrediting body recognized by the Commission on July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020
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 Oscar Valladares, President
Community College District Board of Trustees to add,
amend, or repeal any of its regulations, rules, and Rosaelva Lomeli, Vice President
procedures in whole or in part at such time as it may elect.
Vicky Santana, Clerk
The Rio Hondo College staff has worked to assure the
accuracy of all information in the catalog. Students are Norma Edith García, Member
advised, however, that such information may be subject
to change without notice. Since the catalog is prepared in Gary Mendez, Member
advance of the academic year, changes in some programs
and rules might occur. An addendum to the catalog is Carolina “Lina” Campillo
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 Dr. Arturo Reyes
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.

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 1

Introduction

President’s Welcome

Rio Hondo College is committed to serving our community! ¡El Colegio de Río Hondo está comprometido a servir
Our exceptional staff, faculty and administrators value all a nuestra comunidad! Nuestro personal, profesores y
students and take pride in offering meaningful educational administradores valoran a todos los estudiantes y se
opportunities to prepare you for the future. enorgullecen en ofrecerte oportunidades educativas y
prepararte para tu futuro.
If you are transferring to a four-year university, completing Si tu meta es transferirte a una universidad de cuatro años,
a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology, an la licenciatura en tecnología automotriz, un asociado, un
associate’s degree, certificate in a vocational area, learning certificado en un área vocacional/técnica, aprender el inglés
English, or strengthening your skills, Rio Hondo is the o incrementar tus habilidades, Río Hondo es el colegio
school of choice for you. comunitario para ti.

Rio Hondo College values diversity, equity, student access ¡El Colegio Río Hondo valora la diversidad, la equidad,
and success! Students are the priority at Rio Hondo. Our y el éxito de nuestros alumnos! Nuestros estudiantes son
inspirational educational community cares and passionately la prioridad en nuestro colegio comunitario. Nuestra
welcomes all students and supports you to achieve your comunidad educativa da la bienvenida a nuestros
goals. estudiantes con profesionalismo, y devoción y te apoya a
lograr todas tus metas educativas.
As a distinguished Hispanic Serving Institution, we
embrace first-generation, traditionally underrepresented Como colegio distinguido del grupo de instituciones
students, and dreamers. educativas que provee servicios a las comunidades
hispanas, apoyamos a estudiantes menos representados,
Whether you are a Rio Promise student entering for alumnos de primera generación, y a los soñadores.
the first time or a returning student, I encourage you to
explore career paths, engage in college activities, and Si eres es un estudiante que ingresa por primera vez o un
take advantage of all student support services including estudiante que está retornando al colegio, te recomiendo
counseling and tutoring. que explores las diferentes oportunidades académicas,
sociales y los programas de apoyo que incluyen consejería y
From your first-year through transfer, certificate completion asesoría académica que son parte del colegio de Río Hondo.
or graduation, Rio Hondo College is always here to help
you realize your dreams. Desde tu primer año hasta lograr tu meta de transferencia,
terminar un certificado o tu graduación, Río Hondo College
I wish you the best on your educational journey! siempre está aquí para ayudarte y apoyarte a realizar tus
sueños.
Cordially,
¡Te deseo lo mejor en tu viaje educativo!

Dr. J. Arturo Reyes En hora buena,
Superintendent/President
Dr. J. Arturo Reyes
Superintendent/President

2 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

Administrators

ADMINISTRATION FACULTY COORDINATORS
Superintendent/President....................................... Arturo Reyes, Ed.D. Athletics.....................Steve Johnson/Bianca Urquidi /Jodi Senk, Ed.D.
Vice President, Academic Affairs....................... Laura Ramirez, Ed.D. Center for Career and Re-entry Services................... Christine Waugh
Vice President, Student Services............................................ Henry Gee Distance Education...................................................................Jill Pfeiffer
Vice President, Finance & Business.................................Yulian Ligioso English as a New Language (ENLA).............................Tyler Okamoto
Evening & Weekend College...........Steve Hemenway/Vik Hovsepian
EXECUTIVE DEANS/DIRECTORS Fire Technology.................................................................Tracy Rickman
Executive Dean, Student Affairs/ First-Year Seminar Coordinator………………………….Sheila Lynch
Fitness Center.................................................. Kathy Pudelko/Jodi Senk
Student Conduct.........................................................Loy Nashua, J.D. Guardian Scholars.............................................................Marisela Saenz
Executive Director, Human Resources/ Guided Pathways.............................................................Lydia Gonzalez
Honors Coordinator.............................................. Melissa Rifino Juarez
District Compliance Officer............................................. Shawn Smith Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator.............................. Abbie Perry
Leadership Academy............................................................. Kelly Lynch
DIVISION DEANS Learning Assistance Center................................................. Moises Mata
Arts, Cultural Programs & Math Science Center........................................................... George Wang
Distance Education............................................. Grant Linsell, D.M.A. Pathway to Law School.............................................. Juana Mora, Ph.D.
Interim, Behavioral & Social Sciences.........................Mark Yokoyama Program Review.............................................................. Marie Eckstrom
Business................................................................................... Gita Runkle School Psychologist..............................................Denna Sanchez, Ph.D.
Career & Technical Education/Instructional Speech/Forensics (Debate)...........................................Grant Tovmasian
Staff Development/FLEX....................................................Katie O’Brien
Operations...........................................................................Mike Slavich Student Equity............................................................. Juana Mora, Ph.D.
Communications & Languages.............................. Alice Mecom, Ed.D. Student Learning Outcomes...........................Alyson Cartagena, Ed.D.
Counseling..............................................................................Lisa Chavez Study Abroad.....................................................................Dana Vazquez
Educational Centers..................................................... Yolanda Emerson Transfer Center............................................................................ Jose Lara
Health Science & Nursing................................................Catherine Page Veterans Services........................................................... Arely Castaneda
Institutional Research & Planning.................Caroline Durdella, Ph.D.
Kinesiology, Dance, and Athletics/Athletic Director.......Steve Hebert
Library............................................................................Mike Garabedian
Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering................. Vann Priest, Ph.D.
Public Safety...................................................................Mark Yokoyama
Student Success........................................................Melba Castro, Ed.D.

ASSISTANT DEAN
Student Success & Retention (Basic Skills)...................Barbara Salazar

DIRECTORS, MANAGERS, AND

PROJECT MANAGERS
Accounting.......................................................................... Stephen Kibui
Admissions & Records.................................................Leigh Ann Unger
Child Development Center………………… Shireetha Gethers, Ed.D.
Contract Management & Vending Services.................... Felix G. Sarao
Deputy Sector Navigator, Grant Manager.........................Bruce Noble
Disabled Students Programs & Services................Consuelo Gutierrez
Extended Opportunity Programs &

Services/CARE................................................................. Heba Griffiths
Facilities Services............................................................................. Vacant
Interim, Financial Aid, Scholarships &

Veterans Services.................................................................David Levy
Government & Community

Relations........................................ Russell Castañeda-Calleros. Ed.D.
Grant Development & Management............................Michaela Brehm
Information Technology Services............................. Gary Van Voorhis
Marketing & Communications.........................................Ruthie Retana
Mechanical & Electrical Services..................................Anthony Ortega
Operations & Maintenance................................................George Lopez
Personal and Academic Support Services

(PASS) Program, Project Manager................................... Brenda Beza
Police Academy...............................................................Walter Allen, III
SSSP, Non/Credit, AEBG/ Continuing & Contract

Education Project Manager.. ...........................Francisco Suarez, Ed.D
Strong Workforce, Grant Manager....................... Margaret Fernandez
Student Equity, Grant Manager.........................................Cecilia Rocha
Student Life & Leadership............................................... Shaina Phillips
Student Success and Support Program,

Grant Manager............................................................................. Vacant
Teacher Preparation Pipeline and Pathway (TPPP),

Interim Project Manager.......................................Maria Lea Martinez

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 3

Division/Department Listing Division of Counseling & Student Success Equity
(562) 908-3410
Admissions & Records • Center for Career & Re-entry Services: (562) 908-3407
(562) 908-3415 or (562) 463-7639 • Counseling Center: (562) 908-3410
• International Students Program • Student Equity: (562) 463-7066
Division of Arts & Cultural Programs • Pathway to Law School: (562) 463-7008
(562) 908-3471 • Puente: (562) 463-3207
• Cultural Events Hotline: (562) 908-3492 • Student Success and Support Program — Credit/Noncredit
• Cultural Programs • Transfer Center: (562) 463-4619
• Distance Education Division of Health Science & Nursing
• Performing Arts (562) 908-3421
Music • Acute CNA
Theater • Associate Degree Nursing
• Visual Arts • Home Health Aide
Animation • Vocational Nursing
Art History • Nurse Assistant Pre-Certification Training
Ceramics Division of Kinesiology, Dance and Athletics
Graphic Design (562) 908-3409
Photography • Athletics
Studio Art • Dance
Division of Behavioral & Social Sciences • Fitness Center (562) 463-3461
(562) 463-7469 • Kinesiology
• Anthropology Division of Library
• Chicano Studies (562) 908-3417
• Child Development/Education • Archives
• Economics • Circulation
• History • Library (562) 908-3417
• Human Services • Production
• Humanities • Reference
• Philosophy Division of Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering
• Political Science (562) 908-3444 or 908-3472
• Psychology/Drug Studies • Astronomy, Geography, and Geology
• Sociology • Biological Sciences
• Support Programs • Chemistry
Pre-school Laboratory • Environmental Sciences
Division of Business • Mathematics
(562) 463-7359 • Math Science Center
• Accounting • MESA/TRIO SSS STEM
• Business/Management/Marketing • Physics and Engineering
• Computer Information Technology Division of Public Safety
• District Lab (562) 463-7756
• International Business • Administration of Justice
• Logistics • Advanced Officer Training
Division of Career & Technical Education • Corrections
(562) 908-3460 • Forensics
• Apprenticeship: (562) 908-3448 • Police Academy
• Architecture/Civil/Engineering Technology (562) 941-4082
• Automotive Technology • Emergency Medical Technician
• Automotive Technology Baccalaureate Degree Program • Fire Academy
• Geographic Information Systems • Fire Technology
• Electronics (Renewable/Green Energy) • Homeland Security Training Center
• Heavy Equipment Technology • Wildland Fire
• Honda PACT Program Division of Student Affairs
• Tesla START 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 • Financial Aid, Scholarships and
• Reading & Study Skills Veterans Services: (562) 908-3411
• Reading Lab • Outreach and Educational Partnerships: (562) 463-4693
• Speech/Forensics • Rio Success Lab (562) 463-7226
• Study Abroad • Student Success and Dream Center: (562) 463-6650
• Veterans Service Center (562) 463-3370
4 / Rio Hondo College
2019-2020 Catalog

