RHC 2016-17 College Catalog

Volume LI

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- 2016-2017 Catalog
0234 Telephone • (415) 506-0238 FAX), an institutional
accrediting body recognized by the Commission on July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017
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 Mary Ann Pacheco
Community College District Board of Trustees to add,
amend, or repeal any of its regulations, rules, and Norma Edith García
procedures in whole or in part at such time as it may elect.
Gary Mendez
The Rio Hondo College staff has worked to assure the
accuracy of all information in the catalog. Students are Vicky Santana
advised, however, that such information may be subject
to change without notice. Since the catalog is prepared in Madeline Shapiro
advance of the academic year, changes in some programs
and rules might occur. An addendum to the catalog is Brandon Pablo Leon
published in the fall. The catalog and accompanying Student Member
addendum are the final authority in regard to classes and
programs offered. The catalog and addenda are also posted Teresa Dreyfuss
on the web site at: www.riohondo.edu/catalog. Students Superintendent/President
are advised to consult a counselor whenever questions or
problems pertaining to academic programs arise.

This document is available in alternate
formats upon request.

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

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 1

President’s Welcome We urge you to take advantage of the Student Success services
and programs offered through the Counseling Center, Center
Congratulations on making one of the for Career and Re-Entry Services, First-Year Success Center, and
most important decisions of your life by Transfer Center. Students who meet with a counselor on a frequent
choosing to attend college. On behalf basis, update their Educational Plan and use support services are
of the Rio Hondo College community, more likely to graduate and transfer to four-year universities. Our
it is a pleasure to welcome you to our Rio Hondo College counselors are here to support your journey to
hilltop campus and educational sites with achieve Student Success!
state-of-the-art facilities and a student-
centered approach. Rio Hondo College Our student-centered campus also offers student support services
offers a technologically advanced learning to first-generation students, economically and educationally
environment with modern instructional disadvantaged students, students with disabilities and veterans.
and student services facilities, including In addition, we offer financial aid services, scholarships, student
the Learning Resource Center, one-stop health services, as well as free tutoring.
Student Services building, First-Year
Success Center, El Monte Educational We invite you to make the most of your time at Rio Hondo College
Center, South Whittier Educational Center, and the Pico Rivera by participating in co-curricular activities and in student life. The
Educational Center. As part of our Student Success Initiative College fields 14 intercollegiate athletic teams, offers opportunities
and Student Equity Plan, our faculty members, counselors, staff, in dance, theater, music, visual arts performances, and debate
and administrators are committed to helping you reach your competitions. Rio Hondo College is also home to an active student
educational goals. government that sponsors an array of clubs, interest groups and
cultural events.
One of the tools we encourage students to frequently use is the
2016-2017 Catalog, as an educational guidepost. By becoming As a student, you also have access to one of the largest and best-
familiar with this Catalog early on, you will learn about the equipped community college fitness centers in the country. The
associate degrees leading to successful transfer, general education College’s 48,000 square-foot Physical Education Complex offers
requirements and programs, career certificates and courses and our a new NCAA-sized pool, renovated fields and tennis courts. The
new four-year degree in automotive technology. College also offers a world-class soccer field and six-lane synthetic
track.
In addition, Rio Hondo College continues to lead the state and the
nation in many high-demand career and technical programs, such As Superintendent/President, I look forward to welcoming you to
as environmental technology, geographic information systems our Rio Hondo College campus.
(GIS), nursing, public safety, fire technology, and automotive
technology, which now includes a four-year bachelor’s degree. Congratulations once again, and best wishes to you and your
continued success.
Another tool for success is AccessRIO, our student information and
registration system that provides efficient online access to email, Teresa Dreyfuss
grades, financial aid information, library systems and many other Superintendent/President
College resources.
Grant Development & Management..............................Michaela Brehm
Administrators Human Resources, Interim...........................................Loy Nashua, J.D.
Information Technology Services............................. Gary Van Voorhis
ADMINISTRATION Marketing & Communications.........................................Ruthie Retana
Superintendent/President.............................................. Teresa Dreyfuss Mechanical & Electrical Services.................................................. Vacant
Vice President, Interim Academic Affairs...... JoAnna Schilling, Ph.D. Operations & Maintenance................................................George Lopez
Vice President, Student Services............................................ Henry Gee Personal and Academic Support Services (PASS) Program, Interim
Vice President, Finance & Business.......................Myeshia Armstrong
DIVISION DEANS Project Manager………………………………….Jasmine Lopez
Arts & Cultural Programs, Continuing and Contract Education Student Equity, Grant Manager……………..……….... Cecilia Rocha
.................................................................................................. Vacant Student Life & Leadership/District Compliance Officer
Behavioral & Social Sciences, Online Education.......... Rebecca Green .................................................................................... Shaina Phillips
Business, Interim...................................... Ygnacio "Nash" Flores, Ed.D. Student Success and Support Program,
Career & Technical Education/ Instructional Operations Grant Manager..............................................................Lisa Chavez
........................................................................................Mike Slavich Teacher Preparation Pipeline and Pathway (TIPP),
Communications & Languages/Library...................................... Vacant Interim Project Manager.................................Maria Lea Martinez
Counseling & Student Success................................Mike Munoz, Ed.D. COORDINATORS
Educational Centers..................................................... Yolanda Emerson Athletics....................................................Steve Johnson/Bianca Urquidi
Health Science & Nursing................................................Deborah Chow Basic Skills..........................................................................Tyler Okamoto
Institutional Research & Planning/Executive Director CalWORKs....................................................................................... Vacant
Center for Career and Re-entry Services............... Viviana Villanueva
Rio Hondo College Foundation, Interim.....Howard Kummerman English as a New Language (ENLA).............................Tyler Okamoto
Kinesiology, Dance, and Athletics/Athletic Director.......Steve Hebert Fire Technology.................................................................Tracy Rickman
Mathematics & Sciences............................................. Vann Priest, Ph.D. First-Year Seminar Coordinator………………………….Sheila Lynch
Public Safety............................................. Ygnacio "Nash" Flores, Ed.D. Fitness Center.................................................................... Kathy Pudelko
Student Affairs................................................ Jennifer Fernandez, DPA Flex/Staff Development.......................................................Katie O’Brien
ASSOCIATE DEAN Foster Youth, Interim……………………………………Marisela Saenz
Public Safety...................................................................... Donald Mason Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator........................Lydia Gonzalez
ASSISTANT DEAN Leadership Academy............................................................. Kelly Lynch
Student Success & Retention (Basic Skills)...................Barbara Salazar Learning Assistance Center................................................. Moises Mata
DIRECTORS & MANAGERS Mathematics & Science Center.......................................... George Wang
Accounting.......................................................................... Stephen Kibui Non-Credit Programs......................................................... Angela Sotelo
Admissions & Records.................................................Leigh Ann Unger Online Education.................................................................. Colin Young
CalSOAP, Interim Grant Manager..........................................Yicel Paez Pathway to Law...........................................................Angelica Martinez
Child Development Center, Interim………………… Beth Brousseau Psychological Services/Psychologist.......................Dr. Denna Sanchez
Contract Management & Vending Services......................... Felix Sarao Speech/Forensic..................................................................... Libby Curiel
Deputy Sector Navigator, Grant Manager.........................Bruce Noble Student Equity............................................................. Juana Mora, Ph.D.
Disabled Students Programs & Services............................Mark Matsui Student Learning Outcomes..................... Adam Wetsman, J.D., Ph.D.
Extended Opportunity Programs & Services/CARE.......Heba Griffiths Transfer Center............................................................................ Jose Lara
Facilities Services............................................................................. Vacant Veterans Services, Interim............................................ Arely Castaneda
Financial Aid, Scholarships & Veterans Services Weekend College......................................................... Steve Hemenway
............................................................. Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval Weekend College.............................................................. Vik Hovsepian
Governmental & Community Relations
.............................................................. Russell Castañeda-Calleros

2 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

Division/Department Listing Division of Counseling & Student Success
(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 • El Monte Promise: (562) 463-3159
Division of Arts & Cultural Programs • First Year Success Center: (562) 463-6650
(562) 908-3471 • Puente: (562) 463-3207
• Cultural Events Hotline: (562) 908-3492 • Student Success and Support Program — Non-Credit
• Cultural Programs • Transfer Center: (562) 463-4619
• Performing Arts Division of Health Science & Nursing
Music (562) 908-3421
Theater • Acute CNA
• Visual Arts • Associate Degree Nursing
Animation • Foster Care and Independent Living
Art History • Home Health Aide
Ceramics • Vocational Nursing
Digital Art • Nurse Assistant Pre-Certification Training
Photography Division of Library
Studio Art (562) 908-3417
Division of Behavioral & Social Sciences • Archives
(562) 463-7469 • Circulation
• Anthropology • Library (562) 908-3417
• Chicano Studies • Production
• Child Development/Education • Reference
• Economics • Office of Student Success and Retention
• History Division of Mathematics & Sciences
• Human Services (562) 908-3444 or 908-3472
• Humanities • Biological Sciences
• Philosophy • Engineering
• Political Science • Environmental Sciences
• Psychology/Drug Studies • Mathematics
• Sociology • Math Science Center
• Support Programs • MESA/TRiO/SSS STEM
-Online Education • Physical Sciences Department
-Pre-school Laboratory - Astronomy - Geology
- Chemistry - Physical Science
Division of Business - Geography - Physics
(562) 463-7359 Division of Kinesiology, Dance and Athletics
• Accounting (562) 908-3409
• Business/Management/Marketing • Athletics
• Computer Information Technology • Dance
• District Lab • Fitness Center (562) 463-3461
• International Business • Kinesiology
• Logistics Division of Public Safety
Division of Career & Technical Education (562) 463-7756
(562) 908-3460 • Administration of Justice
• Advanced Transportation Technology Program (ATT) • Advanced Officer Training
• Apprenticeship: (562) 908-3448 • Corrections
• Architecture/Civil/Engineering Technology • Forensics
• Geographic Information Systems • Police Academy
• Electronics (Renewable/Green Energy) (562) 941-4082
• Heavy Equipment Technology • Emergency Medical Technician
• Honda PACT Program • Fire Academy
• Welding/Fabrication • Fire Technology
Division of Communications & Languages • Homeland Security Training Center
(562) 908-3429 • Wildland Fire
• English & Literature Division of Student Affairs
• English as a New Language (ENLA) (562) 908-3498
• English Writing Center • CalWORKs (562) 463-7311
• ESL/Language Lab • Disabled Students Programs & Services: (562) 908-3420
• Languages (ASL, Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish) • EOPS/Care (562) 908-3423
• Learning Assistance Center (LAC) • Student Health and Psychological Services: (562) 908-3438
• Mass Communications/Journalism/Radio • TRIO/SSS (562) 436-3216
-El Paisano, elpaisanoonline.com, La Cima Division of Student Services
• Reading & Study Skills (562) 463-4693
• Reading Lab • Assessment Center: (562) 463-7226
• Speech/Forensics • Financial Aid, Scholarships and
• Study Abroad Veterans Services: (562) 908-3411
• Student Life & Leadership: (562) 908-3427
2016-2017 Catalog • Veterans Service Center (562) 463-3370

Rio Hondo College / 3

Contents Prerequisite/Corequisite Challenge Procedure...................25
Educational Costs ...................................................................25
1 General Information About Rio Hondo College Scholarships..............................................................................26
History.........................................................................................6 Student Financial Obligations ...............................................26
Vision, Mission, Values Statement..........................................6 Withholding Grades, Transcripts, etc. for
Goals Statement..........................................................................7
Institutional Code of Ethics (BP 3050) ....................................7 Nonrepayment of Financial Obligations.........................26
Institutional Philosophy ..........................................................8 Enrollment/Fees Refunds ......................................................26
Institutional Affiliation..............................................................8 Resident Students.....................................................................26
Accreditations & Certifications................................................8 Non-Resident Students...........................................................26
Facilities.......................................................................................9 4 Support Services and Special Academic Programs
Art Gallery..........................................................................9 Academic Advisement ..........................................................27
Black Box Theater...............................................................9 Assessment Center...................................................................27
Bookstore ............................................................................9 CalWORKs Program................................................................27
Rio Café...............................................................................9 Career Counseling .................................................................27
Child Development Center/ Center for Career and Re-Entry Services..............................27
Pre-School Laboratory..................................................9 Career Services.........................................................................27
El Monte Educational Center (EMEC)............................9 Re-Entry Services.....................................................................27
Fitness Center.....................................................................9 Child Development Center/Preschool Laboratory.............28
Observatory........................................................................9 Computer Resources...............................................................28
Parking: Students/Visitors................................................9 Continuing Education & Contract Education Classes........28
Pico Rivera Educational Center.....................................10 Counseling ...............................................................................28
Santa Fe Springs Training Center..................................10 Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS).................28
South Whittier Educational Center (SWEC)................10 Distance Education: Online Courses.....................................29
State Smog Center............................................................10 Extended Opportunity Programs & Services
Wray Theatre....................................................................10
(EOP&S/CARE)...................................................................29
2 College Policies & Procedures Financial Aid Services.............................................................29
Academic Freedom..................................................................12 Honors Transfer Program.......................................................30
Access to Student Records......................................................12 Labs
Student Records .....................................................................12 Foreign Language/ENLA Lab........................................31
Children on Campus...............................................................12 Nursing Simulation Center.............................................31
Computer Usage......................................................................12 Pre-School Laboratory.....................................................31
Student Complaints/Grievance Procedures ........................13 Reading Lab......................................................................31
Directory Information ............................................................13 Writing Center..................................................................31
Hazing ......................................................................................13 Writers' Resource Center................................................31
Non-Discrimination in College Programs and Activities..13 Library.......................................................................................31
Non-Discrimination Policy.....................................................13 Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA)
Ausencia de Discriminación en Programas y
and TRiO Student Support Services STEM.....................31
Actividades Del Colegio....................................................14 Orientation................................................................................32
Registered Sex Offender Information...................................14 The PASS Program...................................................................32
Sexual Harassment..................................................................14 Puente Program........................................................................32
Hostigamiento Sexual..............................................................15 Student Health and Psychological Services.........................32
Sexual Misconduct Information and Title IX Compliance.16 Study Abroad...........................................................................33
Standards of Student Conduct ..............................................17 Transfer Center.........................................................................33
Mental Health Clearance........................................................19 Tutoring Support.....................................................................33
Rio Hondo College's Policy on Drug and Alcohol Abuse.19 Learning Assistance Center (LAC)........................................33
Mathematics & Sciences Center (MSC).................................33
3 Admission, Registration & Educational Costs Veterans Services.....................................................................33
Admissions: Becoming a Rio Hondo Student .....................20 Weekend College.....................................................................33
Who May Apply ......................................................................20 5 Student Life & Leadership
Student Classification..............................................................20 How to Get Involved In Campus Activities.........................34
New Student.............................................................................20 Student Government...............................................................34
Returning Student ...................................................................20 Student Clubs...........................................................................34
Continuing Student.................................................................20 ASRHC Sponsored Events......................................................34
Enrichment Student.................................................................20 Student Leadership Institute..................................................34
High School Enrichment Students.........................................20 College Services Fee.................................................................34
Residence Requirements.........................................................20 Student Publications................................................................34
AB540 Students........................................................................21 Athletics – Men’s & Women’s Intercollegiate Sports.........34
International Students.............................................................21 Athletic Eligibility for California Community College
Open Enrollment Policy..........................................................22
Unit Limitations.......................................................................22 Intercollegiate Teams .........................................................35
Adding/Dropping Classes .....................................................22 Student Conduct at College-Sponsored Events...................35
Evaluation of Transcripts........................................................22 6 Academic Guidelines
Student Success and Support Program Attendance/Absences..............................................................36
Academic Dishonesty..............................................................36
(formerly Matriculation)....................................................22 Academic Honors....................................................................37
Five Steps to Becoming a Rio Hondo College Student.......23 Academic Standards................................................................37
Student Success and Support Program Requirement.........23 Grades and Grade Change.....................................................37
College Responsibilities..........................................................24 Pass/No Pass Courses .............................................................37
Student Responsibilities .........................................................24 Course Withdrawal Policy......................................................38
Student Rights..........................................................................24 Auditing ...................................................................................38
Matriculation Exemptions......................................................24 Basic Skills Enrollment............................................................38
Assessment Placement Appeals Procedure.........................24 Classification of Students .......................................................38
RHC Prerequisite/Corequisite/ Advisory Definitions........25 Final Examinations .................................................................38
How to Clear a Prerequisite...................................................25 Honors Scholar.........................................................................38

4 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

Probation Standards ...............................................................39 Instructional
Repetition of Courses Guidelines..........................................39 Calendar 2016-2017
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO).......................................40
Transcripts.................................................................................40 Summer 2016
Work Hours/Class Guidelines...............................................40
Alternative Credit....................................................................40 Ten-Week Session (10-weeks)
Credit by External Examination.............................................40 ........................................Monday, June 6 – Friday, August 12
AP, CLEP, IB Credits......................................................... 40-41
Credit by Examination at Rio Hondo....................................41 First Session (5-weeks)
American Council on Education (ACE) Credit...................41 ................................................Monday, June 6 – Friday, July 8
Credit for Military Service......................................................41
Non-Collegiate Registered Nursing Training Credit.........41 Evening Session (6-weeks)
Upper-Division Credit............................................................41 ............................................Monday, June 20 – Friday, July 29

7 Degree & Certificate Programs Late Start: Day and Evening (8-weeks)
Degree Programs .....................................................................48 ......................................Monday, June 20 – Friday, August 12
The A.A. or A.S. Degree Concept..........................................48 (Includes on-site, off site & online classes)
The A.A. or A.S. Degree Requirements................................48
Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Second Session: Day Classes (5-weeks)
.......................................Monday, July 11 – Friday, August 12
Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) Requirements..48
Associate Degree for Transfer - Reciprocity Policy.............49 Fall 2016
Associate of Arts Degree or Associate of Science Degree
Semester Dates (16-weeks)
General Education Requirements.....................................49 .............Saturday, August 20 - Saturday, December 10
Multiple Majors/Second Associate Degrees.........................50
Catalog Rights .........................................................................50 Flex Day.........................................................Friday, August 19
Continuous Enrollment ..........................................................50 (Classes begin Saturday, August 20)
Graduation................................................................................50
Certificate Programs................................................................50 8-Week Modules
Exceptions to Graduation/Certificate of Achievement ..................(Module A) Saturday, Aug. 20 – Friday, Oct. 14
..................(Module B) Saturday, Oct. 15 – Saturday, Dec. 10
Requirements..........................................................................50
Finals Week
8 Transfer .....................Monday, December 5 – Saturday, December 10
Transfer Programs...................................................................51
Planning a Transfer Program.................................................51 Spring 2017
Impacted Campuses & Programs..........................................51
Transferring to California State University (CSU)..............51 Intersession Dates (4-weeks)
CSU Certification.....................................................................52 ................................ Tuesday, January 3 - Thursday, January 26
CSU Application......................................................................52
CSU Application Filing Periods.............................................52 Semester Dates (16-weeks)
CSU General Education Breadth Course Requirements....53 ................................... Saturday, January 28 - Thursday, May 25
Transferring to University of California (UC).....................53
Community College Transfer Priority Admission..............54 Flex Day...........................................................Friday, January 27
IGETC General Education Certification...............................54 (Classes begin Saturday, January 28)
UC Impacted Majors................................................................54
Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)..................................54 Spring Break ................Monday, March 27 - Friday, March 31
UC Application.........................................................................54 (No weekend classes Saturday, March 25)
UC Application Filing Periods...............................................54
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum 8-Week Modules
......................(Module A) Saturday, Jan. 28 – Friday, March 24
(IGETC) For CSU & UC......................................................54 .....................(Module B) Saturday, Apr. 1 – Saturday, May 20
Transferring to Independent Colleges & Universities........56
Transfer Web Sites...................................................................56 Finals Week
............................................Friday, May 19 – Thursday, May 25
9 Degrees & Certificates
Associate of Arts Degree/Associate of Science Degree........... 57 Commencement.............................................. Thursday, May 25
Certificate of Achievement.....................................................57
Career Certificate.....................................................................58 Rio Hondo College / 5
Certificate of Skill Proficiency................................................58
Associate for Transfer..............................................................58
Non-Credit Certificates...........................................................58
Bachelor of Science Degree.....................................................58
RHC Majors and Programs............................................... 59-60
Nursing Programs Overview....................................... 137-145
Bachelor of Science Degree Automotive Technology1. 70-178

10 Student Learning Outcomes
SLOs - Degree & Certificate ......................................... 179-191
SLOs - General Education............................................. 191-192

11 Courses of Instruction
C-ID Numbering System ............................................. 193-197
Credit Course Listing.................................................... 198-350
Non-Credit Course Listing........................................... 351-359
12 Administrators.......................................................... 360-361
13 Faculty....................................................................... 362-368
14 Maps.......................................................................... 369-371
15 Index.......................................................................... 372-374

2016-2017 Catalog

1 General Information About
Rio Hondo College

History

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

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

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

and student services to develop the intellectual and

6 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 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

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 7

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

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

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

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

8 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

Facilities El Monte Educational Center (EMEC)

Art Gallery The El Monte Educational Center (EMEC) is one of Rio
Hondo College’s off-campus satellite facilities. It is located
The Rio Hondo College Art Gallery is located inside the at 3017 Tyler Avenue, El Monte, CA 91731. There are
Art Building and is open to students and the community classrooms and a computer resource lab. Regular college
during the academic year. The gallery provides an intimate credit courses are offered at EMEC, including basic skills
setting for temporary exhibits showing both student classes as well as general education courses for graduation
and professional artists, representing a variety of artistic and transfer to a university. The college assessment test is
disciplines. Used also as a teaching gallery, many of the offered on the second Thursday of the month. Continuing
exhibits are displayed and created by students enrolled Education also offers non-credit courses at EMEC. For more
in ART 180, the Art Gallery Display Design course. The information about classes and services at EMEC, please call
gallery is open to the public and exhibits are advertised in (626) 443-8932.
the College’s Cultural Events brochure available from the
Division of Arts & Cultural Programs and online at: http:// Fitness Center
www.riohondo.edu/arts/front-page/programs-offered/arts-
cultural-programs-events/art-gallery-showing/ Rio Hondo College’s state-of-the-art Fitness Center is
Call (562) 908-3471 for more information. located in the Kinesiology Department (room 150).
Access is available by enrolling in KINA 130, a one-unit
Black Box Theater Kinesiology Activity Class. Additional information is listed
in the Class Schedule and on the Fitness Center web page.
The Black Box Theater is located behind the Wray Theater.
With seating for approximately 80 guests, the Black Box Observatory
provides a more intimate setting for student and visiting
performers. The performances are open to the public and Rio Hondo College is one of only 10 California Community
are advertised in the College’s Cultural Events brochure Colleges to possess an observatory. The Gordon D. Crowell
from the Division of Arts & Cultural Programs. Call (562) Astrophysical Observatory has been serving the students
908-3471 for more information. of the college and residents of the community for over
40 years. The Observatory houses a 16-inch reflecting
Bookstore telescope that is the largest telescope available to the public
in the Los Angeles area. We are open to the public, year
The Student Bookstore is operated as a service to the round, no fee, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on selected clear
students. Required textbooks and supplies are available. Friday evenings. Visitors are asked to park in Lot C and
Ninety percent of the commissions received from the walk up the observatory road to the Observatory. Please
bookstore goes to the Auxiliary Service Fund for student wear comfortable walking shoes, dress warmly, and bring
activities. a flashlight. Visitors are also advised that we do not have
rest room facilities at the observatory. Call (562) 908-3472 for
The Bookstore hours are listed on the bookstore web page, more information.
where books and merchandise can also be purchased.
Parking: Students/Visitors
Rio Café
Parking facilities are provided for students and visitors
The Rio Café, located on the first floor of the Student Union, at nine locations on campus as designated in this College
offers great tasting and popular grill menu items, a variety Catalog. Students are required to display a Rio Hondo
of entrees, a deli section with sandwiches, a salad bar, College parking permit on all vehicles parking on campus.
and assorted beverages and snacks. Enjoy your favorite Parking permits should be obtained at the time of
Starbucks Lattes, Frappuccino Blended Beverages, Coffees registration and thereafter at every semester registration or
and Teas at our Coffee Bar. Hours are listed at: www. where there is a change in vehicle(s). Motorcycle parking is
riohondodining.com permitted only in specially designated areas in Lots B and
Level 5.
Child Development Center/
Pre-School Laboratory Visitors on campus may obtain temporary parking permits
at the Parking Information Booth located off College Drive
The Rio Hondo Pre-School Laboratory located at the to the left at Parking Lot 2 of the lower level parking stalls
Child Development Center provides quality pre-school or at one of three day parking permit dispensers available in
services to the children of Rio Hondo students, staff, and these locations:
community. Children must be between the ages of 3 and 5 • Parking Lot A, center of lot
years old and are required to be toilet trained. The Center • Parking Lot A, near the bridge
is supported by state funds and parent fees. Eligibility for • Parking Lot 6, near the stairs
state subsidized funding is determined by a combination of
family size and income. Some families may pay fees based One (1) day parking permit fee is $3.00. The dispenser
on a sliding scale. Hours of operation are 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 accepts one dollar bills, credit cards, coins (including dollar
P.M., Monday through Friday. Holidays and breaks are coins). Dispenser does not give change for bills or coins.
observed in accordance with the RHC academic calendar. A five (5) minute parking stall is located alongside the
For more information, please call (562) 908-3494 or visit dispenser for temporary parking while you purchase your
the Rio Hondo website (click on Student Services and then permit.
Child Care). Rio Hondo College students from the Child
Development/Education Department, the Behavioral and Persons operating vehicles on campus are expected to abide
Social Science Division and Nursing utilize the Pre-School by all California vehicle codes as well as posted regulations.
Laboratory to observe the development and behavior of Citations will be issued by campus security officers for
pre-school children and to apply the knowledge that they violations of such codes or for failure to abide by college
gained in their courses working directly with children. parking or vehicular regulations. Everyone is required to

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 9

pay all fines in connection with such violations. Unpaid Wray Theater
fines will be referred to the DMV, and a hold will be placed
on your vehicle registration. The Wray Theater, located on the lower quad, functions as
the main performance space for the college. Showcasing
Persons using the parking facilities at the college do so at a variety of student and professional performances in the
their own risk. The college assumes no liability for the use areas of theatre, dance, music, film, and guest lectures, the
of the parking facilities. theater seats approximately 300 persons. The performances
are open to the public and are advertised in the College’s
Pico Rivera Educational Center Cultural Events brochure available from the Division of Arts
& Cultural Programs. For more information, call (562) 908-
The Pico Rivera Educational Center is one of Rio Hondo 3471 or visit our web site at: http://www.riohondo.edu/arts/
College’s off-campus satellite facilities. It is located at 9426 front-page/programs-offered/arts-cultural-programs-events/
Marjorie Street, Pico Rivera, CA 90660. There are classrooms art-gallery-showing/
and a computer resource lab. Regular college credit courses
are offered at Pico center, including basic skills classes
as well as general education courses for graduation and
transfer to a university. The college assessment test is
offered on the third Friday of every month. Continuing
Education also offers non-credit courses. For more
information about classes and services at the Pico center,
please call (562) 692-0921.

Santa Fe Springs Training Center SOUTH WHITTIER
EDUCATIONAL CENTER
The Rio Hondo College Fire Technology program is located 14307 E. Telegraph Road
at the Santa Fe Springs Regional Training Center at 11400 Whittier, CA 90604
Greenstone Ave., Santa Fe Springs. The Training Center Phone: 562-941-2356
houses the equipment and facilities for the College’s Fire Fax: 562-946-3817
Academy, Homeland Security Training Center, Emergency
Medical Technician (EMT) program, Biddle Physical DIRECTIONS:
Abilities Testing, CWH Firefighter Testing, National Fire 1. Go northeast on Workman
Firefighter Testing and Advanced Fire Marshal Training
Programs. Some Fire Technology classes are also held on Mill Rd toward College Dr.
the main campus at the new Administration of Justice 2. Stay on Peck Rd.
Building. The Wildland Fire Technology program and the 3. Turn right onto Rooks Rd.
Wildland Fire Academy are located at the AJ Annex on 4. Merge onto I-605 S.
the main campus. Please see Schedule of Classes for more 5. Take the Telegraph Rd exit,
information.
EXIT 12.
South Whittier Educational Center 6. Turn left onto Telegraph Rd.
(SWEC) 7. Make a U-turn onto Telegraph Rd.
8. SWEC is on the right.
The South Whittier Educational Center (SWEC) is one of Rio
Hondo College’s off- campus satellite facilities located at EL MONTE
14307 East Telegraph Road, Whittier, CA 90604. There are EDUCATIONAL CENTER
classrooms and a computer resource lab. Regular college 3017 Tyler Ave.
credit courses are offered at SWEC, including basic skills El Monte, CA 91731
classes as well as general education courses for graduation Phone: 626-443-8932
and transfer to a university. The college assessment test Fax: 626-443-8997
is offered on the first Monday of the month. Continuing
Education also offers non-credit courses at SWEC. For more
information about classes and services at SWEC, please call
(562) 941-2356.