Contents

Introduction.................................................................................2 Student Success and Support Program
President’s Welcome.................................................................. 2 (formerly Matriculation)..................................................... 25
Administrators............................................................................ 3
Division/Department Listing.................................................... 4 Five Steps to Becoming a Rio Hondo College Student........ 25
Calendar 2019-2020..................................................................... 7 Student Success and Support Program Requirement.......... 26
College Responsibilities........................................................... 26
1. General Information About Rio Hondo College.............8 Student Responsibilities .......................................................... 26
History.......................................................................................... 8 Student Rights........................................................................... 26
Vision............................................................................................ 8 Matriculation Exemptions....................................................... 26
Mission ....................................................................................... 8 Placement Appeals Procedure................................................ 27
Values Statement......................................................................... 8 RHC Prerequisite/Corequisite/Advisory Definitions.......... 27
Goals Statement Institutional Code of Ethics (BP 3050)........ 9 Clearing a Prerequisite............................................................. 27
Institutional Philosophy........................................................... 10 Prerequisite/Corequisite Challenge Procedure.................... 27
Institutional Affiliation............................................................. 10 Educational Costs...................................................................... 27
Accreditations & Certifications............................................... 10 Scholarships............................................................................... 28
Facilities...................................................................................... 11 Student Financial Obligations ................................................ 28
Enrollment/Fees Refunds ....................................................... 28
Art Gallery..............................................................................11
Black Box Theater..................................................................11 Resident Students..................................................................28
Bookstore ...............................................................................11 Nonresident Students...........................................................28
Rio Café...................................................................................11
Child Development Center/ 4. Support Services and Special Academic Programs.......29
Pre-School Laboratory..........................................................11 Academic Advisement ........................................................... 29
El Monte Educational Center (EMEC)...............................11 CalWORKs Program................................................................. 29
Fitness Center........................................................................11 Career Counseling Center for Career & Re-entry Services .... 29
Observatory............................................................................11 Career Services.......................................................................... 29
Parking: Students/Visitors....................................................... 11 Re-entry Services....................................................................... 29
Rio Hondo Educational Center Child Development Center/Pre-School Laboratory............. 30
at Pico Rivera............................................................................. 12 Computer Resources................................................................ 30
Santa Fe Springs Training Center........................................... 12 Continuing, Contract & Noncredit Education...................... 30
South Whittier Educational Center (SWEC)......................... 12 Counseling ................................................................................ 30
State Smog Center..................................................................... 12 Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS).................. 30
Wray Theater............................................................................. 12 Distance Education: Online Courses...................................... 31
Extended Opportunity Programs & Services
2. College Policies & Procedures...........................................14
Academic Freedom ................................................................. 14 (EOP&S/CARE).................................................................... 31
Access to Financial Aid Services.............................................................. 31
Student Records........................................................................ 14 Gainful Employment................................................................ 33
Student Records ...................................................................... 14 Guardian Scholars..................................................................... 33
Children on Campus................................................................ 14 Honors Transfer Program........................................................ 34
Computer Usage....................................................................... 14 Labs............................................................................................. 34
Student Complaints/Grievance Procedures ......................... 15
Directory Information ............................................................. 15 Math Science Center (MSC).................................................34
Hazing ....................................................................................... 15 Nursing Simulation Center..................................................34
Non-Discrimination Policy...................................................... 15 Pre-School Laboratory..........................................................34
Póliza contra la Discriminación.............................................. 16 Reading Lab...........................................................................34
Registered Sex Offender Information.................................... 16 Writing Center.......................................................................34
Sexual Harassment................................................................... 16 Writers’ Resource Center.....................................................34
Hostigamiento Sexual............................................................... 17 Library........................................................................................ 34
Sexual Misconduct Information and Title IX Compliance.. 18 Circulation Services..............................................................34
Standards of Student Conduct ............................................... 19 Reference Services.................................................................34
Mental Health Clearance ........................................................ 21 Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA)
Rio Hondo College’s Policy on Drug and Alcohol Abuse.. 21 and TRIO Student Support Services STEM...................... 35
Orientation................................................................................. 35
3. Admission, Registration & Educational Costs...............22 Pathway to Law School............................................................ 35
Admissions: Becoming a Rio Hondo Student ...................... 22 Puente Project............................................................................ 35
Who May Apply ....................................................................... 22 Rio Success Lab......................................................................... 35
Student Classification............................................................... 22 Student Health and Psychological Services ......................... 35
Residence Requirements.......................................................... 22 Student Success and Dream Center........................................ 36
AB540 Students......................................................................... 23 Study Abroad............................................................................ 36
International Students ............................................................. 23 Transfer Center.......................................................................... 36
Open Enrollment Policy........................................................... 24 TRIO Student Support Services Program.............................. 36
Unit Limitations........................................................................ 24 Tutoring Support...................................................................... 36
Adding/Dropping Classes ...................................................... 24 Learning Assistance Center (LAC).....................................36
Evaluation of Transcripts......................................................... 25 Mathematics & Sciences Center (MSC)..............................36
Veterans Services...................................................................... 36
Weekend College...................................................................... 37

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 5

5. Student Life & Leadership.................................................38 UC Application Filing Periods................................................ 60
How to Get Involved In Campus Activities.......................... 38 Intersegmental General Education Transfer
Student Government................................................................ 38
Student Clubs............................................................................ 38 Curriculum (IGETC) for CSU & UC.................................. 61
ASRHC Sponsored Events....................................................... 38 Transferring to Independent Colleges & Universities......... 62
Student Leadership Institute................................................... 38 Transfer Web Sites.................................................................... 62
College Services Fee.................................................................. 38
Student Publications................................................................. 38 9. Degree & Certificate Programs..........................................63
Athletics – Men’s & Women’s Intercollegiate Sports.......... 38 Associate of Arts Degree/Associate of Science Degree..............63
Athletic Eligibility for California Community College Certificate of Achievement...................................................... 63
Career Certificate...................................................................... 64
Intercollegiate Teams .......................................................... 39 Certificate of Skill Proficiency................................................. 65
Student Conduct at College-Sponsored Events.................... 39 Associate Degree for Transfer................................................. 65
Noncredit Certificate................................................................ 65
6. Academic Guidelines..........................................................40 Bachelor of Science Degree...................................................... 65
Attendance/Absences............................................................... 40 RHC Majors & Programs.................................................... 66-69
Academic Dishonesty............................................................... 40 Fire Academy.................................................................... 145-146
Academic Dishonesty and its Consequences........................ 40 General Studies................................................................. 148-153
Academic Honors..................................................................... 41 Nursing Programs Overview......................................... 188-196
Academic Standards................................................................. 41 Police Academy................................................................ 207-208
Outcomes Course-Level - Student Non-Credit Program........................................................ 221-228
Learning Outcomes (SLO) and Bachelor of Science Degree

Program Level Outcomes (PLO) ....................................... 43 Automotive Technology............................................ 229-237
Probation Standards ................................................................ 43
Repetition of Courses Guidelines........................................... 43 10. Program Level Outcomes................................................238
Transcripts.................................................................................. 44 PLOs - Degree & Certificate .......................................... 238-251
Work Hours/Class Guidelines................................................ 44 SLOs - General Education............................................... 251-252
Alternative Credit .................................................................... 45
11. Courses of Instruction.....................................................253
Credit by External Examination .........................................45 C-ID Numbering System ............................................... 254-262
Credit by Examination at Rio Hondo.................................45 Course Schedule Frequency........................................... 263-280
American Council on Education (ACE) Credit.................45 Credit Course Listing...................................................... 282-443
Credit for Military Service...................................................45 Noncredit Course Listing................................................ 444-454
Non-Collegiate Registered Nursing Training Credit.......46
Upper-Division Credit..........................................................46 12. Administrators.......................................................... 455-456

7. Degree & Certificate Guidelines ......................................53 13. Faculty........................................................................ 457-463
Degree Programs ...................................................................... 53
The A.A. or A.S. Degree Concept........................................... 53 14. Maps........................................................................... 464-466
The A.A. or A.S. Degree Requirements................................. 53
Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in 15. Index........................................................................... 467-470

Science for Transfer (AS-T) Requirements....................... 53
Associate Degree for Transfer - Reciprocity Policy.............. 54
Rio Hondo College General Education and

Proficiency Requirements................................................... 54
Multiple Majors/Second Associate Degrees.......................... 55
Catalog Rights .......................................................................... 55
Continuous Enrollment ........................................................... 55
Graduation................................................................................. 55
Certificate Programs................................................................. 55
Certificate of Achievement...................................................... 55
Certificate of Skill Proficiency................................................. 55
Career Certificate...................................................................... 55
Exceptions to Graduation/

Certificate of Achievement Requirements....................... 56

8. Transfer..................................................................................57
Transfer Programs.................................................................... 57
Educational Planning for Transfer......................................... 57
Transferring to California State University (CSU)............... 57
CSU Impaction.......................................................................... 58
CSU Local Definition ............................................................... 58
CSU Redirection Process.......................................................... 58
CSU Certification...................................................................... 58
CSU Application....................................................................... 58
CSU Application Filing Periods.............................................. 58
CSU General Education Breadth Course Requirements..... 59
Transferring to University of California (UC)...................... 60
Community College Transfer Priority Admission............... 60
IGETC General Education Certification................................ 60
Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)................................... 60
UC Admission Guarantee........................................................ 60
UC Application.......................................................................... 60

6 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

Instructional
Calendar 2019-2020

Summer 2019

Ten-Week Session (10-weeks)
..........................................Monday, June 3 – Friday, August 9

First Session (5-weeks)
................................................Monday, June 3 – Friday, July 5

Evening Session (6-weeks)
............................................Monday, June 17 – Friday, July 26

Late Start: Day and Evening (8-weeks)
........................................Monday, June 17 – Friday, August 9
(Includes on-site, off site & online classes)

Second Session: Day Classes (5-weeks)
...........................................Monday, July 8 – Friday, August 9

Fall 2019

Semester Dates (16-weeks)
......................... Saturday, August 17 - Saturday, December 7

Flex Day.........................................................Friday, August 16
(Classes begin Saturday, August 17)

8-Week Modules
(Module A)...........Saturday, August 17 – Friday, October 11
(Module B)... Saturday, October 12 – Saturday, December 7

Finals Week
.......................Monday, December 2 – Saturday, December 7

Spring 2020

Intersession Dates (4-weeks)
............... ............... Thursday, January 2 - Thursday, January 23

Semester Dates (16-weeks)
................................... Saturday, January 25 - Thursday, May 21

Flex Day...........................................................Friday, January 24
(Classes begin Saturday, January 25)

Spring Break ................Monday, March 23 - Friday, March 27
(No weekend classes Saturday, March 21)

8-Week Modules
(Module A).............. Saturday, January 25 – Friday, March 20
(Module B)................Saturday, March 28 – Thursday, May 21

Finals Week
........................................ Monday, May 18 – Thursday, May 21

Commencement.............................................. Thursday, May 21

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 7

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

8 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 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

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 9

• The College values open communication, honesty, Community College Board of Governors to offer courses
and truthfulness, and aspires to an “open door” which parallel the lower-division courses of four-year
philosophy. institutions and qualify the student for junior classification
at the university level. College transfer courses are accepted
• The College values open inquiry and honors at full value at most colleges and universities throughout
academic freedom. the United States.

• The College strives to protect human dignity and • Police Academy – California Commission on Peace
individual freedom. Officers Standards and Training (POST) (Certified)

• The College values clear roles and responsibilities, • Fire Academy – California State Fire Marshal
teamwork, and cooperation (as outlined in AB1725), (Accredited); Accredited Local Processing for
and therefore aspires to develop a climate of trust “Fire Officer Certifications”- California State Fire
and mutual support. Marshals office

• The College is committed to providing excellent • Regional Homeland Security Training Center
educational opportunities to the community, and - certified by California State Fire Marshal and
the instructional faculty seeks to evaluate students California Emergency Management Agency (Cal
by honest appraisal of student performance against EMA) and certified as a UASI homeland security
faculty standards. regional training center in Los Angeles County.

Institutional Philosophy • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Los
Angeles County Health Services EMT/Paramedic
Recognizing the individual worth and potential of every Program Approval Section (Accredited)
human being, Rio Hondo College offers an open access,
comprehensive educational program to residents of the • Wildland Fire Program – U.S. Forest Service
college district. (Certified)

The college is dedicated to excellence in instruction and • First Aid and CPR – American Heart Association &
student services to develop the intellectual and personal American Red Cross (Certified)
competence of each individual.
• Expanded Scope Practice for EMTs – LA County
At Rio Hondo College, students will have an opportunity to Department of Health Services (Certified)
develop ethical values, learn the rights and responsibilities
of citizenship, develop career skills, and understand the • Drug Studies Program – Accredited by California
scientific, artistic, and social achievements of various Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators
cultures.
• Nursing Program – Approved by the Board of
Institutional Affiliation Registered Nursing, State of California and the
Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric
Rio Hondo College is a member of the Western Association Technicians, State of California.
of Schools and Colleges, the American Association of
Community Colleges, and the California Association of • CNA Programs – Approved through the
Community Colleges. The college is also a member of the Department of Health Services State of California.
San Gabriel/Foothill Association of Community Colleges
(SanFACC). • Automotive Programs: National Automotive
Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)
Accreditations & Certifications (Certified); California Automotive Business
Coalition Automotive Technician Training
Rio Hondo College is accredited by the Western Association Standards (ATTS) (Certified); California Bureau of
of Schools and Colleges and is authorized by the California Automotive Repair (BAR) Smog Check Technician
Training Institution (Certified).