State Smog Center DIRECTIONS:
1. Go northeast on Workman
Rio Hondo College’s State Smog Center is a state-contracted
test facility that provides certain Smog Check services Mill Rd toward College Dr.
for motorists. Working with Automotive Technology 2. Stay on Peck Rd.
departments at the community colleges, the Consumer 3. Peck Rd turns into
Assistance Referee Centers provide motorists the
opportunity to receive independent smog checks on their N Durfee Ave.
vehicles. Visit the web site www.smogcheck.ca.gov for the 4. Turn left onto N Peck Rd/
eligibility conditions necessary to utilize a referee station.
Depending on the State’s schedule of operation, the Center E Rush St.
is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 5. Take the 1st left onto
p.m. by appointment only. Closed on State-determined
holidays. Call (800) 622-7733 for hours of operation and an E Rush St.
appointment. 6. Take the 3rd right onto

N Tyler Ave.
7. EMEC is on the left.

10 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

PICO RIVERA
EDUCATIONAL CENTER
9426 Marjorie Street,
Pico Rivera, CA 90660
Phone: 562-692-0921
Fax: 562-XXX-XXXX

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 12, 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.

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 11

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

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

Access to 2016-17 Catalog
Student Records

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

12 / Rio Hondo College

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

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 13

Department of Fair Employment & Registered Sex 1. Quid pro quo sexual harassment
Housing Offender Information occurs when a person in a position
of authority makes educational or
1900 Mariposa Mall Offenders are required to register with employment benefits conditional
Suite 130 the Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Department upon an individual’s willingness
prior to applying to Rio Hondo to engage in or tolerate unwanted
Fresno, CA 93721 College. sexual conduct.

Ausencia de Once registered, the offender is 2. Hostile environment sexual
Discriminación en required to meet with the Dean of harassment occurs when
Programas y Actividades Students Affairs with appropriate unwelcome conduct based on sex
Del Colegio documentation from the Sheriff’s is sufficiently severe or pervasive
Department. so as to alter the conditions of
El Distrito del Colegio de la an individual's learning or work
Comunidad de Río Hondo no For further information, call the Pico environment, unreasonably
discrimina contra raza, color, Rivera Sheriff’s Department at (562) interfere with an individuals
nacionalidad, edad, religión, 222-5533 or the Dean of Student Affairs academic or work performance,
incapacidad física, estado civil o at (562) 463-3498. or create an intimidating,
estado como veterano en ninguna hostile, or abusive learning or
de sus acciones, procedimientos o Information concerning registered work environment. The victim
prácticas. sex offenders may be obtained from must subjectively perceive the
the Whitter Police Department, 13200 environment as hostile, and
Esta ausencia de discriminación Penn St., Whittier, CA 90602 or by the harassment must be such
incluye admisión, acceso, tratamiento calling (562) 567-9200. Sex offenders that a reasonable person of the
y empleo en los programas del are required to register with the police same gender would perceive the
Colegio; educación vocacional in the jurisdiction in which they reside. environment as hostile.
incluida. Preguntas acerca la política
en igualdad de oportunidad, sumisión Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment can consist of
de quejas, o para obtener una copia de virtually any form or combination
los procedimientos del colegio sobre Sexual Harassment is offensive, of verbal, physical, visual or
quejas sometidas, pueden ser dirigidas unwelcome sexual attention. environmental conduct. It need not be
a: Sexual harassment is a form of sex explicit, nor even specifically directed
discrimination which violates Title at the victim. Sexually harassing
Oficial de Cumplimiento del Distrito VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as conduct can occur between people of
salón SU201 amended, Title IX of the Education the same or different genders. The
(562) 908-3427 Amendments of 1972, California standard for determining whether
statutes, Rio Hondo Community conduct constitutes sexual harassment
TDD (562) 908-3422. College District Board policy BP 3430. is whether a reasonable person of
the same gender as the victim would
El Distrito del Colegio Río Hondo Definition – Sexual harassment perceive the conduct as harassment
reconoce su obligación de proveer consists of unwelcome sexual advances, based on sex.
accesibilidad al programa a todas las requests for sexual favors, and other
personas incapacitadas de una manera conduct of a sexual nature when: Examples – Sexual harassment
que no discrimine en el rendimiento de 1. submission to the conduct is includes, but is not limited to the
tales servicios. El colegio hace arreglos following misconduct:
razonables para los estudiantes, made a term or condition of 1. Verbal: Inappropriate or
trabajadores y miembros de la an individual's employment,
comunidad quienes pueden participar academic status, or progress; offensive remarks, slurs, jokes or
en las actividades del colegio. 2. submission to, or rejection of, innuendoes based on sex. This
the conduct by the individual is may include, but is not limited
Preguntas referentes a las leyes used as a basis of employment of to, inappropriate comments
federales y regulaciones en cuanto la academic decisions effecting the regarding an individual's body,
falta de discriminación en educación individual; physical appearance, attire, sexual
o el acatamiento del Colegio con 3. the conduct has the purpose prowess, marital status, or sexual
aquellas provisiones pueden ser or effect of having a negative orientation; unwelcome flirting or
dirigidas al Coordinador, el Canciller impact on the individual's work propositions; demands for sexual
de los Colegios de la Comunidad de or academic performance, or of favors; verbal abuse, threats or
California o la Oficina de Derechos creating an intimidating, hostile intimidation of a sexual nature; or
Civiles, Departamento de Educación or offensive work or educational sexist, patronizing or ridiculing
de los EEUU. environment; or statements that convey derogatory
4. submission to, or rejection of, attitudes about a particular
Estudiantes con inglés limitado the conduct by the individual is gender.
serán ayudados para calificar en los used as the basis for any decision 2. Physical: Inappropriate or
programas vocacionales del colegio. affecting the individual regarding offensive touching, assault, or
benefits and services, honors, physical interference with free
Estudiantes que necesiten los servicios programs, or activities available at movement. This may include, but
de un miembro bilingüe de la facultad or through the community college. is not limited to, kissing, patting,
para asistirlos pueden comunicarse lingering or intimate touches,
con el Oficial de Cumplimiento del This definition encompasses two kinds grabbing, pinching, leering,
Distrito salón SS204, o (562) 908-3498 o of sexual harassment. staring, unnecessarily brushing
TDD (562) 908-3422. against or blocking another

14 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

person, whistling or sexual individuo, de la categoría o estado mismo sexo o de diferentes sexos.
gestures. académico del individuo o de El criterio para determinar si
3. Visual or Written: The display or adelantamiento del individuo; comportamiento es hostigamiento
circulation of offensive sexually 2. sometimiento al comportamiento, sexual es si una persona razonable
oriented visual or written o rechazo del comportamiento, del mismo sexo percibiría
material. This may include, but is del hostigador se presenta el comportamiento como
not limited to, posters, cartoons, como criterio de empleo o de hostigamiento sexual.
drawings, graffiti, reading decisiones académicas en cuanto
materials, computer graphics or al individuo; Ejemplos – Hostigamiento sexual
electronic media transmissions. 3. el comportamiento tiene el intento incluye, pero no se limita a, mal
4. Environmental: An academic de resultar en impacto negativo comportamiento como:
or work environment that en el trabajo del individuo o en los
is permeated with sexually- estudios académicos del individuo, o 1. Verbal: palabras impropias o
oriented talk, innuendo, insults tiene el intento de crear un ambiente ofensivas, menosprecios, chistes
or abuse not relevant to the de intimidación y hostilidad en el o burlas o insinuaciones sexuales.
subject matter of the class. A empleo o en los estudios; o Esto incluye, pero no se limita a,
hostile environment can arise 4. sometimiento al comportamiento, comentos impropios en cuanto
from an unwarranted focus o rechazo del comportamiento, del al cuerpo del individuo, la
on sexual topics or sexually hostigador se usa como criterio apariencia física, atavío, valentía
suggestive statements in the de cualquier decisión en cuanto sexual, estado civil, o preferencia
classroom. An environment al individuo y los beneficios sexual del individuo; flirteo
may be hostile if unwelcome o servicios, lauros del colegio, o solicitudes mal recibidas;
sexual behavior is directed programas, o actividades que se demandas de favores sexuales;
specifically at an individual or if presentan en o por el colegio. abuso verbal, amenazas
the individual merely witnesses intimidación de tipo sexual; o
unlawful harassment in his or Esta definición incluye dos clases de sexismo, comentos arrogantes
her immediate surroundings. hostigamiento sexual. que ponen en ridículo a un sexo, o
The determination of whether an que expresan actitud derogatoria
environment is hostile is based on 1. Quid pro quo hostigamiento sexual contra un sexo.
the totality of the circumstances, ocurre cuando una persona con
including such factors as the puesto de autoridad presenta 2. Físico: contacto físico impropio o
frequency of the conduct, the beneficios educativos o de ofensivo, asalto, o impedimento
severity of the conduct, whether empleo como dependientes en físico del movimiento de una
the conduct is humiliating or el sometimiento del individuo persona. Esto puede incluir, pero
physically threatening, and a participar en o tolerar no se limita a, besando, caricias
whether the conduct unreasonably comportamiento sexual mal físicas, tocando intímamente,
interferes with an individual's recibido. agarrando a mano, pellizcando,
learning or work. mirando con lascivia, ojeando,
2. Ambiente hostil hostigamiento pasando ligeramente por encima
If you believe that you are a victim of sexual ocurre cuando o impidiendo el paso de otra
sexual harassment, contact the District comportamiento mal recibido, persona, silbando o haciendo
Title IX Compliance Officer in room implícitamente o explícitamente ademanes o gesticulaciones
SU201, or (562) 908-3427 or TDD (562) sexual, es bastante severo o sexuales.
908-3422. intruso para que se cambien
las condiciones del ambiente 3. Visual o escrito: mostrando,
Hostigamiento Sexual de empleo, o de estudios, del diseminando, o manifestando
individuo, o para que se impida materia, visual o escrita, ofensiva
Hostigamiento sexual es acosamiento excesivamente el trabajo del y de sentido sexual. Esto puede
sexual, ofensivo y mal recibido. individuo o los estudios del incluir, pero no se limita a,
individuo, o para que se crea carteles, caricaturas, diseños,
Hostigamiento sexual es una forma un ambiente, de empleo o dibujos, grafiti, materia para
de discriminación sexual, lo cual educativo, de intimidación, leer, gráficas en la computadora,
viola el Título VII del Acto de los hostilidad y abuso. El individuo y materia transmitida
Derechos Civiles de 1964, a como como víctima tiene que percibir electrónicamente.
se han enmendado, Título IX de personalmente el ambiente como
los Enmendamientos de Educación hostil, y el hostigamiento tiene 4. Ambiente: el ambiente de empleo
de 1972, estatutos del Estado de que ser de tal manera que una o el ambiente académico que esté
California, y política de la Junta del persona razonable del mismo lleno de expresiones verbales de
Distrito del Colegio de Río Hondo sexo percibiría el comportamiento sentido sexual, insinuaciones ,
BP 3430. como hostigamiento sexual. insultos o abusos verbales que
Hostigamiento sexual incluye no pertenecen al tema de la clase.
Definición – Hostigamiento sexual cualquier combinación de Un ambiente hostil se puede
puede ser acosamiento sexual mal comportamiento verbal, físico, o realizar con enfoque impropio en
recibido, solicitudes de favores visual, o de control a través del temas sexuales o con comentario
sexuales, y otro comportamiento ambiente de empleo o educativo. implícitamente sexual en la clase.
implícitamente sexual con tal que: El hostigamiento sexual no tiene Un ambiente puede ser hostil
que ser explícito, ni tiene que si el comportamiento sexual
1. sometimiento al comportamiento ser específicamente dirigido al mal recibido es específicamente
se presenta como requisito víctima. Hostigamiento sexual dirigido a un individuo o si el
o condición del empleo del puede ocurrir entre personas del individuo solamente observa
el hostigamiento ilícito en el
ambiente. La determinación

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 15

del ambiente como hostil se sexual misconduct excluding cases for purposes of putting the institution
basa en el conjunto de todas involving personnel (not related to on notice and for whom mandatory
las circunstancias, inclusive a student). The Title IX Officer may reporting is required, other than in the
elementos como la frecuencia del assign deputy investigators, who are stated limited circumstances. If you are
comportamiento, la severidad members of the investigative team, unsure of someone’s duties and ability
del comportamiento, si el to investigate allegations of gender- to maintain your privacy, ask them
comportamiento menosprecia o based discrimination and/or sexual before you talk to them.
amenaza, y si el comportamiento misconduct. The deputy investigators
impide excesivamente el empleo will use discretion on how they act NON-CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING
del individuo o los estudios del in response to notice of gender-based OPTIONS:
individuo. discrimination. Understanding that You are encouraged to speak to
different people on campus have officials of the institution to make
Si usted cree que usted ha sido víctima different reporting responsibilities formal reports of incidents (deans, vice
de hostigamiento sexual, llame a, and varied abilities to maintain presidents, or other administrators
Oficial de Titulo IX del Distrito, en el confidentiality, the Title IX Officer will with supervisory responsibilities,
salón SU201, o de teléfono fuera del assign deputy investigators depending campus security, and human
colegio, llame al número (562) 908-3427. on the situation and the parties resources). The College considers these
involved. people to be “responsible employees.”
Sexual Misconduct Notice to them is official notice to
Information and Title IX To Report Gender-Based the institution. You have the right
Compliance Discrimination, sexual harassment, and can expect to have incidents
non-consensual sexual contact, non- of sexual misconduct to be taken
OTHER MISCONDUCT OFFENSES consensual sexual intercourse, or seriously by the institution when
(Will fall under TITLE IX when sexual exploitation, please contact: formally reported, and to have those
gender-based) incidents investigated and properly
•Threatening or causing physical Shaina Phillips resolved through administrative
harm, extreme verbal abuse, or other Title IX Compliance Officer procedures. Formal reporting means
conduct which threatens or endangers [email protected] that only people who need to know
the health or safety of any person; will be informed of the report, and
•Discrimination, defined as actions CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING: information will be shared only
that deprive other members of If you want the details of the incident as necessary with investigators,
the community of educational or be kept confidential, you should speak witnesses, and the accused individual.
employment access, benefits or with on-campus professional staff in
opportunities on the basis of gender; the Student Health and Psychological Federal Statistical Reporting
•Intimidation, defined as implied Services Office or off-campus rape Obligations: Certain campus
threats or acts that cause an crisis resources who can maintain officials have a duty to report sexual
unreasonable fear of harm in another; confidentiality. misconduct for federal statistical
•Hazing, defined as acts likely to cause Reporting to those who can maintain reporting purposes (Clery Act). All
physical or psychological harm or the privacy of what you share–You can personally identifiable information
social ostracism to any person within seek advice from certain individuals is kept confidential, but statistical
the college community, when related who are not required to tell anyone information must be passed along to
to the admission, initiation, pledging, else your private, personally campus law enforcement regarding
joining, or any other group-affiliation identifiable information unless there the type of incident and its general
activity (as defined further in the is cause for fear for your safety, or the location (on or off-campus, in the
Student Code of Conduct); safety of others. These are individuals surrounding area, but no addresses are
•Bullying, defined as repeated and/ who the college has not specifically given) for publication in the annual
or severe aggressive behavior likely designated as “responsible employees” Campus Security Report. This report
to intimidate or intentionally hurt,
control or diminish another person,
physically or mentally (that is not
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 Director of Student Life &
Leadership, Shaina Phillips, is the
College’s designated Title IX Officer.
The Title IX Officer is responsible
for the purposes of initiating
notice and/or investigation of

16 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

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

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 17

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

18 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

JJ. Soliciting or assisting another to that the student's continued presence If you want help . . .
do any act which would subject a on campus is not a threat to himself/ Rio Hondo College has some resources
student to expulsion, suspension, herself or others before the student is to assist you in breaking out of drug
probation, or other discipline readmitted to campus. and alcohol abuse. Call (562) 692-0921:
pursuant to this policy.
The mental health professional must be •Student Health Center and
KK. Any other cause not previously licensed by the State of California and Psychological Services
listed which is identified as a credentialed to render a professional Rm SS230, ext. 3438
good cause by the College or the opinion on matters of this nature. The Psychological Services Rm SS230,
Hearing Panel. student is responsible for any expenses ext. 7302
related to obtaining this mental health
clearance. •Counseling Center
LL. Engaging in intimidating conduct Rm SS104, ext. 3410
*The documentation for re-admittance
or bullying against another shall be provided by a non-Rio Hondo This information is provided to all
student through words or actions, College District California licensed students per requirements of the Drug
including direct physical contact; mental health professional. Free School and Communities Act
verbal assault, such as teasing or Amendments of 1989. (P.L. 101-226)
name-calling; special isolation or Rio Hondo College’s
manipulation; and cyber bullying. Policy on Drug and
Alcohol Abuse:
Students who engage in any of the
above are subject to the procedures Rio Hondo College wants to provide a
outlined in AP 5520. quality education for you. We believe
that creating a learning environment
Mental Health which is free of drug and alcohol abuse
Clearance: is important. The college’s standard
of conduct (Board Policy 5500) clearly
A student who is removed from prohibits the unlawful possession, use,
campus as a result of erratic, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol
dangerous and/or threatening by students on campus or as part of any
behavior described in the Student of its activities.
Code of Conduct (AP 5500); and/
or determination by a public safety What the College will do:
officer that the student poses a threat If you violate these policies, you may be
to himself/herself or the general public subject to corrective action, up to and
may be required, before the student including suspension or expulsion. It
is readmitted to campus, to provide is important to note that the College
documentation from a licensed mental is prepared to impose disciplinary
health professional* stating that the action as it deems fit. State laws may be
student will no longer engage in applicable.
the behavior which gave rise to the
student’s removal from campus and

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 19

3 Admission, Registration &
Educational Costs

Admissions: Becoming a
Rio Hondo Student

Students who are high school graduates or individuals
18 years of age or over who show evidence that they can
benefit from instruction may apply and will be admitted to
Rio Hondo College. All classes are open to those who meet
the necessary prerequisites. No person shall be excluded
from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be
subjected to discrimination under any educational program
or activity sponsored by Rio Hondo College on the basis of
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or physical or
psychological disability.

Who May Apply • High School Enrichment Students
High school students may enroll in classes for college
You may be eligible for admission to Rio Hondo College if
you are: credit. Permission to enroll must be obtained in
• A high school graduate or GED recipient advance from the high school and a parent or guardian.
• Not a high school graduate but over 18 years of age Interested high school students may obtain information
• A current high school student who is recommended by from their counselor and meet with a Rio Hondo
counselor to confirm eligibility for courses. Additional
the school principal or designee for advanced academic information and application forms are in the office
or vocational classes, has the approval of the student’s of Admissions and Records. Enrichment students
parent(s), meets the college’s special admissions criteria are limited to 7 units or 2 classes of non-remedial
and is LIMITED TO 7 UNITS or 2 classes of non- coursework.
remedial coursework per semester.

Student Classification

Students are classified according to the following
classifications for the purpose of registration:

New Student: A student who has never enrolled in a credit Residence Requirements
course at Rio Hondo or has only enrolled as a high school
student.. If asked, a student must provide proof of California
residency (or in some cases, parent residency) for the
Returning Student: A returning student is a student who past 12-24 consecutive months. If the student is unable
did not register the previous semester but has registered in to document proof of California residency, he/she may
the past. Students who are returning after an absence of a still enroll but must pay nonresident fees. To establish
semester or more (not including summer) must submit a residency, a student must be able to prove eligibility,
new application for admission online. physical presence, and the intent to remain as a resident
(one year and one day prior to the first day of the semester)
Continuing Student: A continuing student is a student or 24 months of physical presence. Federal law precludes
who attended the previous semester. To be classified as a some visa types from establishing residency. In addition
continuing student with registration priority privileges, a to other requirements, a student must be able to prove
student must maintain continuous enrollment (enrolled in residency for one year and one day prior to the beginning
at least one course each semester, not including summer). of the semester. Selected exemptions from nonresident
fees are provided in law: such as certificated public school
Enrichment Student: An enrichment student is a student employees, agricultural workers, military personnel and
who is currently enrolled in grades K-12 or is home- their dependents. If you feel that you might qualify for an
schooled. exemption or have questions about residency, please contact
the Admissions and Records Office.
• Enrichment students younger than 9th grade
Students younger than 9th grade will be admitted if Nonresident Students – Legal Requirements-Education
Code Section 76140 requires that tuition be charged to
they meet the exceptional student criteria (highly gifted students who are not residents of the State of California and
students with an IQ score above 150). These students who attend public community colleges within the state.
may only enroll in college level courses (degree
applicable courses), must meet prerequisites, and must 2016-17 Catalog
show documentation of their gifted status and proof of
IQ.

20 / Rio Hondo College

The nonresident/international student fee of $211.00 per one day since the time of INS application. (See
unit (subject to change) plus a per unit enrollment fee is Title 5 Section 54045.)
charged each semester/ summer session. Tuition charges
must be paid at the time of registration. 6. Students who are nonimmigrant aliens (the most
common being the F series student visas and B series
The Admissions and Records Office should be consulted visitor visas) are not eligible for this exemption. (A full
concerning the determination of residence. description of nonimmigrant alien classifications may
be found in paragraph 15 of subsection (a) of Section
AB540 Students 1101 of Title 8 of the U.S. Code.) People who entered
the country as nonimmigrant aliens but subsequently
On October 12, 2001, Governor Davis signed into law have gone out of status are not eligible for this
Assembly Bill 540 (Stats. 2001, ch.814) which adds a new exemption until they apply to INS to change their status
section to the California Education Code. Section 68130.5 to something other than nonimmigrant.
creates a new exemption from payment of nonresident
tuition for certain nonresident students who have attended International Students
high school in California and received a high school
diploma or its equivalent. Students from outside the United States are welcome to
pursue higher education at Rio Hondo College. The college
1. The new law does not grant residency. It requires that values the presence of students from diverse cultures on
certain nonresident students be exempted from paying the college campus. Rio Hondo College is a Student &
nonresident tuition. Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) approved
institution to admit F-1 students. The International Student
2. Students exempted from paying nonresident tuition Program admits new and transfer students every semester
pursuant to section 68130.5 do not become residents for who meet the requirements. All F-1 visa students must
eligibility purposes for any state-funded program (e.g., be accepted by the International Student Specialist before
EOP&S, Cal Grant programs, or for purposes of a BOG registering.
Fee Waiver).
After being accepted to the college, all students must take
3. Students who meet the exemption requirements and an assessment test to determine level of English, Math and
who are unlawful immigrants are not eligible for any Reading. Each student is expected to register and complete
federal or state financial aid program. Many private 12 units in both the Spring and Fall semester with an overall
sources have created scholarships specific to students grade point average of 2.0.
not eligible for traditional financial aid programs.
International students pay out of state fees which are
4. Students exempted from paying nonresident tuition subject to change without prior notice. Financial Aid
pursuant to section 68130.5 are not eligible for the is not available; students are expected to be financially
Governor’s Merit Scholar Programs because these independent. It is mandatory that all international students
scholarships are only available for California residents. provide proof of health insurance coverage while attending
Rio Hondo College.
5. Students must meet all requirements in section 68130.5
(a) (1) – (4) to be eligible for the exemption. An International Counselor is available to help students
a. The student must have graduated from a with a variety of issues; educational planning, choosing
California high school which he/she attended for a major, graduation requirements, transfer requirements
three or more years. There are no provisions for to 4-year colleges and Universities, tutoring and
partial attendance (e.g. two years and 7 months). communication with a professor.
The law does not require consecutive attendance
nor require that the student attend the last three For information regarding the International Students
years in California (in the case of four-year high Program, please visit the website at www.riohondo.edu/
schools). admissions/international-students/ or call (562) 463-7643.

• b. Such attendance could be at multiple California Admissions Requirement for Overseas Students
high schools. Attendance at continuation high • International Student Application
schools, charter high schools and K-12 approved • TOEFL Scores (minimum 450 paper-based, 133
independent education is acceptable. Attendance at computer-based or 45 internet-based)
a home school is not acceptable unless the home- • Bank Certification (verification on bank letterhead
schooling was provided in a manner recognized signed by a bank official showing minimum
under state law. The law does not distinguish $20,000.00 USD available to student)
between public and private high schools. There is no • Application processing fee of $40.00 (nonrefundable)
time limit on how far in the past the student might • 18 years of age by the time the semester begins
have attended a California high school. • Copy of passport

c. The student must have graduated from a Admissions Requirement for Transfer Students
California high school or attained the equivalent • International Student Application
thereof (e.g., a GED or a high school proficiency • TOEFL Scores (minimum 45iBT or college level
exam). English equivalency)
• Bank Certification (verification on bank letterhead
d. Except for nonimmigrant aliens, any nonresident signed by a bank official showing minimum
student who meets the first two requirements shall $20,000.00 USD available to student)
be exempted from nonresident tuition even if he or • Application processing fee of $40.00 (nonrefundable)
she is a US citizen or lawful immigrant. • 18 years of age by the time the semester begins

e. If the student has filed an application with the
INS to legalize status, the student may already be
eligible for resident fee status if the student has
resided in California for more than one year and

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 21

• Copy of Passport, Visa, and I-94 There are three types of course withdrawal notations:
• Copy of I-20
• Transfer eligibility form will be issued upon 1. Withdrawal without receiving a “W” – A student who
withdraws from a course before the published deadline to
acceptance drop without a “W“ (20% of course length) will receive no
notation on their student record (transcript) for the dropped
Open Enrollment Policy course. A student who withdraws from all classes prior
to the “drop without a ‘W’” deadline will no longer be
The policy of this district is that, unless specifically classified as a continuing student for priority registration
exempted by statute or regulation, every course, course purposes.
selection, or class, reported for state aid, whenever offered
or maintained by the district, shall be fully open to 2.W ithdrawal with a “W” – A student who withdraws
enrollment and participation by any person who has been from class between 20% to 60% of the course length (after
admitted to the college and who meets such prerequisites the drop without a “W” but before the drop deadline) will
as may be established pursuant to regulations contained in receive a “W” notation on their student record (transcript).
Title V. The “W” is not used to calculate a student’s grade point
average (GPA) but may affect academic progress and result
Unit Limitations in progress probation/dismissal.

Students are limited to 18 units (15 units for summer 3. Military Withdrawal “MW” – A student serving as an
sessions) unless they receive approval from a counselor for active or reserve U.S. military serviceperson who receives
additional units. Students wishing to enroll in over 18 units orders compelling a withdrawal from courses may request
(15 units for summer sessions) must meet with a counselor a military withdrawal. Upon submission and verification of
for a unit overload form. High School students are limited such orders, a student can petition to withdraw from classes
to 7 UNITS or 2 classes of non-remedial coursework with a “MW” notation on the student’s transcript. Military
withdrawals are not counted in progress probation and
Adding/Dropping Classes dismissal calculations. Military withdrawal petitions are
available in the Admissions and Records Office.
Adding Classes: Students may add classes (including
a change of section of the same course) during open Evaluation of Transcripts
registration. See the Admissions page on our website for
more information on important dates and deadlines. The All students enrolled at Rio Hondo College should have
class add must be processed via AccessRio, and students official transcripts from their high school on file.
who complete this process are officially enrolled in the class.
Students with previous coursework from a regionally
If the class and wait list are full, the student must attend accredited college/university should have official transcripts
class on the first day of instruction and request an add code from all colleges attended sent directly to Rio Hondo
from the instructor. If the instructor provides an add code, College. Hand carried transcripts are not accepted. These
the student can then use the add code to register for the transcripts can verify completion of prerequisite courses,
class via AccessRio by the published deadline. eliminating the necessity of taking all or part of the
assessment tests, and can assist the counselors in working
Dropping Classes: Rio Hondo College has a Drop for with the student. Official transcripts from all regionally
Non-Payment procedure. Prior to the start of each semester, accredited colleges are required for evaluation towards a
there will be Common Drop Dates. The students who do certificate, associate degree, or meeting general education
not pay their fees or are not exempt will be dropped. The requirements for transfer.
full procedure, including a list of exempt student groups, is
posted on the Admissions website. Transcripts from foreign universities must be evaluated by
an approved credential evaluation service.
It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw
from classes prior to the drop deadline in a given semester Transcripts of military service credits will be evaluated
to avoid receiving failing grades. upon request of the student.

Student-Initiated Withdrawal: While it is the student’s All transcripts must be sent directly to the Admissions and
responsibility to withdraw by the deadline, an instructor Records Office. Transcripts become the property of the
may drop a student with poor attendance. To find the drop college and cannot be returned to the student, copied, or
deadlines for a particular course consult the online Class forwarded to another institution.
Schedule and click on the CRN number of the course. There
students will find information on critical dates for the Student Success and Support
specific course, including drop dates. Program (formerly Matriculation)

The student must withdraw from the class via Access Rio by Senate Bill 1456 revised and renamed the Matriculation
the established deadline. Failure to follow through with the Act of 1986 as the Seymour-Campbell Student Success
drop procedure may result in the student receiving a failing Act of 2012. Signed by Governor Brown on September 27,
grade. 2012, the program began on January 1, 2013 and will be
implemented in stages over a five-year period.
Instructor-Initiated Withdrawal: A student may be
withdrawn before the drop deadline (60% of course length) The Student Success and Support Program supports the
by the instructor of the course if the student is no longer transition of new students into the college by providing
participating in the course. Definitions of non-participation them services that promote academic achievement and
shall include, but are not limited to, excessive unexcused
absences. While an instructor may drop a student from
class for poor attendance, it is the student’s responsibility to
withdraw if the student is no longer attending the class.