10 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 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 basic
and electronic textbooks, class supplies, RHC merchandise, skills, general education courses for graduation and transfer
and a variety of educational materials. Used textbooks are to a university. Continuing Education also offers noncredit
bought back year-round, at up to 50% of the new price. The courses at EMEC. For more information about classes and
bookstore accepts cash, credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, services at EMEC, please call (626) 443-8932.
Discover, and American Express), personal checks (with
valid driver's license and student ID), and bookstore gift Fitness Center
cards. Students can order their textbooks online at www.
riohondoshop.com. Books ordered online can be picked up Rio Hondo College’s state-of-the-art Fitness Center is
at the store or shipped via FedEx. The Rio Hondo College located in the Kinesiology Department (room 150).
Bookstore offers textbook rentals, saving students 65% or Access is available by enrolling in KINA 130, a one-unit
more on select textbooks. Information is available in the Kinesiology Activity Class. Additional information is listed
bookstore or by logging on to www.rent-a-text.com. The in the Class Schedule and on the Fitness Center web page.
bookstore is open Monday through Saturday, except college
holidays. The bookstore offers extended hours the first two Observatory
weeks of each semester. Students should refer to www.
riohondoshop.com for exact hours each semester. Ninety Rio Hondo College is one of only 10 California Community
percent of the commissions received from the bookstore Colleges to possess an observatory. The Gordon D.
goes to the Auxiliary Service Fund for student activities. Crowell Astrophysical Observatory has been serving the
students of the college and residents of the community
Rio Café for over 45 years. The Observatory houses a 16-inch
reflecting telescope that is the largest telescope available
The Rio Café, located on the first floor of the Student Union, to the public in the Los Angeles area. We are open to the
is the place to grab a snack or meal on the run. The 300 seat public, year round, no fee, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
dining room is ample enough to enjoy a delicious breakfast, PDT and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. PST on selected clear Friday
lunch, or dinner with friends. The café offers a mix of evenings. Visitors are asked to park in Lot C and walk
healthy dining options, a mouth-watering grill featuring up the observatory road to the Observatory. Please wear
an exhibition grill of hot sandwiches, International Cuisine, comfortable walking shoes, dress warmly, and bring a
Panini Grill, and Crepe station. Several beverage choices to flashlight. Visitors are also advised that we do not have rest
choose from and a variety of sweet and savory fresh-baked room facilities at the observatory. Call (562) 908-3472 for
pastries. Enjoy your favorite Starbucks Lattes, cappuccino® more information, or visit www.riohondo.edu/mathmatics/
Blended Beverages, Coffees and Teas at our Starbucks astronomy/observatory-nights.
Coffee Bar. The café accepts: Cash, Credit, and Apple Pay.
Hours for the Rio Café are: Monday through Thursday 7:00 Parking: Students/Visitors
am to 9:00 pm; Friday 7:00 am to 2:00 pm; Saturday 7:00 am
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.
Parking permits should be obtained at the time of
registration and thereafter at every semester registration or

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 11

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

Rio Hondo Educational Center
at Pico Rivera

The Rio Hondo Educational Center at Pico Rivera is one 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 Educational
Center, including basic skills, general education courses
for graduation and transfer to a university. Continuing
Education also offers noncredit courses. For more
information about classes and services at the Pico Rivera
Educational 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, 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.

South Whittier Educational Center
(SWEC)

The South Whittier Educational Center (SWEC) is one of Rio
Hondo College’s off-campus educational centers located at
14307 East Telegraph Road, Whittier, CA 90604. There are

12 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

SOUTH WHITTIER EDUCATIONAL CENTER Rio Hondo College / 13
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.

2019-2020 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
those freedoms. Society has come to Student Records
rely upon colleges and universities Except when children are enrolled
as a principal means of acquiring Privacy Act - All student records at Rio in the Child Development Center,
new 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 2019-2020 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.

14 / 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

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 15

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

1900 Mariposa Mall, Suite 130 occurs when a person in a position
Fresno, CA 93721

16 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

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

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 17

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

18 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

reporters include: student/conduct in an atmosphere of respect for one which is concurred with by the
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.

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 19

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

20 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 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.

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 21

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.

22 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 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

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 23

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 5.

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. Withdrawal with a “W” – A student who withdraws
from class between 30% to 75% of the course length (after

24 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

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

All students enrolled at Rio Hondo College should have Included in the following section are the Five Steps to
official transcripts from their high school on file. becoming a Rio Hondo College student.

Students with previous coursework from a regionally Non-Exempt Students:
accredited college/university should have official transcripts All new non-exempt students (“non-exempt” refers to
from all colleges attended sent directly to Rio Hondo students seeking an AA-T/AS-T degree, a certificate or
College. Hand carried transcripts are not accepted. These transfer) are required to complete Placement (Assessment,
transcripts can verify completion of prerequisite courses if needed), Orientation, and Educational Plan (prior
and assist the counselors in working with the student. to registration for classes). A hold may be placed on
Official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges a student’s registration if they fail to complete their
are required for evaluation towards a certificate, associate Placement, Orientation, and Educational Plan. Non-exempt
degree, or meeting general education requirements for students who do not complete their Placement, Orientation
transfer. and Educational Plan will receive an immediate hold on
their registration.
Transcripts from foreign universities must be evaluated by
an approved credential evaluation service. Step 1: Application
Rio Hondo College uses Open CCC for application
All transcripts must be sent directly to the Admissions and processing. To submit an application for admissions log on
Records Office. Transcripts become the property of the to www.riohondo.edu and click the “Apply Now” button.
college and cannot be returned to the student, copied, or
forwarded to another institution. Step 2: Orientation
Orientation to the college is an important part of the
Student Success and Support matriculation process and should be completed prior to
Program (formerly Matriculation) the first semester of coursework. It provides students with
information on college services, registration procedures,
Senate Bill 1456 revised and renamed the Matriculation course placement, and recommended courses to register
Act of 1986 as the Seymour-Campbell Student Success for in the first semester. Students can complete the online
Act of 2012. Signed by Governor Brown on September 27, orientation through the AccessRio student portal.
2012, the program began on January 1, 2013 and will be
implemented in stages over a five-year period. Step 3: Placement
Starting in Fall 2019, all students will have the opportunity
The Student Success and Support Program supports the to enroll in transfer-level English and Math. Current
transition of new students into the college by providing students have the opportunity to complete an updated
them services that promote academic achievement and Placement Tool to update their placement levels in English
successful completion of degrees, transfer preparation, and Math.
career technical education certificates, or career
advancement. Based on student responses to the Rio In order to successfully complete the Placement Tool
Hondo College Application for Admission, students students will need their high school grade point average,
self-identify as either matriculating or non-matriculating. highest level high school English course completed, as well
Students identified as matriculating are referred to core as highest level of high school math course completed.
services: placement, orientation, and counseling. Students Students are asked to complete the Placement Tool which
must complete the Placement Tool and orientation in can be obtained through the AccessRio student portal.

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 25

Depending on the results and information that is submitted • Express a broad educational intent upon admission
through the Placement Tool students may be placed into • Complete the Placement Tool or meet with a
a support class for both English and math, as an added
support course. Students are encouraged to take the highest counselor and provide information to support
level course that they feel comfortable with. Basic skills placement
courses are still available. • Declare a specific educational goal by the time 12
semester units are completed
In accordance with AB 705, we are no longer permitted • Meet with a counselor to develop an educational
to administer an assessment for placement starting fall plan within the same semester
2019. An exception is provided for international students • Participate in counseling/advisement
and English Language Learners. For eligible students, an • Attend class, complete assignments, and maintain
assessment is available by appointment. For information, progress toward a defined goal
please contact the Assessment Office at (562) 463-7226 or • Drop classes he/she no longer wishes to attend.
visit LR-130.
Student Rights
Step 4: Educational Plan
The Educational Plan process is designed to support In accordance with the matriculation agreement, the student
students with the finest academic advisement and has the right to:
counseling possible. Placement information assists the
counselor in outlining a useful and clear educational plan • Challenge placement decisions and any
for the student’s educational goals. Students can schedule prerequisite or corequisite by completing the
an appointment throughout each semester and during appropriate form, which can be obtained from the
the summer. For more information, please contact the Counseling Department.
Assessment Office at (562) 463-7226 or visit LR-130.
• You may file a complaint of unlawful
Step 5: Registration discrimination with the Dean of Student Affairs
Upon completing steps 1-4, a student can register online Office.
on dates specified online under the admissions and records
link. Matriculation Exemptions

Registration Appointments – The appointment time Students who meet one of the following exemption criteria
established for each student is the date and time the student for any of the matriculation components, may obtain an
can begin using the AccessRio online registration system for exemption form from the Counseling area. Military students
a given semester. must participate in all matriculation components as required
by the VA.
Students can find their registration appointment times
by logging into their AccessRio account under Student, A. Placement, Orientation, and Counseling
Registration and then clicking on Registration Status. – All students are encouraged to participate in these
components; an exemption may be granted according to one
Student Success and Support of the following criteria:
Program Requirement
• Students who are enrolled only in activity, skill
All new students are encouraged to participate in the building, or personal growth classes (e.g., acting,
components of admission, orientation, placement, and physical fitness, ceramics) or job skills training
educational planning. However, exemptions for these (e.g., computer literacy, accounting, brake service),
components may be granted if certain criteria are met. (See or
Matriculation Exemptions.) All new, non-exempt students
who are unable to complete the placement process before • Students who have already completed an AA/
their first semester of attendance may enroll; however, AS degree or higher. Military students must
they must complete placement prior to registering for their participate in all matriculation components as
second semester at the college. Students who have not required by the VA.
completed the placement process may be unable to register
for certain courses that require prerequisites. B. Placement
– Further placement exemption may be granted according to
College Responsibilities one of the following criteria:

In the Student Success and Support Program process, the • Students who have successfully completed the
college has certain responsibilities. The college, to support equivalent of ENGL 035 or ENGL 101 at another
student success, agrees to provide: community college or university do not have to
complete the Placement Tool for English, however
• Processing applications for admission this does not exempt them from Math.
• Placement
• 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 completing the Placement Tool for Math, however,
• Follow-up and referral to services this does not exempt them from English.

Student Responsibilities C. Orientation
– All students must complete the online orientation; an
In the Student Success and Support Program process, the exemption may be granted according to one of the following
student also has certain responsibilities. The student, to criteria:
support his/her own success, has the responsibility to:
• Students who are concurrently enrolled at a four-
year college or university, or

26 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

• Students who have previously participated in a • Sequential coursework in a degree-applicable
Rio Hondo College orientation. program, and

Assessment Retest Policy • Courses in which a prerequisite/corequisite is
English, Reading and Math assessment scores are valid for necessary for transfer to a four-year college.
two years. After two years, students are advised to re-test.
For more information, visit the Assessment office located in Questions about prerequisites/corequisites are best resolved
LR-130. with a counselor or instructor prior to the first day of class.
If students are attempting to meet a prerequisite/corequisite
through the placement process, they may appeal (challenge)
Placement Appeals Procedure their assessment placement results.

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

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

• Courses for which specific prerequisites/ Educational Costs
corequisites have been validated,
Enrollment Fee – Students who have established legal
residence in California must pay the enrollment fee
established under state law and subject to change without

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 27

notice. These fees will be waived at the time of enrollment registration privileges, or any combination thereof, shall
if the student can demonstrate he/she qualifies under the be withheld from any student or former student who has
exempt criteria specified by the State of California. Out- failed to pay a proper financial obligation due to the district
of-state and international students must pay nonresident or a college. (BP 5035)
tuition fees of $258.00 per unit plus the $46.00 a unit fee as
required under state law (fees subject to change). Enrollment/Fees Refunds

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

Scholarships

A variety of scholarships are available to Rio Hondo
College students. For more information, contact the Rio
Hondo College Foundation at (562) 908-3476 or go online
to www.riohondo.edu/foundation to view scholarship
opportunities.