22 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

successful completion of degrees, transfer preparation, the development of a Student Educational Plan (SEP). The
career technical education certificates, or career assessment information assists the counselor in outlining
advancement. Based on student responses to the Rio a useful and clear educational program for the student’s
Hondo College Application for Admission, students long-range educational plans and the eventual attainment
self-identify as either matriculating or non-matriculating. of a chosen career. The Assessment, Orientation and
Students identified as matriculating are referred to core Educational Plan process is an effort by Rio Hondo College
services: assessment, orientation, and counseling. Students to provide the student with the finest academic advisement
must complete assessment and orientation in order to and counseling possible. The assessment is available by
receive priority registration. They also need to develop appointment throughout each semester and during the
an educational plan which can be accomplished by summer. Non-exempt students who do not complete
enrolling in a counseling course, attending an educational their Assessment, Orientation and Educational Plan will
planning workshop, or by scheduling an appointment receive an immediate hold on their registration. For more
with a counselor. Non-matriculating students are exempt information, please contact the Assessment Office at (562)
from participating in core services, but they are advised to 463-7226 or visit LR-130.
access these services if they decide to pursue a degree or
certificate. Step 3: Orientation
Orientation to the college is an important part of the
The Student Success and Support Program is the process matriculation process and should be completed prior to
responsible for bringing together the college and a student, the first semester of coursework. It provides students with
who enrolls for credit, into an agreement for the purpose information on college services, registration procedures,
of realizing the student’s educational goals through the course placement, and recommended courses to register
college’s established programs, policies, and requirements. for in the first semester. Students will be given an
The primary purpose of the Student Success and Support opportunity to participate in a computerized Orientation
Program is to enhance a student’s success at the college. A during their Assessment Test. Students who do not
student is expected to participate in these services unless require an Assessment test can still attend a computerized
the student requests an exemption from a particular service. Orientation in the Assessment Center. Check for dates
Exemption forms may be obtained in the Counseling and times at the Rio Hondo web site: www.riohondo.edu/
Department. All students are strongly encouraged to assessment-center and click “Services Offered” for the most
participate in the process. accurate information regarding walk-in Orientations. The
Assessment Center is located in the Learning Resource
Military Veteran students must participate in all Center, room LR130 and the Assessment Office is located in
matriculation components as required by the Veterans LR141. If you need additional information call
Administration (VA). (562) 463-7226.

Components of Matriculation Step 4: Registration
Matriculation is composed of the following steps designed Upon completing steps 1-3, a student can register online
to enhance student success: on dates specified online under the admissions and records
1. Admission to the college link.

2. Assessment of English or English-as-a-Second Registration Appointments – The appointment time
Language, Math, and Reading skills established for each student is the date and time the student
can begin using the AccessRio online registration system for
3. Orientation to the college’s programs and services a given semester.

4. Counseling and advisement for assistance in defining Students can find their registration appointment times
an educational goal and developing a plan to achieve by logging into their AccessRio account under Student,
the goal. Registration and then clicking on Registration Status.

Five Steps to Becoming a Step 5: Counseling & Advisement
Rio Hondo College Student It is important to make an appointment with a counselor
to discuss the student’s educational goals and to develop
Step 1: Application an educational plan prior to registration and before classes
Rio Hondo College uses Open CCC for application begin. For information and/or to make an appointment,
processing. To submit an application for admissions log on please call (562) 908-3410 or go to the Counseling Office
to www.riohondo.edu and click the “Apply Now” button. located in SS-160.

Step 2: Assessment
All new non-exempt students (“non-exempt” refers to Student Success and Support
students seeking an AA-T/AS-T degree, a certificate Program Requirement
or transfer) are required to complete an Assessment,
Orientation, and Educational Plan (prior to registration for All new students are encouraged to participate in the
classes). A hold may be placed on a student’s registration components of admission, assessment, orientation, and
if they fail to complete their Assessment, Orientation counseling. However, exemptions for these components
and Educational Plan. The purpose of Assessment test may be granted if certain criteria are met. (See Matriculation
at Rio Hondo College is to assess the student’s skill level Exemptions.) All new, non-exempt students who are
in English, reading and mathematics and provide the unable to complete the assessment process before their first
student with the necessary resources for a successful semester of attendance may enroll; however, they must be
college experience. The student’s reported information, assessed prior to registering for their second semester at the
in conjunction with available high school and/or college college. Students who have not completed the assessment
transcripts are used to determine course placement and process may be unable to register for certain courses that
require prerequisites.

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 23

College Responsibilities • Students who have already completed an AA/
AS degree or higher. Military students must
In the Student Success and Support Program process, the participate in all matriculation components as
college has certain responsibilities. The college, to support required by the VA.
student success, agrees to provide:
B. Assessment
• Processing of applications for admission – Further assessment exemption may be granted according
• Assessment of basic skills, study skills, and career to one of the following criteria:

interests • Students who have successfully completed the
• Orientation to college programs and services equivalent of ENGL 035 or ENGL 101 at another
• Counseling/advising community college or university are exempt from
• Assistance in developing an educational plan taking the English Placement Test.
• Follow-up and referral to services
• Students who have successfully completed the
Student Responsibilities equivalent of MATH 020 or higher at another
community college or university are exempt from
In the Student Success and Support Program process, the taking the Math Placement Test.
student also has certain responsibilities. The student, to
support his/her own success, has the responsibility to: • Students who have taken a Rio Hondo College-
approved assessment test at another college are
• Express a broad educational intent upon admission exempt from taking the appropriate assessment
• Provide high school and/or college transcripts tests.

and other supporting documentation to assist the Those students who have not recently completed the
counselor in making the best possible placement equivalent math and/or English courses and/or recently
recommendations taken an acceptable assessment test at another college are
• Declare a specific educational goal by the time 12 highly recommended to take the assessment tests at Rio
semester units are completed Hondo College for appropriate placement in advanced
• Meet with a counselor to develop an educational courses.
plan within the same semester
• Participate in counseling/advisement C. Orientation
• Attend class, complete assignments, and maintain – All students are encouraged to participate in orientation;
progress toward a defined goal an exemption may be granted according to one of the
• Drop classes he/she no longer wishes to attend. following criteria:

Student Rights • Students who are concurrently enrolled at a four-
year college or university, or
In accordance with the matriculation agreement, the student
has the right to: • Students who have previously participated in a Rio
Hondo College orientation.
• Challenge placement decisions and any
prerequisite or corequisite by completing the Assessment Retest Policy
appropriate form, which can be obtained from the English, Reading and Math assessment scores are valid for
Counseling Department. two years. After two years, students are advised to re-test.
For more information, visit the Assessment office located in
• File a complaint of unlawful discrimination LR-130.
if a student feels that assessment, orientation,
counseling, or any other matriculation process
is being applied in a discriminatory manner. A Assessment Placement
petition may be obtained from the Office of the Appeals Procedure
Vice President of Student Services. Upon receiving
a complaint, the Vice President of Student Services All students have the right to appeal any placement decision
will convene a three-member panel consisting of after going through the assessment process. An assessment
the Affirmative Action Officer or designee and placement appeal requires written documentation and an
two members of the Matriculation Coordinating explanation of alternative course work, background, or
Committee to review the student’s petition. The abilities that adequately prepare the student for the course.
panel shall meet and provide a written notification An Assessment Placement Appeals form can be obtained
to the student within five working days. from the Counseling Department or the appropriate
division office (either Communications and Languages or
Matriculation Exemptions Math and Sciences). Reasons for appealing an assessment
placement may include one or more of the following:
Students who meet one of the following exemption criteria
for any of the matriculation components, may obtain • the course recommended is not reasonably
an exemption form from the Counseling area. Military available, or
students must participate in all matriculation components
as required by the VA. • the student believes the recommended course is
not valid or necessary for success in the next course
A. Assessment, Orientation, and Counseling level for which it is required, or
– All students are encouraged to participate in these
components; an exemption may be granted according to one • the student believes the placement results
of the following criteria: are discriminatory or are being applied in a
discriminatory manner, or
• Students who are enrolled only in activity, skill
building, or personal growth classes (e.g., acting,
physical fitness, ceramics) or job skills training
(e.g., computer literacy, accounting, brake service),
or

24 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

• the student has the documented knowledge or Prerequisite/Corequisite Challenge form can be obtained
ability to succeed in the next level course without from the Counseling Department, division offices or at
taking the recommended course by the appropriate www.riohondo.edu under Academic divisions, Career &
division office. Technical Education, Counseling. The link will be at bottom
of the page.

Upon filing the Assessment Placement Appeals form, the Reasons for challenging a prerequisite may include one or
student may enroll in the desired class. If the appeal is not more of the following:
upheld, the student will be required to drop the class. The
district will ensure that the appeal process is finished, and • 1. A prerequisite/corequisite is not reasonably
the student is notified in writing within five (5) working available (must be made prior to the first week of the
days. Students wishing to appeal this decision should semester) or the student believes the prerequisite/
contact the Dean of Library and Instructional Support or corequisite is not valid or necessary for success in the
designee. course for which it is required, or

RHC Prerequisite/Corequisite/ • 2. The student believes the prerequisite/corequisite
Advisory Definitions is discriminatory or being applied in a discriminatory
manner, or
The college REQUIRES students to meet prerequisite/
corequisite requirements before taking the course in • 3. The student has the documented knowledge or
question. ability to succeed in the course without meeting the
prerequisite/corequisite.
Prerequisites – A course prerequisite indicates the
preparation or previous course work is considered Upon filing the Prerequisite/Corequisite Challenge form, the
necessary for success in the desired course. 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 with the desired course. class. The district will ensure that the challenge process is
finished, and the student is notified in writing within five
Prerequisites/corequisites that are listed in the college (5) working days. Students wishing to appeal this decision
catalog include: should contact the Dean of Career & Technical Education/
Instructional Operations (Room-T-129) or designee.
• Courses for which specific prerequisite/
corequisites have been validated, Educational Costs

• Sequential course work in a degree-applicable Enrollment Fee – Students who have established legal
program, and residence in California must pay the enrollment fee
established under state law and subject to change without
• Courses in which a prerequisite/corequisite is notice. These fees will be waived at the time of enrollment
necessary for transfer to a four-year college. if the student can demonstrate he/she qualifies under the
exempt criteria specified by the State of California. Out-
Questions about prerequisites/corequisites are best resolved of-state and international students must pay nonresident
with a counselor or instructor prior to the first day of class. tuition fees of $211.00 per unit plus the $46.00 a unit fee as
If students are attempting to meet a prerequisite/corequisite required under state law (fees subject to change).
through the assessment process, they may appeal
(challenge) their assessment placement results. College Services Fee – The Associated Students of Rio
Hondo College is funded through the college services fee.
Advisories – A course advisory indicates that if students The fee is $7.00 for day, evening, and off-campus students
have the designated preparation or previous course work, during the fall and spring semesters and $4.00 for summer
they are likely to perform better academically in the sessions. The fee is automatically assessed at the time of
course or program in question because of that experience registration. A waiver form is available in the Admissions
or preparation. Unlike prerequisites or corequisites, and Records Office.
advisories do not require that students have the suggested
preparation; rather, it is strongly recommended. GO RIO Fee – This fee was approved by the Associated
Students of Rio Hondo College to subsidize costs of the GO
Clearing a Prerequisite RIO bus program. The fee is $9.00 for Spring and Fall terms
only. A waiver form is available in the Office of Government
If a student believes he/she has met a prerequisite at another and Community Relations. Students must meet eligibility
institution, he/she can see a counselor for a prerequisite criteria to qualify for the GO RIO fee waiver.
clearance. Students must provide evidence of meeting the
prerequisite using documentation such as an academic Student Parking Fee – Under provision of Education Code
transcript. See a counselor for details. 72247, a Student Parking Fee program has been established.
This fee provides for the use of student parking lots, better
Prerequisite/Corequisite traffic flow during peak hours, parking lot security, and use
Challenge Procedure of the tram service.

All students have the right to challenge any prerequisite or The student parking fee for day and evening students
corequisite. A prerequisite or corequisite challenge requires during the fall/spring semesters is $40.00. The fee for
written documentation that should include an explanation summer sessions students is $20.00. Motorcycle parking is
of alternative course work and/or background or abilities $10.50 for fall/spring semesters; $5.50 for summer sessions.
that adequately prepares the student for the course. A

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 25

Student Health Fee – Rio Hondo College provides a The nonresident student will receive a 50% refund of
health services program, as approved by the Board of out-of-state fees if the request for a refund is received in
Trustees, for students who formally register at Rio Hondo Admissions and Records during the third or fourth week
College, are currently enrolled, and pay a $19 health fee of the fall/spring semester or during the second week of the
($16.00 for summer). Antibiotic medication and women- summer session. No refunds will be granted after the fourth
wellness laboratory tests are available for a nominal fee. week of the fall/spring semester or after the second week of
Fee- exempted students include those who document the summer session. Please check the Rio Hondo web site,
religious reasons. A full refund will be made only if under the Admissions and General Information link for
requested in writing prior to the semester refund deadline. specific deadline dates.

Student Representation Fee – This $1.00 fee provides In the event that law mandates other fees and law does not
support for students or representatives who may be stating prescribe the refund policy, the refund of such fees shall be
their positions and viewpoints before city, county, and in the same manner as the refund of health, college services,
district government, and before offices and agencies of and parking fees.
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
Financial Aid/Scholarship Office at (562) 908-3411 or
go online to www.riohondo.edu 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
registration privileges, or any combination thereof, shall
be withheld from any student or former student who has
failed to pay a proper financial obligation due to the district
or a college. (BP 5035)

Enrollment/Fees Refunds

Resident Students
Resident students who drop by 10% of the course will
receive a refund. Refunds are automatic and do not require
any paperwork to be submitted. During the summer
session, resident students reducing their course load or
withdrawing from all courses during the first 10% of
the session may file for a refund in the Admissions and
Records Office. Please check the Rio Hondo web site, under
the Admissions and General Information link for specific
deadline dates. Any enrollment fee refund request is subject
to a once-per-semester service charge of $10.00. Last day
to drop with a refund deadline may vary according to
the course begin and end dates. See Important Dates and
Deadlines on the Admissions and Records webpage for
specific dates.

Nonresident Students
Nonresident students who drop by 10% of the course
section will receive a refund. Refunds are automatic
and do not require any paperwork to be submitted. Any
enrollment fee refund request is subject to a once-per-
semester service charge of $10.00. Last day to drop with a
refund deadline may vary according to the course begin
and end dates. See Important Dates and Deadlines
on the Admissions and Records webpage for specific dates.

26 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

4 Support Services and Special
Academic Programs

Academic Advisement

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

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

Assessment Center The CalWORKs program is located in the Student Services
Building, room SS220. For more information, please visit the
The Assessment Center administers a variety of tests and CalWORKs web page or call (562) 463-7311.
surveys to provide current information about student
educational preparation, interests and other characteristics. Career Counseling
This information is important for the advisement process
and for student selection of courses and programs Center for Career & Re-entry Services
appropriate to their needs, experiences, background, and Career Services:
educational goals. Assessment tests must be completed
before registering for English, ENLA, mathematics and Counselors in the Center for Career & Re-entry Services
Reading courses. Information about scheduling assessment (CCRS) offer assistance in clarifying educational and career
tests is available on the Assessment web page. The goals as well as life choices. Utilizing validated career
Assessment Center is located in the Learning Resource assessments, research, and goal setting methods, skilled
Center, room LR141. Career Counselors can help students determine a major and
choose a career based on interests, aptitudes, and abilities.
CalWORKs Program An extensive collection of resources including books,
pamphlets, software, and DVDs are available to assist with
CalWORKs stands for California Work Opportunity and the career exploration process. The EUREKA software
Responsibility for Kids. It is the state’s welfare-to-work program offers career information and assessments for
program for families with children. career decision making. On the CCRS website, a monthly
calendar of career related workshops and an online jobs
The purpose of the CalWORKs program at Rio Hondo and internships database (College Central Network), can be
College is to provide students who are receiving cash aid/ found.
Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) with education,
training, and employment skills to become self-sufficient. Re-entry Services:

The following services are available to students: The CCRS also provides comprehensive support services
including educational planning, career, and job search
• Counseling – to provide academic, career, and personal assistance for re-entry students (students age 25+ who are
counseling, assist students in assessing planning new to college or are returning to college after at least a 5
and implementing their immediate and long-range year absence).
goals. Assist students in interpreting certificate,
associate degree, and transfer related requirements. For more information visit the CCRS located in SS350 or go
In addition, counselors help students meet the rules to http://www.riohondo.edu/career-center/.
and regulations required by the Department of Social
Services. Counselors, complete county forms, provide
one-on-one counseling services, help students meet the
20/30/35 hour county requirement, and advocate for
students rights.

• Work Study – Paid part-time jobs on and off campus
(based on funding). Work study does not affect cash
aid.

• Employment Services – One-on-one assistance with
resume writing, interview techniques, and job search
assistance.

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 27

Child Development Center/ are designed to meet specific needs of the organization.
Pre-School Laboratory Professional development courses and workshops are
offered on campus, in the community, online, and are
The Child Development Center/ Pre-School Laboratory available to community members and employees of area
operates a high quality early childhood program for businesses. Programs include computer applications, small
preschool children, who turn 3 by September 1st up business workshops, career development, supervision,
until they qualify for kindergarten, while offering international business, environmental technology,
laboratory opportunities for community college students pharmacy technician, personal development and more.
and responding to the needs of the children’s families. Contract Training can be conducted at a company site or at
Enrollment is available for Rio Hondo student parents, the college training facilities. Bilingual training programs
staff and faculty and the local community. California are also provided.
State Preschool provides funding support for families
who qualify according to income and family need. Full For information, please refer to the Continuing Education
fee enrollment is also available. Hours of operation are Class Schedule, our web page or call (562) 908 463-4606.
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Holidays and
breaks are observed in accordance with the RHC academic Counseling
calendar. For more information, please call (562) 908-3494
or visit the Rio Hondo website under the Current Student The primary responsibility of the counseling staff is to
Menu>Resources>Preschool. provide counseling support for Rio Hondo students, faculty,
and the campus community. Counselors strive to respect
The program implements the California Preschool Learning individuality, to encourage personal development and
Foundations and Curriculum Frameworks, which prepares to foster a climate in which academic growth will occur.
children for Kindergarten and the child development field’s Therefore, counseling and student services are organized
agreed upon developmentally appropriate practices. to aid each student in establishing, clarifying, and pursuing
personal, educational, and career goals.
Teachers prepare the learning environment and plan
activities to challenge each child’s developing skills and The Counseling faculty offers courses (COUN 105, 100, 101
understanding while focusing on their interests. Each and 151) which are designed to aid students in acquiring
child’s entry skill level and developmental progress is the skills, information, and personal awareness needed for
tracked and documented utilizing the California Desired college and career success.
Results Developmental Profile (DRDP).
Counselors are available throughout the year for
Computer Resources consultation. Counselors can assist students with a variety
of issues: program planning, choosing a major, graduation
Rio Hondo offers computer access to students at various requirements, transfer requirements to 4-year colleges
locations. Visit the Computer Resources web page for more and universities, personal problems, scholarships and
information. financial aid programs, tutoring, and communication with
a professor. Students should make an appointment well
• Center for Career & Re-entry Services (SS350) in advance of registration to meet with a counselor. More
• Disabled Students Programs and Services (SS330) information is available on the Counseling web page or
• District Computer Lab (B107 and B108) by calling (562) 908-3410. The Counseling Department is
• First Year Success Center (LR101) located in the Student Services Building, room SS160.
• Learning Assistance Center (LR114)
• Library (2nd Floor) Disabled Students
• Math and Science Center (S300) Programs & Services (DSPS)
• Student Services Building (1st Floor)
• Transfer Center (SS250) Rio Hondo College offers both classroom instruction and
• PASS Program (LR105) student support services for students with disabilities.
• El Monte Educational Center Resource rooms and expert staff are available to students who
• Santa Fe Springs Regional Training Center need disability-related accommodations and support services.
• South Whittier Educational Center A variety of support services are available to eligible students
with a disability. Students with a disability, including but not
Continuing Education & limited to students with a physical, learning or psychological
Contract Education Classes disability, students with a visual impairment, acquired brain
injury, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), an
The mission of Continuing Education is to enrich the lives Autism Spectrum Disorder, or Intellectual Disability may be
of non-traditional college students by providing lifelong eligible for services..
learning opportunities. The high quality instructional
programs are a combination of fee-based and non-credit Services include specialized tutoring, test-taking assistance,
courses, and directly reflect the needs of the community. sign language interpreters and real-time cautioners, Braille
The courses provide students with an opportunity for career and non-Braille transcription services, and disability-related
advancement, prepare students for a college education, specialized counseling services. Other services include
and enrich their lives through good health and personal registration assistance, priority enrollment and a variety of
fulfillment. While the College offers many of the same assistive computer technologies which promote equal access
opportunities, the Continuing Education department to college instructional programs and activities for students
focuses on the personal and professional development of with disabilities.
diverse, non-traditional students who are looking for a
short-term alternative to credit courses. For complete information on our programs please contact
Disabled Students Programs & Services at (562) 908-3420,
The Continuing Education Office brings customized
Professional Development business, and short-term training
to the community and local businesses. Training programs

28 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

via video phone at (562) 364-8433 or visit our web page. The Financial Aid Services
DSPS office is located in the Student Services Building, Rm
SS330. Rio Hondo College participates in a variety of federal and
state financial aid programs. These programs are designed
Distance Education: Online Courses to assist students with tuition, fees, books, supplies,
transportation and room and board.
Rio Hondo College offers students the opportunity to take
college courses over the Internet through its Office of Online Most financial aid programs require a student to be
Education. Online courses offer the same curriculum as enrolled at least half-time in a degree, certificate, or transfer
traditional classes except students may obtain lectures, class program. Federal aid eligibility is also limited to students
materials, communicate with the instructor, participate in who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or other eligible
class discussions and complete assignments via the Internet non-citizens. Additional eligibility requirements apply to
anywhere and at any time. Rio Hondo's Office of Online each program and may be obtained from the Financial Aid
Education offers students a variety of online courses to Office.
fulfill general education and transfer requirements for the
University of California, California State Universities and To apply, students must complete a Free Application for
other private universities. Online registration, counseling, Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Rio
tutoring and library support services are available. The Hondo College Federal School Code is 001269. The priority
instruction provided as distance education is subject to the deadline to apply is March 2 to be eligible for all available
requirements that may be imposed by the Americans with aid. However, you may still apply after March 2, although
Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §12100 et seq.) and section 508 funding may be limited. Visit the Financial Aid Office for
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, (29 U.S.C. further information located in the Student Services Building,
§794d). For further information check the online Class room SS130 or visit Financial Aid the web page.
Schedule, visit the Office of Online 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” than half-time students.
services to student from economically and educationally
disadvantaged backgrounds. The program supports the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant –
enrollment, retention, and transfer of students and helps A limited number of grants are available through this
facilitate the successful completion of their educational program. Priority is given to students who apply by the
goals. EOP&S services include: priority deadline and have exceptional need.

• Counseling Services/Educational Planning Federal Work Study - This program allows students to seek
• Priority Registration employment for on-campus jobs. Students generally work
• Academic Probation Interventions up to 20 hours per week.
• Merit Grants
• Textbook Services Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP) - Students may apply
• Educational Supplies for a Subsidized or Unsubsidized loan from the federal
• Laptop, Voice Recorder & Calculator Loans government.
• Cap & Gown for Graduates
• Rio Café Meal Vouchers Return to Title IV Funds
In accordance with the Federal Regulations HEA, Section
Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) is 4848, 34 CFR 668.22, Rio Hondo College will apply a refund
a supplemental component of (EOP&S) that specifically policy to all eligible students under the Return to Title IV
assists students who are single head of households with funds requirements. Students who receive federal financial
young children, by offering supportive services so they aid and withdraw from all classes prior to completing
are able to acquire the education, training and marketable at least 60% of the semester will have their financial
skills needed to transition from welfare-dependency to aid eligibility recalculated and may have to repay any
employment and eventual self-sufficiency for their families. "unearned" portion of financial aid received.
In addition to EOP&S services, CARE students also receive:
Loans
• Motivational & informational Workshops (Emergency Loans from ASRHC)
• CARE Merit Grants The Associated Students of RHC offer a 60-day, interest-
• Rio Café Meal Vouchers free loan to students to assist them in emergency situations
• Gas Cards and for the purpose of buying books and supplies. Students
• Agency & County Referrals who have no outstanding debt to the college, are enrolled
• Single Parent Conferences in a minimum of 6 units, and have a GPA of 2.0 or above
• Case Management and Advocacy may apply at the Student Life & Leadership Department
• Family Holiday Events in the Student Union, during the first 2 weeks of the fall
• Fundraising Events and spring semesters only. Loans are on a first-come, first-
served basis.
To find out how to qualify for EOP&S/CARE or to get more
information, please contact our office at (562) 908-3423 or
come visit us in the Student Services Building, room SS240.
www.riohondo.edu/eops

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 29

Scholarships Loss of BOGW eligibility shall become effective at the
(Institutional Financial Aid Programs) first registration opportunity after such determination is
There are numerous scholarships available to Rio Hondo made. Foster Youth shall not be subject to loss of BOGW
College students. These scholarships are funded and due to placement on academic or progress probation.
sponsored by a variety of on and off campus resources. To This exemption for Foster Youth is effective until the date
view or apply for available scholarships please visit: www. specified in Education Code section 66025.9(c).
riohondo.edu/scholarships/
Appeal Loss of Board of Governors Waiver
State Financial Aid Programs A student may appeal the loss of a BOGW due to
The State of California offers a variety of grants for students. extenuating circumstances, or where a student with a
The California Dream Act of 2011 is the result of two disability applied for, but did not receive a reasonable
assembly bills (AB130 and AB131). Together these bills allow accommodation in a timely manner. Extenuating
undocumented and documented students who meet certain circumstances are verified cases of accidents, illnesses,
provisions of AB540 law to apply for and receive private or other circumstances that might include documented
scholarships funneled through public universities, state- changes in the student’s economic situation or evidence
administered financial aid, university grants and community the student was unable to obtain essential student support
college fee waivers. To apply, students must complete a free services. Extenuating circumstances also includes
California Dream Act application with the California Student special consideration of the specific factors associated
Aid Commission each year by March 2nd for priority filing. with Veterans, CalWORKs, EOPS, and DSPS student
status. Additionally, a student may appeal to regain
Cal Grants – the California Student Aid Commission BOGW eligibility by demonstrating significant academic
awards Cal grants. Students must be legal residents of improvement (i.e. minimum 2.0 GPA and completing
California and have financial need. To be considered, more than 50% of attempted units) or by sitting out for two
students must complete a Free Application for Federal consecutive primary terms.
Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov or California
Dream Act Application at www.csac.ca.gov, and submit a First Year Success Center
GPA Verification form by March 2 or September 2. The First Year Success Center is a place to enhance the
• Cal Grant B - This grant helps students with living academic success of all first year students at Rio Hondo
College through a network of student support services.
expenses, books, supplies, transportation and other Students meet with a counselor to develop an Educational
non-direct educational expenses. Plan and receive assistance with AccessRIO navigation,
registering for classes and applying for Financial Aid. It is
• Cal Grant C - These awards help vocational students located in room LR101 in the Learning Resource Center.
with tuition and supplies. Recipients must be in a
program of study that is between four Guardian Scholars
months and two years duration. The Guardian Scholars Program is a comprehensive student
support program that serves current and former foster
Board of Governors Waiver - The Board of Governors youth pursing higher education. The Guardian Scholars
Waiver (BOGW) helps to pay the per unit enrollment fee Program at Rio Hondo College is dedicated to providing
for all eligible applicants. If you request a fee waiver, you services and support that meet the personal and academic
will be asked to sign a Fee Waiver Application under the needs of our students in successfully transitioning into
penalty of perjury that all statements and information are adulthood, obtaining a degree/certificate and/or transferring
correct. You must be a California resident in order to apply to a four-year university. It is located on the third floor of
for these waivers. the Student Services Building in room SS307.

• BOGW A - If you or your family receive Temporary Honors Transfer Program
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental
Security Income (SSI), or General Assistance/General The Rio Hondo College Honors Transfer Program is
Relief, you may qualify for BOGW A. You may also designed to meet the needs of students who seek a
qualify if you are the dependent of a deceased or challenging educational experience that goes beyond the
disabled veteran. Apply in the Financial Aid Office. regular degree program.

• BOGW B- You may be eligible for a fee waiver The Honors Transfer Program incorporates a more in-depth
if you have certification from the appropriate investigation of topics. Many honors classes are kept
agency that you are a dependent of a deceased intentionally small to facilitate the discussion/seminar rather
or disabled veteran or a recipient or a dependent than lecture format. A reduced class size also encourages a
of a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor or more collaborative learning experience allowing students
a dependent of an individual killed in September 11th to interact more freely with each other and the faculty
terrorist attacks or a dependent of a decreased law members who teach these courses.
enforcement officer or fire protection personnel.
Rio Hondo College has signed honors transfer agreements
• BOGW C - You have qualified for federal or state with UCLA, UC Riverside, UC Irvine, UC Santa Cruz,
financial aid, such as a Federal Pell Grant or Cal Grant CSU Long Beach, San Diego State, CSU Fullerton, CSU
based on the FAFSA application results. Stanislaus, Chapman University, Pomona College, Pitzer
College, Occidental College, La Sierra University, Loyola
Loss of Eligibility for Board of Governors Waiver Marymount, Whittier College, Pacific University (Oregon)
A student shall become ineligible for a Board of Governors and Whitman College (Washington).
Waiver (BOGW) if the student is placed on academic or
progress probation, or any combination thereof, for two
consecutive primary terms.