Student Financial Obligations

Withholding Grades, Transcripts, etc. for Nonpayment
of Financial Obligations (59410) – The governing board of
a community college district may provide by appropriate
rules and regulations that grades, transcripts, diplomas and

28 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

4 Support Services and Special
Academic Programs

Academic Advisement • Assistance in creating an educational plan, schedule,
and registering for classes
Assistance in developing an educational plan to obtain a
certificate, degree, or to transfer to a university is available • Use of computer lab and career library
through contact with the counselor who advises in the • Located on the CCRS website, a monthly calendar
student’s major field or any general counselor in the
Counseling Department. of career-related workshops and an online jobs and
internships database (College Central Network) can be
All regular instructors maintain office hours each week found
to interact with students. Faculty members are valuable • Assisting students to determine a major and choose a
contacts in providing personal information related to a career based on interests, aptitudes, and abilities
student’s career or college choice. • Utilizing validated career assessments including Myers-
Briggs Test Inventory (MBTI) and Strong Interest
CalWORKs Program Inventory (SII)
• Online career resources that offer information and
The California Work Opportunity and Responsiblity to assessments for career decision-making
Kids (CalWORKs) program helps student-parents that
are receiving cash aid from the state through Temporary Re-entry Services
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). We are here to help
students achieve their educational goals while preparing The CCRS offers comprehensive support services to Adult
them to re-enter the workforce and become self-sufficient. Re-Entry students, identified as adult learners who are at
least 25 years of age and are new to college or returning
The CalWORKs program provides the following free after at least a 5-year absence. Adult Re-Entry students
resources/services: receive the following additional support services:
• Academic and career advising • Counselors available to assist in navigating all Rio
• Personal counseling
• Assistance with Department of Public Social Services Hondo College resources
• Individualized career counseling services including
(DPSS) compliance and paperwork
• Work study opportunities on and off campus career-related workshops and information sessions
• Priority Registration specifically designed for Adult Re-Entry students
• Books and school supplies • Online counseling services that allow Adult Re-Entry
• Job development and preparation students to experience a face-to-face counseling session
• Child care referrals for class and study time in an online environment utilizing Cranium Café
• Transportation assistance • Assistance in creating an educational plan based on
• Laptops (temporary rentals) schedule and registration assistance
• Use of computer lab and career library (with free
Students must be receiving cash aid from the state and have printing)
a child dependent under their care in order to qualify. For • FREE career assessments and interpretations
more information, please come by our office located in the • A monthly newsletter highlighting campus events
Student Services building, Room SS220, contact our office at • Annual Adult Re-Entry Success Conference
(562) 463-7311, or visit our website at http://www.riohondo. • Access online job portal via College Central Network
edu/calworks/.

Career Counseling
Center for Career & Re-entry Services

Career Services

The Center for Career & Re-Entry Services (CCRS) mission
is to assist individuals in making confident career and life
decisions and to help adult learners succeed through the
provision of comprehensive educational, counseling, and
the following support services:
• Individualized career counseling services including

academic, career and personal counseling
• Job preparation skills including: resume writing,

interview skills, interview tips, choosing a major/career
and job search strategies

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 29

For more information, visit the CCRS located in SS350, enrichment through good health and personal fulfillment.
contact our staff at (562) 908-3407, or visit our website at While the College offers many of the same opportunities,
http://www.riohondo.edu/career-center/. the Continuing Education department focuses on the
personal and professional development of diverse, non-
Child Development Center/ traditional students who are looking for a short-term
Pre-School Laboratory alternative to credit courses.

The Child Development Center/Pre-School Laboratory The Continuing Education Office brings customized
operates a high-quality early childhood program for Professional Development business, and short-term training
preschool children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old to the community and local businesses. Training programs
and are not required to be toilet trained. The Center is are designed to meet specific needs of the organization.
supported by state funds and parent fees. Enrollment is Professional development courses and workshops are
available for Rio Hondo student parents, staff and faculty offered on campus, in the community, online, and are
and the local community. Eligibility for state-subsidized available to community members and employees of area
funding is determined by a combination of family size businesses. Programs include computer applications, small
and income. Some families may pay fees based on a business workshops, career development, supervision,
sliding scale. Hours of operation are 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 international business, environmental technology,
P.M., Monday through Friday. Holidays and breaks are pharmacy technician, personal development and more.
observed in accordance with the RHC academic calendar. Contract Training can be conducted at a company site or at
For more information, please call (562) 908-3494 or visit the college training facilities. Bilingual training programs
the Rio Hondo website (click on Student Services and then are also provided.
Child Care). Rio Hondo College students from the Child
Development/Education Department, the Behavioral and For information, please refer to the Continuing Education
Social Science Division and Nursing utilize the Pre-School Class Schedule, or our web page: www.riohondo.edu/
Laboratory to observe the development and behavior of continuing-education/ or call (562) 908-3469.
pre-school children and to apply the knowledge that they
gained in their courses working directly with children. Counseling

The program implements the California Preschool Learning The primary responsibility of the counseling staff is to
Foundations and Curriculum Frameworks, which prepares provide counseling support for Rio Hondo students, faculty,
children for Kindergarten and the child development field’s and the campus community. Counselors strive to respect
agreed upon developmentally appropriate practices. individuality, to encourage personal development and
to foster a climate in which academic growth will occur.
Teachers prepare the learning environment and plan Therefore, counseling and student services are organized
activities to challenge each child’s developing skills and to aid each student in establishing, clarifying, and pursuing
understanding while focusing on their interests. Each personal, educational, and career goals.
child’s entry skill level and developmental progress is
tracked and documented utilizing the California Desired The Counseling faculty offers courses (COUN 105, 100, 101
Results Developmental Profile (DRDP). and 151) which are designed to aid students in acquiring
the skills, information, and personal awareness needed for
Computer Resources college and career success.

Rio Hondo offers computer access to students at various Counselors are available throughout the year for
locations. Visit the Computer Resources web page for more consultation. Counselors can assist students with a variety
information. of issues: program planning, choosing a major, graduation
requirements, transfer requirements to 4-year colleges
• Center for Career & Re-entry Services (SS350) and universities, personal problems, scholarships and
• Disabled Students Programs and Services (SS330) financial aid programs, tutoring, and communication with
• District Computer Lab (B107 and B108) a professor. Students should make an appointment well
• El Monte Educational Center in advance of registration to meet with a counselor. More
• First Year Success Center (LR101) information is available on the Counseling web page or
• Learning Assistance Center (LR114) by calling (562) 908-3410. The Counseling Department is
• Library (2nd Floor) located in the Student Services Building, room SS160.
• Math and Science Center (S300)
• PASS Program (LR105) Disabled Students
• Rio Hondo Educational Center at Pico Rivera Programs & Services (DSPS)
• Santa Fe Springs Regional Training Center
• South Whittier Educational Center Rio Hondo College offers both classroom instruction and
• Student Services Building (1st Floor) student support services for students with disabilities.
• Transfer Center (SS250) Resource rooms and expert staff are available to students who
need disability-related accommodations and support services.
Continuing, Contract & A variety of support services are available to eligible students
Noncredit Education with a disability. Students with a disability, including but not
limited to students with a physical, learning or psychological
The Continuing Education mission is to enrich the lives disability, students with a visual impairment, acquired brain
of non-traditional college students by providing lifelong injury, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), an
learning opportunities and skills to be productive citizens in Autism Spectrum Disorder, or Intellectual Disability may be
the community. The high-quality instructional programs are eligible for services..
a combination of fee-based and noncredit courses directly
reflecting the needs of the community. The courses provide
students with an opportunity for language acquisition,
career advancement, college preparedness, and life

30 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

Services include specialized tutoring, test-taking assistance, • Single Parent Conferences
sign language interpreters and real-time captioners, Braille • Case Management and Advocacy
and non-Braille transcription services, and disability-related • Family Holiday Events
specialized counseling services. Other services include • Fundraising Events
registration assistance, priority enrollment and a variety of
assistive computer technologies which promote equal access To find out how to qualify for EOP&S/CARE or to get more
to college instructional programs and activities for students information, please contact our office at (562) 908-3423 or
with disabilities. come visit us in the Student Services Building, room SS240.
www.riohondo.edu/eops
For complete information on our programs please contact
Disabled Students Programs & Services at (562) 908-3420, Financial Aid Services
via video phone at (562) 364-8433 or visit our web page. The
DSPS office is located in the Student Services Building, Rm Rio Hondo College participates in a variety of Federal and
SS330. State financial aid programs. These programs are designed
to assist students with tuition, fees, books, supplies,
Distance Education: Online Courses transportation and room and board.

Rio Hondo College offers students the opportunity to Most financial aid programs require a student to be
take college courses over the Internet through its Office enrolled at least half-time in a degree, certificate, or transfer
of Distance Education. Online courses offer the same program. Federal aid eligibility is also limited to students
curriculum as traditional classes except students may who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or other eligible
obtain lectures, class materials, communicate with the non-citizens. Additional eligibility requirements apply to
instructor, participate in class discussions and complete each program and may be obtained from the Financial Aid
assignments via the Internet anywhere and at any time. Office.
Rio Hondo's Office of Distance Education offers students
a variety of online courses to fulfill general education, To apply, students must complete a Free Application for
certificate, degree, and transfer requirements for the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov or a
University of California, California State Universities, and California Dream Act Application at https://dream.csac.
other private universities. Online registration, counseling, ca.gov. The Rio Hondo College Federal School Code is
tutoring and library support services are available. The 001269. The priority deadline to apply is March 2 to be
instruction provided as distance education is subject to the eligible for all available aid. However, you may still apply
requirements that may be imposed by the Americans with after March 2, although funding may be limited. Visit the
Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §12100 et seq.) and section 508 Financial Aid Office for further information located in the
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, (29 U.S.C. Student Services Building, room SS130 or visit the Financial
§794d). For further information check the online Class Aid web page.
Schedule, visit the Office of Distance Education web site or
call (562) 463-3218. Federal Financial Aid Programs
The federal government offers a variety of grants for
Extended Opportunity students.
Programs & Services (EOP&S/CARE)
Federal Pell Grant - This grant is available to all eligible
Extended Opportunity Programs & Services is a state applicants. Limited eligibility may also be available to less
funded program that provides “over and above” services than half-time students.
to students from economically and educationally
disadvantaged backgrounds. The program supports the Federal Supplemental Educational
enrollment, retention, and transfer of students and helps Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) –
facilitate the successful completion of their educational A limited number of grants are available. Priority is given
goals. EOP&S services include: to students who apply by the priority deadline and have
exceptional financial need.
• Counseling Services/Educational Planning
• Priority Registration Federal Work Study - Provides part-time jobs to students
• Academic Probation Interventions with financial need. Students generally work up to 20 hours
• Textbook Services per week and must be enrolled in at least 6 units.
• Educational Supplies
• Laptop, Voice Recorder & Calculator Loans Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP) - Students may apply
• Cap & Gown for Graduates for a Subsidized or Unsubsidized loan from the federal
• Meal Vouchers government. Loan workshops and a loan application
are required for all students applying for a student loan.
Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) is Students must be enrolled in at least 6 units. Federal student
a supplemental component of (EOP&S) that specifically loans must be repaid with interest.
assists students who are single head of households with
children, by offering supportive services so they are able to Return to Title IV Funds
acquire the education, training and marketable skills needed In accordance with the Federal Regulations HEA, Section
to transition from welfare-dependency to employment and 4848, 34 CFR 668.22, Rio Hondo College will apply a refund
eventual self-sufficiency for their families. In addition to policy to all eligible students under the Return to Title IV
EOP&S services, CARE students also receive: funds requirements. Students who receive federal financial
aid and withdraw from all classes prior to completing
• Motivational & informational Workshops at least 60% of the semester will have their financial
• CARE Merit Grants aid eligibility recalculated and may have to repay any
• Meal Vouchers "unearned" portion of financial aid received.
• Gas Cards
• Agency & County Referrals