30 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

To complete the Honors Transfer Program, students Library
must take six honors courses, achieve at least a 3.2 grade
point average for all transferable college courses taken, The Rio Hondo College Library is the research center of
complete the required general education courses as well the College. Occupying the second floor of the Learning
as prerequisite work for their major. In addition, honors Resource Center, the library offers a full range of books,
students must meet with the honors counselor twice a periodicals, online databases, electronic books, recordings,
semester. For more information and application forms, and audiovisual materials in support of the college
visit the Honors Transfer Program website http://www. curriculum as well as for general enrichment. Computer
riohondo.edu/honors/. workstations, ADA-compliant computers, wireless access,
in-house laptops and a self-service copy/print center are
Labs also available.

Labs provide an environment for students to practice and Individual study carrels, group tables, and informal seating
develop their skills in a variety of courses and often with the areas allow for quiet study. To students who prefer to work
assistance of Instructors or Instructional Assistants. together on class assignments, the library offers seven group
study rooms that can be reserved for two hours at a time.
Foreign Language/ENLA Lab Listening and viewing stations are available for use with
The Foreign Language Lab is located on the first floor of audiovisual resources.
the Learning Resource Center and is available for students
enrolled in ENLA or foreign language classes that require Circulation Services
a lab. Students should check their class schedule for their The circulation desk at the entrance to the library serves as
registered day and time. the first point of student service. Library staff help:

Nursing Simulation Center • Activate your library privileges
The Simulation Center is a “safe” place for students to • Check out books, audiovisual items, laptops and a
practice their skills in a simulated hospital environment,
“Roadrunner General Hospital.” It was created in order limited number of high-demand course textbooks
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
simulators and clinical scenarios, students are able to fill requests for campus signage.
practice and experience situations that might not arise in the
clinical setting, thus adding to their clinical expertise. The Reference Services
Simulation Center uses the following types of simulators: 2 Because of the ever-expanding variety and range of
adult, 1 birthing, 1 newborn and 1 pediatric, thus offering available information, students today must learn the critical
learning activities covering the full nursing curricula. Our thinking and information competency skills required to
Center is located on the 3rd floor of the L Tower. For more optimize the use of research resources. College libraries at
information, visit the Health Science & Nursing web page. the reference desk teach these skills through:

Pre-School Laboratory • Individualized assistance with research queries
Rio Hondo Students from the Child Development/ • Extended consultation by appointment with students
Education Department, the Behavioral and Social Science
Division and Nursing utilize the Pre-school Laboratory and faculty
to observe the development and behavior of pre-school • Instruction in conducting effective research, in
children and to apply the knowledge that they gained in
their courses working directly with children. collaboration with teaching faculty
• Drop-in research workshops, and
Reading Lab • A 3-unit library research class (LIB 101)
The Reading Lab is located on the first floor of the Learning
Resource Center and is available for students enrolled in the For much more information about library services,
lab that supplements Reading 21 or Reading 22. Students including the online catalog and research guides, please
should check their class schedule for their registered day contact a reference librarian at (562) 908-3484 or check the
and time. library's website at: www.riohondo.edu/library.

Writing Center Math Engineering Science
The Writing Center is located on the first floor of the Achievement (MESA) and TRiO Stu-
Learning Resource Center and is available for students dent Support Services STEM
enrolled in English 30, 35, 101 or 201 courses. Students must
go through a Writing Center Orientation that takes place The MESA Community College and TRiO SSS STEM
the first week of each semester. Students should check their Programs support students who plan to graduate from Rio
class schedule for their registered day and time. Hondo College with an Associate’s degree and transfer to
four-year institutions in science, technology, engineering,
Writers’ Resource Center and mathematics (STEM).
The Writers’ Resource Center is an interdisciplinary Program Objectives:
writing center housed on the first floor of the Learning • Increase college retention and transfer rates to
Resource Center. It is open to any student who wishes to get four-year institutions for STEM majors.
assistance with writing for any subject. The student receives • Increase the number of under-represented
one-on-one assistance from an English teacher. Schedule an students who graduate with degrees in STEM majors.
appointment or drop by LR126A. • Provide academic and personal support for STEM

majors.
Program Components
• MESA Center for tutoring and group study
• Academic Excellence Workshops designed to reinforce

concepts and topics learned in chemistry, mathematics,
and physics courses
• Academic advisement and educational plans
through transfer

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 31

• Assistance with study skills and time management • LSAT Test prep support
• Support with application and transfer to four-year • Priority admissions review at participating law

institutions schools
• Exposure to information about internships, research • Law school application fee waived

opportunities, and other enrichment programs Please visit the Pathway to Law School web page for the list
• Information about financial aid, scholarships, and of participating law schools and course requirements. The
money management program is located in the Administration Building, room
• Mentoring with peers, professors, and professionals A203.
• Leadership training
• Professional and academic conferences Puente Program
• Networking opportunities
• Career information The Puente program is a one-year writing, counseling and
For complete program information about the MESA/ mentoring program. The emphasis is on Chicano/Latino
TRiO SSS STEM Programs, please contact us in room S205 writers and authors. The goal of the program is to increase
(562)-463-3222 or visit www.riohondo.edu/mesa. Program the number of students who transfer to four-year colleges
eligibility requirements apply. and universities. For more information, visit the Puente web
page http://www.riohondo.edu/puente/.
Orientation
Student Health Center and
Orientation familiarizes and acquaints students with Psychological Services
important college policies and expectations, as well as
the range of services and programs available. The “My Student Health and Psychological Services helps keep
Online Orientation” is available via the AccessRio portal. students physically and emotionally healthy so they can
The completion of an Online or In-person Orientation is perform at their best. Professionals available include
mandatory for all New Students. In compliance with SSI physicians, a psychologist, psychology interns, nurses and
statewide regulations, New Students who do not complete an clerical support staff. The licensed professionals evaluate
Online or In-person Orientation may have a hold placed on and treat minor, temporary physical and emotional
their registration. New and Continuing Students may access conditions that require short-term care. If more intensive
their “My Online Orientation” by logging onto AccessRio.>> treatment is needed, referrals to outside resources are
Click on the My Online Orientation button. provided.

The PASS Program Health Services include:
• First aid care of illness and accidents
The PASS Program (Personal and Academic Support • Diagnosis and treatment of short-term medical
Services) is a federally-funded TRIO Program, through problems
Student Support Services, which prepares first-generation, • Medication dispensed and/or prescriptions
low-income and/or disabled students for graduation or ordered by M.D. or NP
transfer into four-year colleges and universities. • Low cost immunizations
Services are free to eligible students and include: • Physical examinations at minimal cost
• Limited laboratory tests at cost
• Educational advisement • Women's Health Clinic
• Transfer and career information and support • Health counseling and education
• Tutoring services • Vision and hearing testing
• Priority registration • Blood pressure monitoring
• Student success workshops • Tuberculin skin testing
• Educational and cultural activities
• Financial aid and scholarship information Psychological Services include:
• Cash-aid stipends Short-term counseling for students who are struggling with
issues such as family and social relationships, romantic
The PASS Program office is located in the Student Services relationships, life transitions, sexuality, grief, stress, trauma,
Building, room SS140. For more information, visit the PASS anxiety, or depression. The following confidential services
Program web page or call (562) 463-3216. are available to students who are experiencing personal
problems:
Pathway to Law School
• Individual Counseling
The Pathway to Law School program is for • Group Counseling
underrepresented first-generation college students • Crisis Intervention
interested in learning more about careers in the legal • Stress Management
field and going to law school. The initiative is designed • Consultations and referrals
to enhance opportunities and advancement in the legal
profession for diverse populations. Ideally, students will Whenever there is a reason to believe that the health of
spend two years at Rio Hondo College then transfer to a student may be a factor affecting progress, or that an
any accredited undergraduate institution to complete their individual's health might endanger that of other students,
bachelor’s degree and then be considered for a priority the administration may require that the student obtain a
admissions review to the six participating law schools. physical examination by a district-selected doctor. In such
cases, the college pays for the examination.
Students will receive:
• Individual counseling and mentoring Student Health and Psychological Services is located in
• Exposure to careers in law the Student Services Building, room SS230. For more
• Networking and learning opportunities information, visit the Student Health and Psychological
• Membership to the Rio Hondo College Pre-Law Services web page.
Society

32 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

Study Abroad Veterans Services

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

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 33

5 Student Life &
Leadership

How to Get Involved In Student Leadership Institute
Campus Activities
The Student Leadership Institute (SLI) at Rio Hondo College
Getting involved in activities at the college enriches the is a non-credit certificate program in partnership with
college experience for students. Rio Hondo College has California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). Students who
a variety of ways in which a student may get involved, participate acquire and develop the skills and awareness
including student government, athletics, and clubs. necessary to become an effective leader on campus, in the
community, and in their future career. They learn the value
Student Government of networking, gain effective communication skills, enhance
their confidence, define their leadership style, and engage
The Associated Students of Rio Hondo College (ASRHC) in co-curricular activities that augment their academic
is a self-sustaining student government organization. The learning. Students who successfully complete the program
ASRHC officers serve as student representatives at campus- earn a leadership certificate signed by the CSUF college
wide committees, impacting decision-making that will president, a very marketable tool on a resume and on
ultimately enhance the student experience at RHC. transfer applications. Contact the Student Life & Leadership
Department at (562) 908-3427 for more information.

Student Clubs College Services Fee

Students may pursue a special interest through participation When a student enrolls in the college they pay a college
in one of the campus clubs or organizations. Those who service fee. This fee entitles students to the following:
choose to participate in this aspect of college life may derive • ASRHC Emergency Loans
valuable social and educational experiences. Each club has • Access to the Library Textbook Reserve
individual service projects and traditions, and is sponsored • Free photo I.D. Card for first I.D. only. (Additional or
by one or more members of the permanent faculty or staff.
Contact the Student Life & Leadership Department at replacement I.D.’s cost $5.00 each.)
(562) 908-3427 for more information. • Various campus activities and events
• Free admission to some athletic events and theatre
ASRHC Sponsored Events
productions
The Associated Students of Rio Hondo College sponsors • Discount tickets to AMC Theaters, some amusement
a variety of activities that fall within the Student Life and
Leadership Guiding Values: Student Success and Degree parks and more!
Completion, Cultural Diversity, Social Responsibility, and • Membership in campus clubs and organizations
Leadership Development. The ASRHC collaborates with • Opportunities to be elected to student senate.
various campus departments and clubs to ensure that
events and activities reach all students across campus. Student Publications

El Paisano is the Rio Hondo College newspaper, published
biweekly in print and online (www.elpaisanonewspaper.
com). La Cima is the student magazine. These publications
serve as voices of the campus and training opportunities
for the college’s journalism program. Students enrolled in
journalism classes form the publication staff of El Paisano
and La Cima.

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,
volleyball, tennis, water polo, and swimming. Women’s
sand volleyball is currently being offered as a club sport.

Male or female students who wish to become members of
a team should check the class schedule online at: www.
riohondo.edu for the current offerings for both men and

34 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

women’s intercollegiate athletic teams; contact the coach 3. Rules established by the host school on location
of that team in the Athletic Department for details; and must be observed.
enroll in that class during registration. Prior to registration,
students should see the Athletic Academic Counselor. 4. Prior to the conference, student participants and
Appointments can be made by contacting the Athletic advisors shall read the code of conduct.
Department at (562) 908-3409. Additional information is
also available on the Athletics web page. 5. Attendance at all meetings including meals is
considered part of the participant’s responsibility
Athletic Eligibility for while at a conference unless first excused by the
California Community College advisors.
Intercollegiate Teams
6. Students may not represent Rio Hondo College
Male and female students may represent the college in at any event away from the campus without an
athletic contests upon verification of their status as amateur advisor unless they are given special permission to
athletes in the sports in which they wish to compete. In do so by the college administration.
order to be eligible to participate, student athletes MUST
BE actively enrolled in a minimum of 12 units at his/her B. Regulation of Conduct
community college during the competition in the sport. Of 1. It is contrary to California State Law to possess,
the 12 units, 9 must be in academic subjects, and 3 units serve, or consume alcoholic beverages at any
may be Kinesiology activity courses. college function including regional or state
conferences, regardless of the age of those
Current Returning Student Athletes: participating. Anyone who appears under the
To be eligible for the second season of a sport, the student influence of alcoholic beverages shall be subject
athlete MUST COMPLETE and PASS 24 SEMESTER UNITS to disciplinary action by the conference and Rio
AT A MINIMUM GPA OF 2.0 BETWEEN SEASONS OF Hondo College.
COMPETITION. Of these units, 18 must be in academic 2. All participants at conferences or on trips are
classes and 6 units may be Kinesiology activity courses. expected to show proper consideration for the
These units must be completed PRIOR to the beginning of rights and welfare of others. Undue noise and
the semester of the second season of sport. Units completed disturbances shall be considered violations of this
and passed during the first season of sport shall be included regulation.
in the calculation of the 24-semester unit requirement. 3. No firearms will be permitted on any trip. College-
approved pistol and rifle matches are excepted.
Entering Freshman beginning Fall of 2015:
EFFECTIVE 7/1/15—ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY: In order Social Functions
to be eligible and remain eligible to represent an institution 1. The college must sponsor any club or organization
in intercollegiate athletics competition a student athlete recruiting Rio Hondo College students.
has to successfully complete at least 6 units (semester or 2. All social functions on campus must be cleared
quarter) during the preceding academic term in which the through the Student Life and Leadership
student is enrolled as a full-time student at the certifying Department.
institution with a cumulative 2.0 GPA beginning with and 3. Students attending social functions on campus
including the units taken during the first semester/quarter are under the jurisdiction of the college and must
of competition. Institutional verification for eligibility assume individual responsibility for the accepted
for continuing competition will be completed within one standards of behavior.
week of the posting of grades for the academic term by the 4. Guests of Rio Hondo College students shall be the
institution. responsibility of the student. Guests are expected
to behave as students and, as such, abide by
A student transferring to Rio Hondo College who has college regulations.
previously PARTICIPATED in intercollegiate athletics at 5. Students shall be responsible for all property
another California community college MUST COMPLETE damage incurred by guests during any activity
12 units at Rio Hondo College PRIOR to the beginning of sponsored on campus.
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: Rio Hondo College / 35
1. Participants, students and advisors shall be fully
informed concerning their responsibilities for
proper conduct during a trip and at the conference.
2. Advisors shall recognize and accept responsibility
for the actions of students. Students will be directly
responsible to the advisor.

2016-2017 Catalog

6 Academic Guidelines

Attendance/Absences The following examples are only some of the many forms
plagiarism may take:
All registered students should be present at the first meeting
of the class unless other arrangements have been made with • Word-for-word copying of work written by
the instructor. The instructor may drop students who are someone else
not present by the end of the first class. However, it is the
students’ responsibility to officially drop any class that • Failure to give proper credit for ideas,
they no longer wish to attend to ensure their record is clear. statements of facts, or conclusions derived by
another, including undocumented web source
Students are expected to attend all meetings of each course usage
in which they are enrolled. The instructor of each class
determines the attendance policy. After an absence, it is the • Failure to use quotation marks when quoting
responsibility of the student to check with their 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 • In situations where cheating or plagiarism has
occurred, the faculty member is to determine
Definition of Plagiarism the academic consequence in compliance with
Plagiarism is defined as representing the words, ideas, or Education Code, and board policy and procedures,
work of another as one’s own in any academic exercise. which prohibit dropping a student from a
Plagiarism consists of taking the words or substance course. Faculty members shall inform students
of another work and either copying or paraphrasing of the grade penalty that will be assessed. The
without giving credit to the source whether that material consequences may be any of the following options:
is paraphrased or copied verbatim or near verbatim form.
Plagiarism is applicable to written, oral, and artistic work.