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 31

Loans (Emergency Loans from ASRHC) California residents and AB540 eligible students
The Associated Students of RHC offer a 60-day, interest- completing the Free Application for Federal Student
free loan to students to assist them in emergency situations Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application.
and for the purpose of buying books and supplies. Students The California Community College Promise Grant
who have no outstanding debt to the college, are enrolled permits enrollment fees to be waived.
in a minimum of 6 units, and have a GPA of 2.0 or above
may apply at the Student Life & Leadership Department Loss of Eligibility for California College Promise Grant
in the Student Union, during the first 2 weeks of the fall A student shall become ineligible for a California College
and spring semesters only. Loans are on a first-come, first- Promise Grant if the student is placed on academic or
served basis. progress probation, or any combination thereof, for two
consecutive primary terms.
Scholarships (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:

• Full Time Student Success Grant (FTSSG) - This grant 1. Grade Point Average Requirement - Student’s pursuing
is awarded to eligible Cal Grant B and Cal Grant C a course of study leading to an A.A degree, A.S degree,
students that are enrolled full-time (12 or more units). Baccalaureate degree, certificate, or transfer program
Limited grant funding is available. This grant is also must maintain at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA average.
awarded to eligible AB540 students who complete
the California Dream Act Application and meet the 2. Unit Requirement/Pace of Progression - Students are
eligibility requirements. required to successfully complete a minimum of 67%
of units attempted each semester. Classes with grades
• Community College Completion Grant (CCCG) - of A, B, C, D, or P are considered units successfully
Students must be receiving a Cal Grant B or Cal Grant completed. Classes with grades of F, I, NP, IP, or W
C, and the Full-Time Student Success Grant. Students will count as attempted units, but not as successfully
must be attending 15 units per term or 12 or more units completed units.
to receive the FTSSG and enrolled in 30 units per aid
year. Students enrolled in 12 units may be eligible, 3. Maximum Time Frame Requirement - Students
only if 30 units or less are required to complete your enrolled in a degree or certificate program may receive
educational goal. In order to determine eligibility, financial aid for a maximum of 150% of the length of
students must submit a Comprehensive Student that program. Degree programs at Rio Hondo College
Educational Plan to the Financial Aid Office. typically require a 60 unit length for completion. Thus,
students may receive financial aid for up to 90 attempted
• California College Promise Grant (formerly known units (60 units x 150% = 90 units). Students pursuing
as the Board of Governors Fee Waiver) - For eligible a Baccalaureate degree from Rio Hondo College may
receive financial aid for up to 180 attempted units.
Once unit maximum is reached, students are ineligible

32 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

to receive further financial aid. Grades of F, I, NP, IP Gainful Employment Disclosures are currently available for
or W are considered attempted units and included in the following Rio Hondo College programs:
Maximum Time Frame unit calculation.

Students not meeting any of the minimum SAP Accounting
requirements outlined above will be placed on financial aid Alternative Fuels & Advanced Transportation Technology
warning for one academic semester (students exceeding Architectural Design and Drawing Technician
maximum time frame are not placed on financial aid Automotive Technology - Brake & Suspension Service
warning). Students on financial aid warning may continue Automotive Technology - Engine Repair
to receive financial aid during this period. Auto/Automotive Mechanic/Technician
Business Management and Supervision
Students not meeting minimum SAP requirements for two Business Marketing
consecutive semesters will be suspended from receiving Child Development - Preschool Teacher
financial aid (federal and state, with the exception of Child Development
the California College Promise Grant). Any financial Civil Design & Drawing
aid awarded when a student becomes ineligible will be Civil Design Technology
withdrawn. Computer Information Technology-Computer Systems
Computer Information Technology-Office Technologies
Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement
Students suspended from receiving financial aid can Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement/Law Enforcement
regain financial aid eligibility by meeting minimum SAP Administration
requirements (2.0 GPA, complete 67% of attempted units, Drug Education and Prevention Certificate
not exceed 90 units) for two consecutive semesters, without Drug Studies
financial aid and enrolling in a least 6 units each semester. Electronics Technology
Once a student has completed two consecutive semesters, Engineering Design Drafting Technician
meeting the minimum SAP requirements, he or she must Environmental Technology
submit a SAP Appeal Request form to the Financial Aid Fire Protection, Other
Office. Students ineligible for financial aid due to maximum Fire Technology
time frame units must submit a SAP Appeal Request Form, Forensic Identification
along with a full educational plan and typed statement Geographic Information Systems
indicating why he or she attempted 90 units or more (180 Health Information Technology
units for Baccalaureate degree). Heat and Frost Insulating
Heavy Equipment Maintenance Specialist
For extenuating circumstances, a student may be eligible International Business
to appeal for reinstatement of financial aid, without Logistics Management
completing two consecutive semesters and meeting Logistics Management-Supply Chain
minimum SAP requirements. Reasons a student may be Mass Communication
eligible for an Extenuating Circumstances SAP Appeal Mass Communication Journalism
include: serious illness, injury or medical condition Retail Management
requiring doctor’s care, death of an immediate family Small Business/Entrepreneuralism
member, victim of a crime or unexpected disaster or other Vocational Nursing
extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control. Welding Technology/Welder

SAP appeals are reviewed by the SAP Appeals Committee, Guardian Scholars
for approval or denial, based upon the student’s individual
circumstances. All decisions are final and there is no higher The Guardian Scholars Program is a comprehensive student
appeal. support program that serves current and former foster
youth pursing higher education. The Guardian Scholars
Gainful Employment Program at Rio Hondo College is dedicated to providing
services and support that meet the unique personal and
The final program integrity regulations published in the academic needs of students to successfully transition to
Federal Register on October 31, 2014, and a correction adulthood, obtain a degree/certificate, and/or transfer to
published in the Federal Register on December 4, 2014 a four-year university. The Guardian Scholars Program
[79 FR 64890 and 79 FR 71957] require postsecondary provides the following services to eligible students:
institutions that participate in the student financial
assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher • Priority Registration
Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended, to disclose to • Counseling Services/Educational Planning
prospective and current students certain information about • Case Management & Advocacy
the institution’s Gainful Employment (GE) Programs. • Textbook & Emergency Assistance
The information disclosed includes but is not limited to, • Educational Supplies
total costs (tuition/fees as well as books and supplies), • Laptop & Calculator Loans
completion rates, graduate earnings, and debt and • Academic/Life Skills Workshops and Events/Field Trips
repayment rates. • On Campus Meal Vouchers
• Cap & Gown with Stole for Graduates
Generally, GE Programs include: • Partnerships with County ILP Services/Transitional
• At public and private not-for-profit institutions: Title
Coordinators
IV-eligible non-degree programs (e.g., certificate and • Referrals to on and off campus resources
diploma programs). • Access to Computer & Printer on Campus

• At for-profit institutions: All Title-IV eligible Rio Hondo College / 33
instructional programs, degree and non-degree.

2019-2020 Catalog

For more information, please visit the Guardian Scholars Pre-School Laboratory
office located in the Student Services Building, room SS307 Rio Hondo Students from the Child Development/
or call (562) 463-7472. Education Department, the Behavioral and Social Science
Division and Nursing utilize the Pre-school Laboratory
Honors Transfer Program to observe the development and behavior of pre-school
children and to apply the knowledge that they gained in
The Rio Hondo College Honors Transfer Program is their courses working directly with children.
designed to meet the needs of students who seek a
challenging educational experience that goes beyond the Reading Lab
regular degree program. The Reading Skills Lab is located on the first floor of
the Learning Resource Center in LR118. While the lab is
The Honors Transfer Program incorporates a more in-depth used primarily for READ 021L and READ 022L students
investigation of topics. Many honors classes are kept to supplement their lectures in READ 021 and 022, it is
intentionally small to facilitate the discussion/seminar rather open to any student who might need help with a reading
than lecture format. A reduced class size also encourages a assignment from another class.
more collaborative learning experience allowing students
to interact more freely with each other and the faculty Writing Center
members who teach these courses. The Writing Center is located on the first floor of the
Learning Resource Center in LR124. It is available for
Rio Hondo College has signed honors transfer agreements students enrolled in English composition courses. Students
with UCLA, UC Riverside, UC Irvine, San Diego State, Cal should check their class schedule for their registered lab day
State Fullerton, Chapman University, Pomona College, and time.
Pitzer College, Occidental College, La Sierra University,
Loyola Marymount, Whittier College, Pacific University Writers’ Resource Center
(Oregon), Whitman College (Washington), and many other The WRC is located in LR117 and is open to any Rio Hondo
private colleges. student who needs instructional assistance in English.
Activities include specialized English tutoring, workshops,
To complete the Honors Transfer Program, students and one-on-one writing assistance from an English
must take five honors courses, achieve at least a 3.2 grade instructor for any subject.
point average for all transferable college courses taken,
complete the required general education courses as well Library
as prerequisite work for their major. In addition, honors
students must meet with the honors counselor twice a The Rio Hondo College Library is the research center of
semester. For more information and application forms, the College. Occupying the second floor of the Learning
visit the Honors Transfer Program website http://www. Resource Center, the library offers a full range of books,
riohondo.edu/honors/. periodicals, online databases, e-books, and streaming videos
in support of the college curriculum, as well as for general
Labs enrichment. Computer workstations, ADA-compliant
computers, wireless access, charging stations for mobile
Labs provide an environment for students to practice and devices, laptops and a self-service copy/print center are also
develop their skills in a variety of courses and often with the available.
assistance of Instructors, Instructional Assistants, or Tutors.
Individual study carrels, group tables, and informal seating
Math Science Center (MSC) areas allow for quiet study. To students who prefer to work
The Math Science Center located in the Science Building, together on class assignments, the library offers seven group
rooms S103 and S300, provides computers, mathematics study rooms that can be reserved for two hours at a time.
interactive software, and multi-media study aids. An
assigned instructor, instructional assistants, and tutors Circulation Services
are available to assist students. Hours are listed for each The circulation desk at the entrance to the library serves as
semester on the MSC web page: www.riohondo.edu/ the first point of student service. Library staff help:
mathematics-and-sciences/mathematics-and-sciences-
homepage/tutoring. • Activate your library privileges.
• Check out books, laptops and a limited number
Nursing Simulation Center
The Simulation Center is a “safe” place for students to of high-demand course textbooks; students can
practice their skills in a simulated hospital environment, also check out headphones and charging cables for
“Roadrunner General Hospital.” It was created in order library use only.
to support and supplement the clinical component of the • Loan audiovisual equipment to faculty and staff, and
nursing program. With the use of high-fidelity patient fill requests for campus signage.
simulators and clinical scenarios, students are able to
practice and experience situations that might not arise in the Reference Services
clinical setting, thus adding to their clinical expertise. The Because of the ever-expanding variety and range of
Simulation Center uses the following types of simulators: 2 available information, students today must learn the critical
adult, 1 birthing, 1 newborn and 1 pediatric, thus offering thinking and information literacy skills required to optimize
learning activities covering the full nursing curricula. Our the use of research resources. Librarian faculty at the
Center is temporarily located in HS-11 near parking lot 3. reference desk teach these skills through:
For more information, visit the Health Science & Nursing
web page. • Individualized assistance with research queries
• Extended consultation by appointment with students

and faculty
• Instruction in conducting effective research, in

collaboration with teaching faculty on campus and at

34 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

the educational centers to enhance opportunities and advancement in the legal
• Drop-in research workshops, and profession for diverse populations. Ideally, students will
• A 3-unit library research class (LIB 101) spend two years at Rio Hondo College then transfer to
any accredited undergraduate institution to complete their
For much more information about library services, bachelor’s degree and then be considered for a priority
including the online catalog and research guides, please admissions review to the eight participating law schools.
contact a reference librarian at (562) 908-3484 or check the
library's website at: www.riohondo.edu/library. Students will receive:
• Individual counseling and mentoring
Math Engineering Science • Exposure to careers in law
Achievement (MESA) and TRIO Stu- • Networking and learning opportunities
dent Support Services STEM • Membership to the Rio Hondo College Pre-Law
Society
The MESA Community College and TRIO SSS STEM • LSAT Test prep support
Programs support students who plan to graduate from Rio • Priority admissions review at participating law
Hondo College with an Associate’s degree and transfer to schools
four-year institutions in science, technology, engineering, • Law school application fee waived
and mathematics (STEM).
Program Objectives: Please visit the Pathway to Law School web page for the list
• Increase college retention and transfer rates to of participating law schools and course requirements. The
four-year institutions for STEM majors. program is located in the Administration Building, room
• Increase the number of under-represented A203.
students who graduate with degrees in STEM majors.
• Provide academic and personal support for STEM Puente Project

majors. The Puente Project is a national-award winning program that
Program Components has helped tens of thousands of educationally disadvantaged
• MESA Center for tutoring and group study in S205. students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities,
• Academic Excellence Workshops designed to reinforce earn degrees, and return to the community as leaders and
mentors to future generations. Puente is a one-year program
concepts and topics learned in chemistry, mathematics, that combines accelerated instruction in English, intensive
and physics courses academic counseling, and mentoring. The Puente Project
• Academic advisement and educational plans office is located in the Administration Building, Room A203.
through transfer For more information, visit the Puente web page http://www.
• Assistance with study skills and time management riohondo.edu/puente/.
• Support with application and transfer to four-year
institutions Rio Success Lab
• Exposure to information about internships, research
opportunities, and other enrichment programs The Rio Success Lab administers a variety of tests, including
• Information about financial aid, scholarships, and the assessment for placement. The placement information
money management is important for the advisement process and for student
• Mentoring with peers, professors, and professionals selection of courses and programs in alignment with their
• Leadership training educational goals. Placement must be completed before
• Professional and academic conferences registering for English, ENLA, mathematics and reading
• Networking opportunities courses. Information about scheduling assessment tests is
• Career information available on the Assessment web page. The Rio Success Lab
• MESA Counselor is located in the Learning Resource Center, room LR141.

For complete program information about the MESA|TRIO Student Health and
SSS STEM Programs, please contact us in room S205 Psychological Services
(562)-463-3222 or visit www.riohondo.edu/mesa. Program
eligibility requirements apply. Student Health and Psychological Services helps keep
students physically and emotionally healthy so they can
Orientation perform at their best. Professionals available include a
physician, a psychologist, psychology interns, nurses,
Orientation familiarizes and acquaints students with EMTs, and clerical support staff. The licensed professionals
important college policies and expectations, as well as evaluate and treat minor, temporary physical and
the range of services and programs available. The “My emotional conditions that require short-term care. If more
Online Orientation” is available via the AccessRio portal. intensive treatment is needed, referrals to outside resources
The completion of Orientation is mandatory for all New are provided.
Students. In compliance with SSI statewide regulations,
New Students who do not complete an Online or In-person Health Services include:
Orientation may have a hold placed on their registration. • First Aid care for accidents and other emergencies
New and Continuing Students may access their “My Online • Appointments with a Registered Nurse
Orientation” by logging onto AccessRio.>> Click on the My • TB Tests
Online Orientation button. • Flu Shots
• Pregnancy Tests
Pathway to Law School • Vision Test
• Hearing Tests
The Pathway to Law School program is for • Sick room available if needed
underrepresented first-generation college students • Over-the-counter medications for minor illnesses
interested in learning more about careers in the legal
field and entry to law school. The initiative is designed

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 35

available in the vending machine for a nominal more information visit the Transfer Center in the Student
fee. Located on the 2nd floor, SS bldg. Services Building, room SS250, call (562) 463-4619 or visit
• Blood pressure checks, height and weight the Transfer Center web page.
measurement
• Blood Tests TRIO Student Support Services
• HIV Testing Program
• Resources, assessments, and referrals to low cost
services in the community The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program
serves first-generation, low-income and/or students with
Psychological Services include: disabilities. Our goal is to serve and empower TRIO SSS
Short-term counseling for students who are struggling with participants as they journey toward their goal of graduating
issues such as family and social relationships, romantic and/or earning a certificate and/or transferring to a
relationships, life transitions, identity, grief, stress, trauma, four-year university. As part of the TRIO SSS Program,
anxiety, or depression. The following confidential services participants receive:
are available to students who are experiencing personal · Educational counseling and advisement
problems: · Priority Registration
· Student Success Workshops
• Individual Counseling · Transfer Counseling and Campus Visits
• Group Counseling · Financial and Economic Literacy Workshops
• Crisis Intervention · FAFSA Assistance
• Stress Management · TRIO Lab use with free printing
• Consultations and referrals
The TRIO SSS Program is located in the Student Services
Student Health and Psychological Services is located in Building, Room SS 140. For more information, please call
the Student Services Building, room SS230. For more (562) 908-3473.
information, visit the Student Health and Psychological
Services web page at www.riohondo.edu/student-health- Tutoring Support
services.
Tutoring services are available free to Rio Hondo College
Student Success and Dream Center students at two locations on campus, the Learning
Assistance Center and the Mathematics & Science Center.
The Student Success and Dream Center is a place to enhance Tutoring is also available to students enrolled in specialized
the academic success of all first year students at Rio Hondo programs. For more information, visit the Tutoring web
College through a network of student support services. page www.riohondo.edu/tutoring/.
Students meet with a counselor to develop an Educational
Plan and receive assistance with AccessRIO navigation, Learning Assistance Center (LAC)
registering for classes and applying for Financial Aid. It is The Learning Assistance Center provides one-to-one
located in room LR101 in the Learning Resource Center. tutoring, organized study groups, and workshops to assist
students in reviewing and reinforcing course-related
Study Abroad concepts through a variety of instructional aids and
materials. LAC services are available to all Rio Hondo
Rio Hondo College is a member of the Southern California College students at no charge. Students may schedule
Foothill Consortium that currently offers two study tutoring appointments or study group sessions at the
abroad experiences each year that provide students with LAC desk on the first floor of the Learning Resource
a unique opportunity to enrich their education. In fall, Center. Hours are listed on the LAC web page: http://
students study in London, England and, during the spring, www.riohondo.edu/communications-and-languages/labs/
in Spain. Students enroll in classes, receive transferable learning-assistance-center-lac/.
general education units and can apply for financial aid
and scholarships to help with the costs. Program courses Mathematics & Sciences Center (MSC)
and activities are geared toward taking advantage of the The Mathematics & Science Center located in the Science
international location, and students gain invaluable multi- Building, room S300, provides free math tutoring for all Rio
cultural experience by living and learning outside of the Hondo College students. In addition, online math courses
United States. For more information, visit the Study Abroad are offered through the MSC. Other resources available to
web page at http://www.riohondo.edu/study-abroad/. MSC students include computers, mathematics interactive
software, and multi-media study aids. An assigned
Transfer Center instructor, instructional assistants and tutors are available
to assist students. Hours are listed for each semester on the
The Transfer Center was established to strengthen the MSC web page: http://www.riohondo.edu/mathematics-
transfer function and to increase the number of Rio Hondo and-sciences/mathematics-and-sciences-homepage/
College students prepared for transfer to baccalaureate- tutoring/.
level institutions through the coordination of the college
transfer efforts. SB 121 further established that the Transfer Veterans Services
Center incorporates the identification, development, and
implementation of strategies designed to enhance the Veterans and Veteran Dependents are encouraged to take
transfer of low-income, disabled, and first generation advantage of the counseling services and educational
college students. programs offered by Rio Hondo College. The Veterans
Service Center (VSC) is a one-stop center that offers
The Transfer Center provides up-to-date information about veteran's counseling, certifications, financial aid advising,
transferring to four-year colleges or universities and public, tutoring, and other valuable resources. Rio Hondo College
private and out-of-state institutions. The Transfer Center cooperates with the Veterans Administration and with
assists students, counseling faculty and staff, with the the California State Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
transfer process of as well as coordinates various activities,
resources, and services that support the transfer process. For

36 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

in helping veterans and their dependents to obtain Rio Hondo College / 37
the education necessary to realize their academic and
vocational goals. Rio Hondo College has been approved
for the training of veterans and eligible dependents.
Veterans and dependents are required to comply with
Veteran Regulations Sections 21.4135, 21.4235 and 21.4277
in regards to required attendance and progress that the
student-veteran or dependent must meet in order to receive
educational benefits under Title 38, United States Code.

The Veterans Administration requires all entering students
to be formally evaluated in writing for possible award of
credit for previous training and experience. This applies
to all students, full-time and part-time, degree and non-
degree candidates. To prevent possible future interruption
of educational benefits, it is essential that an official copy of
all previous coursework (college or service) be on file at Rio
Hondo College Admissions & Records office and in the Rio
Hondo College Veterans Service Center located on the first
floor of the Student Services Building.

Satisfactory academic progress of veterans or eligible
dependents is measured by the successful completion of
the number of units enrolled. Non-punitive grades (W NP
or NC) are not considered making satisfactory progress.
Benefits will be retroactively terminated effective the first
day of the semester for any non-punitive grade received.
If the veteran submits to the VA mitigating circumstances,
overpayments may or may not be waived. Should a veteran
fail to make satisfactory progress for two semesters,
cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, benefits will be terminated.
The veteran must contact the RHC Veterans Service Center
to set up an appointment for his/her case to be reviewed
by a Veterans counselor. The Veterans counselor will
recommend a suitable course of study. Upon satisfactory
completion of one semester of approved courses, where the
cumulative GPA reaches a minimum of a 2.0, benefits will
be reinstated.

The veteran or dependent has the responsibility to adhere
to these standards of attendance and progress and to notify
the Rio Hondo College Veterans Service Center of any
change in status that would affect the collecting of veteran's
benefits. Monthly attendance reporting is required of
veterans and dependents. Additions, drops, withdrawals
and last day of attendance MUST BE REPORTED AT
ONCE.

Please visit the Rio Hondo College Veterans Service Center,
in the Student Services Building, Rm SS150 for details and
application forms. Information is also available on the Rio
Hondo College Veterans Service Center web page.

Weekend College

The Weekend College is designed for working adults who
wish to take classes towards a degree, transfer, or personal
enrichment and improvement. Friday, Saturday, and
occasional Sunday classes are scheduled each semester.
Refer to the online Class Schedule for further information.

The Weekend College office is located in the Administration
Building, room 117 and by phone at (562) 908-3437.

2019-2020 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 noncredit 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.

38 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

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.

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 39

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

40 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

• In situations where cheating or plagiarism has Grades and Grade Changes – The instructor of the course
occurred, the faculty member is to determine shall determine the grade to be recorded for each student.
the academic consequence in compliance with The determination of the student’s grade by the instructor
Education Code, and board policy and procedures, is final in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or
which prohibit dropping a student from a course incompetence. The removal or change of an incorrect
for engaging in academic dishonesty. Faculty grade from a student’s record shall only be done upon
members shall inform students of the grade authorization by the instructor of the course. A student has
penalty that will be assessed. The consequences one year from the end of the term in question to request a
may be any of the following options: grade change. In the case of fraud, bad faith, clerical error,
incompetence, or unavailability of instructor or death of
- Receiving an "F" in the course instructor, the final determination concerning removal
- Receiving a “0” on that assignment or change of grade will be made by the Vice President
- Being referred to the Dean of Student Affairs of Academic Affairs with the appropriate involvement
for further disciplinary action of faculty from the discipline and the Academic Senate.
• In situations where academic dishonesty has All returned work must be retained by the student as
documented evidence in order to pursue a request for a
occurred, the faculty should also notify their grade change. (RHC AP 4231)
Division Dean, and report the violation to the
Dean of Student Affairs. All pertinent information Grades from a grading scale shall be averaged on the basis
such as exams, plagiarized sources, and/or of the point equivalencies to determine a student’s grade-
other possible evidence should be attached and point average (GPA). The highest grade shall receive four
submitted with the form. points, and the lowest grade shall receive 0 points, using
• Students will meet with the Dean of Student only the following evaluative symbols:
Affairs and receive due process; students have the
right to grieve an action they feel violates their Symbol Definition Credit Granted Grade Point
student rights.
• The Dean of Student Affairs will address the A Excellent yes 4
behavior reasonably through the procedures
outlined in AP 5520. B Above Average yes 3
• The Student Affairs Office will maintain records
related to violations of academic dishonesty C Average yes 2
and other violations of the college Standards of
Conduct policy. D Below Average yes 1

Academic Honors F Failure no 0

Dean's List – Dean’s List certificates are awarded in the fall To calculate a grade point average (GPA), divide the total
and spring semesters to all students whose semester grade- grade points by the total GPA units.
point average is 3.5 or higher in 12 or more graded units
completed. The following evaluative symbols are not used in
calculating GPA:
Alpha Gamma Sigma – Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) is the
California Community College Scholastic Honor Society. Symbol Definition Credit Granted
The purpose of this organization is to foster, promote,
maintain, and recognize scholarship while engaging the P Pass (satisfactory) yes
students in service to the college and community. AGS
also offers cultural and social programs and enrichment NP No Pass (less than satisfactory) no
activities as part of the total college experience.
SP Satisfactory Progress no
Any student completing 12 semester units of college work
in a maximum of 2 semesters with a minimum grade-point (SP is used for noncredit courses only.)
average of 3.0 may join AGS.
The following non-evaluative symbols are used to
Honors Transfer Program/Honors Scholar – Honors indicate course status:
Scholars are students who have completed the requirements
for the Honors Transfer Program. Those include the Symbol Definition
completion of five honors courses, completion of all general
education transfer requirements, have achieved a grade- I* Incomplete
point average of 3.2, and completion of all lower division
major prerequisites. All honors courses have an “H” (“*” indicates the default letter grade
designation.
to be received by the student if the incomplete
Academic Standards
is not completed within one year)
Units – The conventional unit of measurement of college
work is called the semester hour or unit of credit. A unit IPP Incomplete Pass
consists of 18 lecture hours of class time per semester
(together with 36 hours of study outside of class per INP Incomplete No Pass
semester). Laboratory work is ordinarily valued at one
unit for 54 hours of class time per semester. Twelve units IP In progress
or more is considered a full-time load. No student will
be permitted to carry more than 18 units without special RD Report Delayed
permission of a counselor. In the case of probationary
students, the maximum load is 12 units. W Withdrawal

2019-2020 Catalog MW Military Withdrawal

EW Excused Withdrawal

P/NP: Pass/No Pass
In addition to courses in which all students are evaluated on
a Pass/No Pass basis, students may enroll in one course each
semester on a “P/NP” basis. Unless otherwise specified, a
student may elect at registration, or no later than the end
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.

Rio Hondo College / 41

All units (credits) earned on a Pass/No Pass basis in Grade Report – Grades will be issued at the end of each
accredited California institutions of higher education or session.
equivalent out-of-state institutions shall be counted in
satisfaction of community college curriculum requirements. Auditing
Students are not permitted to audit courses and may not
IMPORTANT: Students will not be allowed to request a attend classes in which they are not officially enrolled.
letter grade after the dates listed on the RHC website (www.
riohondo.edu/admissions/important-dates-and-deadlines); Basic Skills Enrollment
nor to request a letter grade for previously completed The California Education Code limits students to no more
courses in which they earned a Pass “P.” than 30 semester units of pre-collegiate basic skills units.
Basic skills courses are defined as courses “in reading,
I : Incomplete – An incomplete grade, “I,” may writing, computation, and English As A New Language
be assigned for academic work not completed for which are designated by the community college district as
unforeseeable emergencies and justifiable reasons at the end non-degree credit courses pursuant to Section 55002(d) of
of the term. The condition for removal of the “I” shall be Title 5.”
stated by the instructor in a written record. This record shall
contain the conditions for removal of the “I” and the grade Rio Hondo College defines basic skill courses as courses
assigned in lieu of its removal (IA, IB, IC, ID, IF, IPP, INP). in reading, writing, computation and English As A New
This record must be given to the student with a copy on file Language with a course number less than 40. ENLA and
with the registrar until the “I” is made up or the time limit learning disabled students are exempted. Students who feel
has passed. A final grade shall be assigned when the work they would benefit by taking more than 30 semester units of
stipulated has been completed and evaluated or when the pre-collegiate basic skills courses should see the Director of
time limit for completing the work has passed. Admissions & Records.

The “I” may be made up no later than one year following Classification of Students
the end of the term in which it was assigned. Under unusual
circumstances, a student may petition for an extension of Freshman: 0 to 29 units completed
the one-year period.
Sophomore: 30 to 59 units completed
IP: In Progress – An in-progress grade, “IP,” shall be used
to denote that the class extends beyond the normal end Full-time: Students enrolled for 12 or more units in fall and
of an academic term. It indicates that work is in progress spring (4 or more units in summer)
but that assignment of a substantive grade must await
completion of the course. The “IP” symbol shall remain Part-time: Students enrolled for less than 12 units in fall and
on the student’s permanent record in order to satisfy spring (less than 4 units in summer).
enrollment documentation. The appropriate evaluative
grade and unit of credit shall be assigned and appear on Challenge of Educational Records – Education Code 76232
the student’s record for the term in which the course is allows a student to challenge the contents of a student’s
completed. educational record (per Education Code 76232) to correct
or remove information that the student alleges to be: (1)
RD: Report Delayed – The report delayed grade, “RD,” inaccurate; (2) an unsubstantiated personal conclusion
may be assigned by the registrar only. It is to be used when or inference; (3) a conclusion or inference outside the
there is a delay in reporting the grade of a student due to observer’s area of competence; or (4) not based on the
circumstances beyond the control of the student. It is a personal observation of a named person with the time and
temporary notation to be replaced by a permanent symbol place of the observation. See the Director of Admissions &
as soon as possible. Records for more information.

W: Withdrawal – A withdrawal or drop between 20% and Academic Renewal Guidelines – The academic renewal
60% of the term courses length will result in a “W” notation procedure permits the alleviation of a student’s previously
on a student's permanent record. See section 3 for specific recorded substandard academic performance that is not
withdrawal information. reflective of a student’s present demonstrated ability and
level of performance. Academic renewal may gain for
MW: Military Withdrawal – A military withdrawal grade, students the benefits of their current level of ability and
“MW,” occurs when a student who is a member of an performance and not permanently penalize them for poor
active or reserve United States Military Service receives performance in the past.
orders compelling a withdrawal from courses and petitions
to receive a “MW.” See section 3 for specific military Therefore, within the regulations listed, Rio Hondo College
withdrawal information. may disregard particular, previously recorded substandard
work from a student’s cumulative grade-point average.
EW: Excused Withdrawal – The EW symbol is used to
denote withdrawal in accordance with Title 5 Section 1. The student may petition through the Admissions
55024. A student may submit a petition to withdraw from and Records Office to remove previous
a course(s) due to specific events beyond their control substandard work (any course in which a grade
which affects their ability to complete a course(s). These below 2.00 has been recorded) taken at Rio Hondo
events may include a job transfer outside the geographical College. The district superintendent or designee
region, an illness in the family where the student is primary may grant permission.
caregiver, student is subject to immigration action, or other
extenuating circumstances. The excused withdrawal “EW” 2. Up to 30 units may be alleviated.
notation is not counted in progress probation and dismissal 3. A student’s current demonstrated ability may
calculations.
be the basis for alleviating previous substandard
42 / Rio Hondo College work.

2019-2020 Catalog

4. In order to qualify, the student must meet one of Removal from Academic Probation – A student on
the following criteria: academic probation for a grade-point deficiency shall be
removed from probation when the student’s accumulated
a. Earn 30 consecutive units with a minimum of a grade-point average is 2.0 or higher.
2.0 grade-point average(GPA) from any regionally
accredited college or university, following the Progress Probation – A student who has enrolled in a
completion of the most recent substandard work to total of at least 12 semester units as shown by the official
be alleviated, and two (2) years must have elapsed academic record shall be placed on progress probation when
since the most recent work to be alleviated. the number of all units in which a student has enrolled and
for which entries of “W” and “NP” “are recorded reaches or
b. Earn 15 consecutive units with a minimum of a exceeds the number of units with other grades. If a student
2.5 grade-point average (GPA) from any regionally is placed on progress probation, the student must receive
accredited college or university, following the approval by a counselor prior to registering for classes in
completion of the most recent substandard work to the following semester.
be alleviated, and one (1) year must have elapsed
since the most recent work to be alleviated. A student on progress probation because of an excess of
units for which entries of “W” and “NP” are recorded shall
5. The student’s academic record will be be removed from probation when the total number of units
appropriately marked indicating those courses that in this category drops below the number of those with other
have been alleviated. grades.

When academic work is alleviated, grades are not removed; Dismissal – A student shall be dismissed from the college
they are noted and subtracted from the grade point average. for a period of one semester (excluding summer session)
All entries remain legible so that a true and complete record when his/her grade-point average in three consecutive
is maintained. There is no assurance that alleviated courses semesters is less than 2.00 in all units attempted or when
will be treated similarly by other educational institutions 50% or more of all units attempted have entries of “W” and
outside the district. “NP.” Before reinstatement to the college, the student must
meet with a counselor.
Final Examinations
Final examinations will be given in all courses during Notice – Students will be notified by mail if they are on
the last week of each semester. The final exam schedule academic probation or progress probation and will also be
for spring and fall is listed on the RHC web site (www. notified that they need to meet with a counselor prior to
riohondo.edu) and may vary from the regular class hours. reinstatement to the college. Probation and dismissal status
may be appealed to the Dean of Counseling & Student
Outcomes Course-Level - Student Success.
Learning Outcomes (SLO) and
Program Level Outcomes (PLO) Repetition of Courses Guidelines

Outcomes Course-level or student learning outcomes, and Course repetition occurs when a student who has
program-level outcomes (PLO) are developed by faculty previously received an evaluative symbol (A, B, C, D, F,
and assessed on a cyclical basis in order to improve teaching P/NP, W) in a credit course, re-enrolls in the course and
and student learning. All course-level outcomes are listed in receives an evaluative symbol. Students may be permitted
course syllabi so students are aware of them at the beginning to enroll more than one time in the same credit course if
of each term. PLOs for all degrees and certificates are they or the course meets certain criteria. Students will not
available in Chapter 10. The Outcomes Committee meets be permitted to enroll in the same credit course more than
monthly to review all matters relating to outcomes. The three times, except in special circumstances or when the
Committee has developed and oversees institutional-level course is designated as repeatable and allows a greater
outcomes. More information about outcomes can be found at number of repetitions as established in Title 5. All attempts
www. riohondo.edu/slo/. to take a course that result in the student earning an
evaluative symbol (A, B, C, D, F, P/NP, W) on their record
Probation Standards will be counted for the purposes of calculating the total
number of times a student has enrolled in a course. Students
Disciplinary Probation – A student may be placed on are limited to four (4) enrollments in courses that are
disciplinary probation for infraction of state law, education related in content for the following courses types: Physical
code, board policy, student government regulations, or education courses, visual arts courses, performing arts
behavior unbecoming a student at Rio Hondo College. courses, and intercollegiate academic and vocational courses
designated as repeatable pursuant to section 55041.
Students on disciplinary probation may not represent the
college in any activity, conference, or field trip, nor can they Course repetition may occur under the following
hold office in the Associated Student government or in any circumstances:
student body sponsored club.
I. The course is designated as a “repeatable course”
Academic Probation – A student who has attempted at least consistent with the requirements of Title 5
12 semester units as shown by the official academic record §55041: Courses that may be repeated without a
shall be placed on academic probation if the student has petition are identified as such in the college catalog
earned a grade-point average below 2.0 in all units which and fall within the following categories:
were graded on the basis of the grading scale described a. The course repetition is necessary to meet
in the section Academic Standards–Grades. If a student the major requirements of CSU or UC for
is placed on academic probation for two consecutive completion of a bachelor’s degree.
semesters, the student must receive approval by a counselor b. The course is designated as intercollegiate
prior to registering for classes in the following semester. athletics.

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 43

c. The course is designated as intercollegiate occupational work experience course. Enrollment
academic or vocational competition. is limited to 16 credit hours of cooperative work
experience (CWE) and/or general work experience
II. To alleviate substandard work: A course in which (GWE) in a given field during the enrollment
a student grade of “D” or “F” or “NP” has been period. (§55040)
recorded may be repeated twice. Students must
complete a “Petition for Grade Alleviation With E. Legally mandated training: Students may re-enroll
Course Repetition” form available in Admissions in courses that are required by statute or regulation
and Records in order to remove the effects of the as a condition of paid or volunteer employment.
grade from the GPA. When a student repeats a Students must certify or document that the course
class to alleviate substandard academic work, the repetition is legally mandated.
previous grade and credit shall remain legible,
however, it will be disregarded in the computation F. Special courses for student with disabilities:
of grade point averages. Students may use Students may enroll multiple times in classes
coursework from any regionally accredited college designated as “special classes” if it is determined
to replace Rio Hondo College coursework in which that such repetition is required for that person as a
a “D” or “F” or “NP” was recorded provided the disability-related accommodation.
courses are deemed comparable.
G. Significant change in industry or licensure
III. To enroll in a class from which a student has standards: Students may petition to repeat a course
previously withdrawn: Students may repeat as a result of a significant change in industry or
courses that result in withdrawal with a “W” licensure standards such that repetition of the
symbol being assigned. Students may have a course is necessary for employment or licensure.
maximum of two withdrawals from a course Students must certify or document that there has
prior to receiving a grade, excluding military been a significant change in industry or licensure
withdrawals and withdrawals due to extenuating standards necessitating course repetition.
circumstances. The “W” shall not be used in
calculating a student’s GPA, but must be used in A student’s permanent academic record will indicate any
determining probation and dismissal. courses repeated using an appropriate symbol and will be
annotated in such a manner that all work remains legible,
IV. Student meets the criteria for special ensuring a true and complete academic history.
circumstances:
Transcripts
A. Extenuating circumstances:
A student may repeat a course when he/she Upon written application, the Admissions and Records
Office will issue a document verifying grades or enrollment.
demonstrates that the previous grade was due The first two copies requested are issued free. Thereafter, a
to extenuating circumstances. Extenuating fee of $3.00 for each record is charged. Forms are available
circumstances are verified cases of illness, accidents in the Admissions and Records Office or online.
or other circumstances beyond the control of the
student. Student’s wishing to repeat a course due Transcripts may also be ordered online via AccessRio or
to extenuating circumstances must complete a directly on the Credentials website. Transcripts will usually
“Course Repetition” form available in Admissions be processed within three (3) working days. An emergency/
and Records and submit it with documentation rush transcript request is available online for an additional
of the extenuating circumstances and appropriate cost. Rush order will be processed within one (1) working
signatures and approvals to Admissions and day. Details are provided on the Admissions and Records
Records. A course repeated due to extenuating web page.
circumstances may only be repeated once, but the
previous grade and credit may be disregarded in Work Hours/Class Guidelines
computing the student’s GPA.
For each hour spent in a lecture class, a student should plan
B. Significant lapse of time: Students may repeat to spend about two hours a week in study and homework.
a course in which they previously received a Thus, a load of 15 units plus study time may require 45
satisfactory grade due to a significant lapse of time, hours a week– more than a full-time work week. Following
comprised of no less than 36 months or as required are suggested work hours versus class load guidelines:
by specific program mandates AND the course is
required by the district as a properly established Working Hours/Week Units
recency prerequisite; or another institution of higher None 12 – 16
education to which the student is seeking to transfer 10 10 – 11
requires the student to have taken the course more 20
recently than the student’s last enrollment. 30 7–9
30+ 3–6
C. Variable unit, open-entry/open-exit courses: 1–3
Student may enroll in a variable unit open-entry/
In order to maintain an academic balance, the following
open-exit course as many times as necessary to information should be considered:
complete the entire curriculum of the course.
1. Students can expect to spend at least three hours
D. Occupational Work Experience: Students may (one in class and two outside of class) each week
petition to enroll more than once, even if the for every unit taken. A student with 12 units will
student received a satisfactory grade, in an need 24 hours of study time for a total of 36 hours
needed for school each week.

2. Employment time and college time combined

44 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

should not exceed 60 hours weekly. examinations (which will not count as units in residence).
3. Students should distribute study time The student’s transcript will denote credit earned by credit
by examination.
appropriately for each class – often preparation
for a lecture class differs from preparation for a Students who have been accepted into the Bachelor’s Degree
laboratory class. Program shall be given course credit up to a maximum of
4. Students should consult frequently with their 16 lower division units and up to a maximum of 12 upper
instructors – their office hours are designed for division units to be applied toward major requirements.
that purpose.
5. To assist in their academic success, students should Each department identifies courses that are eligible for
use the tutoring services, the library, counselors, challenge. Students will receive a grade for each course
and other support services. challenged based on the written guidelines developed by
the individual department.
Alternative Credit
To challenge a course and receive Credit by Examination
Credit by External Examination a student must be registered in the college and be in good
A student in good standing who has completed at standing. Course(s) must be listed in the college catalog.
least 12 units in residence and is actively enrolled at Students may be exempt from this if they are requesting
Rio Hondo College may petition to receive Credit by to challenge and receive credit by examination for a high
External Examination from the Advanced Placement school / Regional Occupational Program Career and
(AP) examinations, College Level Examination Program Technical Education (CTE) articulated pathway (Title 5
(CLEP), and/or International Baccalaureate (IB). However, Section 55052).
course credit cannot be granted if it duplicates previous
coursework completed at Rio Hondo. Credit awarded will American Council on Education (ACE) Credit
not be used to meet residency requirements. Please note Credit may be granted for those courses listed in the
that course credit and units granted at Rio Hondo College American Council on Education source book. The courses
may differ from course credit and units granted by a four- listed may be treated as lower-division transfer courses by
year transfer institution. Rio Hondo College and may be acceptable for units towards
graduation requirements for the associate degree provided
Guidelines for receiving credit: all other graduation requirements are fulfilled.
1. A request form must be completed and returned to
the Admissions and Records Office. Before any course is applied to a departmental major and/
2. An official transcript of the test scores must be sent or to a certificate, the course is subject to departmental
to the Admissions & Records Office to be kept as approval of equivalencies and for prerequisites. Otherwise,
part of the official record. the course shall be applied for elective credit only.

AP credit may be granted for Advanced Placement tests Students are to be apprised of the fact that although Rio
which have been satisfactorily passed with a score of 3, 4, or Hondo accepts such a course as a transfer course and
5. See the College Credit for Advanced Placement section on applies units toward the degree, transfer of said course to a
the pages that follow for a list of accepted tests. specific four-year institution is subject to current articulation
agreements with that institution.
CLEP credit may be granted for College Level Examination
Program tests in selected areas. See the College Level Credit for Military Service
Examination Program section on the pages that follow for a Rio Hondo College may grant credit for service courses as
list of accepted tests. described in the Guide to the Evaluations of Educational
Experiences in the Armed Forces by the American Council
IB: International Baccalaureate credit may be granted for on Education. Coursework from the Community College of
the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examinations the Air Force will be granted credit on the basis of similarity
with scores of 5, 6, or 7. Official IB scores must be sent to to Rio Hondo programs.
the Admissions and Records Office. See the International
Baccalaureate section on the pages that follow for a list of Veterans desiring credit for military service must request
accepted tests. such credit and present authentic military service and
training records, including a copy of the discharge papers
Credit by Examination at Rio Hondo (DD214) to the Admissions & Records Office. Upon the
The Board of Trustees of Rio Hondo College, in accordance presentation of the DD214, two P.E. requirements may be
with provisions of Title 5 (55753), authorizes the college to waived for the A.A. or A.S. degree. Requests for military
grant appropriate semester unit credit to any student who is credit will be evaluated upon the presentation of proper
currently enrolled and successfully passes an examination documents, and the completion of 12 units in residence of
administered by appropriate staff. Students may not be work at Rio Hondo College.
enrolled in the course for which they want to challenge and
receive Credit by Examination. Those veterans planning on applying for veterans benefits
while attending classes must submit proper documentation
Individual departments and/or specialty areas may elect to of military service, schools, and any postsecondary credits
grant course credit to enable students who can demonstrate prior to enrolling at Rio Hondo. These documents are
proficiency in specific bodies of subject matter, to plan a to be sent to the Veterans Office at Rio Hondo College.
relevant educational program that will exclude courses in Records will be reviewed and evaluated prior to enrollment
which essential levels of mastery of subject matter material and development of an educational plan. Under some
have been previously attained. conditions, students may be allowed to enroll and have their

Students shall be given course credit up to a limit of 12 Rio
Hondo College units upon the successful completion of

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 45

military and educational records submitted prior to the end
of the first semester of attendance.

Non-Collegiate Registered Nursing Training Credit
Credit may be granted to a student who has a valid
California RN license for nursing courses taken at an
accredited non-collegiate RN nursing program toward the
Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. Credit granted may
not exceed the total number of nursing units required for
the Associate Degree in Nursing at Rio Hondo College.

Upper-Division Credit
Upper-division credit from U.S. regionally accredited
institutions may be used to fulfill Rio Hondo graduation
requirements. Please see a counselor for more information.

46 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 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 and 5C 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/2.6 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 and 5C **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
8 quarter/5.3 semester
Computer Science AB N/A N/A 6 semester units* N/A units***
Area B4 4 quarter/2.6 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
LIMITATIONS 3 semester units used toward transfer 4.8 quarter/5.3 semester
Score of 4 or 5 – ECON 101 Area D units for both
Economics - Score of 3 - Social & Behavioral 3 semester units 3 semester units Area 4
Macroeconomics Science 3 semester units 4 quarter/2.6 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 4 4 quarter/2.6 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.

2019-2020 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 47

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/2.6 semester
units
Environmental Science Natural Science w/Lab Area B2 and B3 (if taken 4 semester units Area 5A and 5C
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/2.6 semester
German Language & 3 semester units requirement after transfer 3 semester units units
Culture Humanities Area 4 4 quarter/2.6 semester
Government & Politics - 3 semester units Area C2 6 semester units 3 semester units units
Comparative 3 semester units Area 4
Government and Politics Social & Behavioral Science 6 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
- U.S. 3 semester units Area C2 3 semester units units
3 semester units 3 semester units Area 3B or 4
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 4 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 4 4 quarter/2.6 semester
History - U.S. 3 semester units California Government 3 semester units units
HIST 143, 144 requirement 6 semester units Area 4 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 Area 3B and 6A units
Latin - Literature 3 semester units units toward transfer 3 semester units
Humanities Area C2 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Music Theory 3 semester units 3 semester units N/A units
Area C2
Physics B Humanities 3 semester units Area 5A and 5C 8 quarter/5.3 semester
3 semester units 4 semester units units**
Physics 1 Fine Arts Area C2 Area 5A and 5C
3 semester units 3 semester units 4 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) 3 semester units 4 quarter/2.6 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/2.6 semester
LIMITATIONS Natural Science w/ Lab Area C2 units**
4 semester units 3 semester units Area 4 **Maximum 8 quarter/
Psychology Natural Science w/Lab 3 semester units 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/2.6 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/2.6 semester
9 semester units 4 semester units* units
SPAN 201 B1 and B3
4.5 semester units 4 semester units*
MATH 130 Area B1 and B3
4 semester units 4 semester units*
Area B1 and B3
4 semester units*

Area D 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 2A
3 semester units 3 semester units

48 / Rio Hondo College 2019-2020 Catalog

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

2019-2020 Catalog Continued on next page.
Rio Hondo College / 49