36 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

- Receive a “0” on that assignment documented evidence in order to pursue a request for a
- Be referred to the Dean of Student Affairs grade change. (RHC AP 4231)
for further disciplinary action
• In situations where academic dishonesty has Grades from a grading scale shall be averaged on the basis
of the point equivalencies to determine a student’s grade-
occurred, the faculty should also notify their point average (GPA). The highest grade shall receive four
Division Dean. Faculty members are also points, and the lowest grade shall receive 0 points, using
encouraged to submit a Student Misconduct only the following evaluative symbols:
Form to report the violation to the Dean of
Student Affairs. All pertinent information such as Symbol Definition Credit Granted Grade Point
exams, plagiarized sources, and/or other possible 4
evidence should be attached and submitted with A Excellent yes 3
the form. 2
• Students will meet with the Dean of Student B Above Average yes 1
Affairs and receive due process; students have the 0
right to grieve an action they feel violates their C Average yes
student rights.
• The Dean of Student Affairs will address the D Below Average yes
behavior reasonably through the procedures
outlined in AP 5520. F Failure no
• The Student Affairs Office will maintain records
related to violations of academic dishonesty To calculate a grade point average (GPA), divide the total
and other violations of the college Standards of grade points by the total GPA units.
Conduct policy.
The following symbols are not used in calculating GPA:
Academic Honors
Symbol Definition Credit Granted
Dean's List – Dean’s List certificates are awarded in the fall
and spring semesters to all students whose semester grade- P Pass (satisfactory) yes
point average is 3.5 or higher in 12 or more graded units
completed. NP No Pass (less than satisfactory) no

Alpha Gamma Sigma – Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) is the I* Incomplete no
California Community College Scholastic Honor Society.
The purpose of this organization is to foster, promote, (where “*” indicates the default
maintain, and recognize scholarship while engaging the
students in service to the college and community. AGS grade to be received by the student
also offers cultural and social programs and enrichment
activities as part of the total college experience. if the incomplete is not completed

Any student completing 12 semester units of college work within one year.)
in a maximum of 2 semesters with a minimum grade-point
average of 3.0 may join AGS. IPP Incomplete Pass no

Academic Standards INP Incomplete No Pass no

Units – The conventional unit of measurement of college IP In progress no
work is called the semester hour or unit of credit. A unit
consists of 18 lecture hours of class time per semester RD Report Delayed no
(together with 36 hours of study outside of class per
semester). Laboratory work is ordinarily valued at one W Withdraw no
unit for 54 hours of class time per semester. Twelve units
or more is considered a full-time load. No student will MW Military Withdraw no
be permitted to carry more than 18 units without special
permission of a counselor. In the case of probationary P/NP: Pass/No Pass
students, the maximum load is 12 units. In addition to courses in which all students are evaluated on
a Pass/No Pass basis, students may enroll in one course each
Grades and Grade Change – The instructor of the course semester on a “P/NP” basis. They may elect at registration,
shall determine the grade to be recorded for each student. or no later than the end of the third week (by end of first
The determination of the student’s grade by the instructor week of summer school), whether the basis of evaluation is
is final in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or to be “P/NP” or a letter grade “P” (Pass) is defined as “C”
incompetence. The removal or change of an incorrect grade or better.
grade from a student’s record shall only by done upon
authorization by the instructor of the course. A student has All units earned on a Pass/No Pass basis in accredited
one year from the end of the term in question to request a California institutions of higher education or equivalent
grade change. In the case of fraud, bad faith, clerical error, out-of-state institutions shall be counted in satisfaction of
incompetence, or unavailability of instructor or death of community college curriculum requirements.
instructor, the final determination concerning removal
or change of grade will be made by the Vice President IMPORTANT: Students will not be allowed to request a
of Academic Affairs with the appropriate involvement letter grade after the dates listed on the RHC website (www.
of faculty from the discipline and the Academic Senate. riohondo.edu/admissions/important-dates-and-deadlines);
All returned work must be retained by the student as nor to request a letter grade for previously completed
courses in which they earned a Pass “P.”

I : Incomplete – An incomplete grade, “I,” may be assigned
for academic work not completed for unforeseeable
emergencies and justifiable reasons at the end of the term.
The condition for removal of the “I” shall be stated by the
instructor in a written record. This record shall contain the
conditions for removal of the “I” and the grade assigned
in lieu of its removal (IA, IB, IC, ID, IF, IPP, INP). This
record must be given to the student with a copy on file
with the registrar until the “I” is made up or the time limit
has passed. A final grade shall be assigned when the work
stipulated has been completed and evaluated or when the
time limit for completing the work has passed.

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 37

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

W: Withdrawal – A withdrawal or drop between 20% and Therefore, within the regulations listed, Rio Hondo College
60% of the term courses length will result in a “W” notation may disregard particular, previously recorded substandard
on a student's permanent record. See section 3 for specific work from a student’s cumulative grade-point average.
withdrawal information.
1. The student may petition through the Admissions
MW: Military Withdrawal – A military withdrawal grade, and Records Office to remove previous
“MW,” occurs when a student who is a member of an substandard work (any course in which a grade
active or reserve United States Military Service receives below 2.00 has been recorded) taken at Rio Hondo
orders compelling a withdrawal from courses and petitions College. The district superintendent or designee
to receive a “MW.” See section 3 for specific military may grant permission.
withdrawal information.
2. Up to 30 units may be alleviated.
Grade Report – Grades will be issued at the end of each 3. A student’s current demonstrated ability may
session.
be the basis for alleviating previous substandard
Auditing work.
Students are not permitted to audit courses and may not 4. From the last substandard work to be alleviated,
attend classes in which they are not officially enrolled. the following 30 consecutive undergraduate
units from any regionally accredited college or
Basic Skills Enrollment university must average at least a 2.00 GPA in
The California Education Code limits students to no more order to qualify.
than 30 semester units of pre-collegiate basic skills units. 5. Two years must have elapsed since the most recent
Basic skills courses are defined as courses “in reading, work to be alleviated.
writing, computation, and English As A New Language 7. The student’s academic record will be
which are designated by the community college district as appropriately marked indicating those courses that
non-degree credit courses pursuant to Section 55002(d) of have been alleviated.
Title V.”
When academic work is alleviated, grades are not removed;
Rio Hondo College defines basic skill courses as courses they are noted and subtracted from the grade point average.
in reading, writing, computation and English As A New All entries remain legible so that a true and complete record
Language with a course number less than 40. ENLA and is maintained. There is no assurance that alleviated courses
learning disabled students are exempted. Students who feel will be treated similarly by other educational institutions
they would benefit by taking more than 30 semester units of outside the district.
pre-collegiate basic skills courses should see the Director of
Admissions & Records. Final Examinations
Final examinations will be given in all courses during
Classification of Students the last week of each semester. The final exam schedule
for spring and fall is listed on the RHC web site (www.
Freshman: 0 to 29 units completed riohondo.edu) and may vary from the regular class hours.

Sophomore: 30 to 59 units completed Honors Scholar
Honors Scholars are students who have completed any six
Full-time: Students enrolled for 12 or more units in fall and honors courses, completed all general education transfer
spring (4 or more units in summer) requirements, achieved a grade-point average of 3.2, and
completed all lower division major prerequisites. All honors
courses have an “H” designation.

38 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

Probation Standards evaluative symbol (A, B, C, D, F, P/NP, W) on their record
will be counted for the purposes of calculating the total
Disciplinary Probation – A student may be placed on number of times a student has enrolled in a course. Students
disciplinary probation for infraction of state law, education are limited to four (4) enrollments in courses that are
code, board policy, student government regulations, or related in content for the following courses types: Physical
behavior unbecoming a student at Rio Hondo College. education courses, visual arts courses, performing arts
courses, and intercollegiate academic and vocational courses
Students on disciplinary probation may not represent the designated as repeatable pursuant to section 55041.
college in any activity, conference, or field trip, nor can they
hold office in the Associated Student government or in any Course repetition may occur under the following
student body sponsored club. circumstances:

Academic Probation – A student who has attempted at least I. The course is designated as a “repeatable course”
12 semester units as shown by the official academic record consistent with the requirements of Title 5
shall be placed on academic probation if the student has §55041: Courses that may be repeated without a
earned a grade-point average below 2.0 in all units which petition are identified as such in the college catalog
were graded on the basis of the grading scale described and fall within the following categories:
in the section Academic Standards–Grades. If a student a. The course repetition is necessary to meet
is placed on academic probation for two consecutive the major requirements of CSU or UC for
semesters, the student must receive approval by a counselor completion of a bachelor’s degree.
prior to registering for classes in the following semester. b. The Course is designated as Intercollegiate
Athletics.
Removal from Academic Probation – A student on c. The Course is designated as Intercollegiate
academic probation for a grade-point deficiency shall be Academic or Vocational Competition.
removed from probation when the student’s accumulated
grade-point average is 2.0 or higher. II. To alleviate substandard work: A course in which
a student grade of “D” or “F” or “NP” has been
Progress Probation – A student who has enrolled in a recorded may be repeated twice. Students must
total of at least 12 semester units as shown by the official complete a “Petition for Grade Alleviation With
academic record shall be placed on progress probation Course Repetition” form available in Admissions
when the number of all units in which a student has and Records in order to remove the effects of the
enrolled and for which entries of “W” and “NP” “are grade from the GPA. When a student repeats a
recorded reaches or exceeds the number of units with class to alleviate substandard academic work, the
other grades. If a student is placed on progress probation, previous grade and credit shall remain legible,
the student must receive approval by a counselor prior to however, it will be disregarded in the computation
registering for classes in the following semester. of grade point averages. Students may use course
work from any regionally accredited college to
A student on progress probation because of an excess of replace Rio Hondo College coursework in which
units for which entries of “W” and “NP” are recorded shall a “D” or “F” or “NP” was recorded provided the
be removed from probation when the total number of units courses are articulated as being equivalent.
in this category drops below the number of those with other
grades. III. To enroll in a class from which a student has
previously withdrawn: Students may repeat
Dismissal – A student shall be dismissed from the college courses that result in withdrawal with a “W”
for a period of one semester (excluding summer session) symbol being assigned. Students may have a
when his/her grade-point average in three consecutive maximum of two withdrawals from a course
semesters is less than 2.00 in all units attempted or when prior to receiving a grade, excluding military
50% or more of all units attempted have entries of “W” and withdrawals and withdrawals due to extenuating
“NP.” Before reinstatement to the college, the student must circumstances. The “W” shall not be used in
meet with a counselor. calculating a student’s GPA, but must be used in
determining probation and dismissal.
Notice – Students will be notified by mail if they are on
academic probation or progress probation and will also be IV. Student meets the criteria for special
notified that they need to meet with a counselor prior to circumstances:
reinstatement to the college. Probation and dismissal status
may be appealed to the Dean of Counseling & Student A. Extenuating circumstances:
Development. A student may repeat a course when he/she

Repetition of Courses Guidelines demonstrates that the previous grade was due
to extenuating circumstances. Extenuating
Course repetition occurs when a student who has circumstances are verified cases of illness, accidents
previously received an evaluative symbol (A, B, C, D, F, or other circumstances beyond the control of the
P/NP, W) in a credit course, re-enrolls in the course and student. Student’s wishing to repeat a course due
receives an evaluative symbol. Students may be permitted to extenuating circumstances must complete a
to enroll more than one time in the same credit course if “Course Repetition” form available in Admissions
they or the course meets certain criteria. Students will not and Records and submit it with documentation
be permitted to enroll in the same credit course more than of the extenuating circumstances and appropriate
three times, except in special circumstances or when the signatures and approvals to Admissions and
course is designated as repeatable and allows a greater Records. A course repeated due to extenuating
number of repetitions as established in Title 5. All attempts circumstances may only be repeated once, but the
to take a course that result in the student earning an previous grade and credit may be disregarded in
computing the student’s GPA.
2016-2017 Catalog
Rio Hondo College / 39

B. Significant lapse of time: Students may repeat Transcripts may also be ordered online via AccessRio or
a course in which they previously received a directly on the Credentials website. Transcripts will usually
satisfactory grade due to a significant lapse of time, be processed within three (3) working days. An emergency/
comprised of no less than 36 months or as required rush transcript request is available online for an additional
by specific program mandates AND the course is cost. Rush order will be processed within one (1) working
required by the district as a properly established day. Details are provided on the Admissions and Records
recency prerequisite; or another institution of higher web page.
education to which the student is seeking to transfer
requires the student to have taken the course more Work Hours/Class Guidelines
recently than the student’s last enrollment.
For each hour spent in a lecture class, a student should plan
C. Variable unit, open-entry/open-exit courses: to spend about two hours a week in study and homework.
Student may enroll in a variable unit open-entry/ Thus, a load of 15 units plus study time may require 45
hours a week– more than a full-time work week. Following
open-exit course as many times as necessary to are suggested work hours versus class load guidelines:
complete the entire curriculum of the course.
Working Hours/Week Units
D. Occupational Work Experience: Students may None 12 – 16
petition to enroll more than once, even if the 10 10 – 11
student received a satisfactory grade, in an 20
occupational work experience course. Enrollment 30 7–9
is limited to 16 credit hours of cooperative work 30+ 3–6
experience (CWE) and/or general work experience 1–3
(GWE) in a given field during the enrollment
period. (§55040) In order to maintain an academic balance, the following
information should be considered:
E. Legally mandated training: Students may re-enroll
in courses that are required by statute or regulation 1. Students can expect to spend at least three hours
as a condition of paid or volunteer employment. (one in class and two outside of class) each week
Students must certify or document that the course for every unit taken. A student with 12 units will
repetition is legally mandated. need 24 hours of study time for a total of 36 hours
needed for school each week.
F. Special courses for student with disabilities:
Students may enroll multiple times in classes 2. Employment time and college time combined
designated as “special classes” if it is determined should not exceed 60 hours weekly.
that such repetition is required for that person as a
disability-related accommodation. 3. Students should distribute study time
appropriately for each class – often preparation
G. Significant change in industry or licensure for a lecture class differs from preparation for a
standards: Students may petition to repeat a course laboratory class.
as a result of a significant change in industry or
licensure standards such that repetition of the 4. Students should consult frequently with their
course is necessary for employment or licensure. instructors – their office hours are designed for that
Students must certify or document that there has purpose.
been a significant change in industry or licensure
standards necessitating course repetition. 5. To assist in their academic success, students should
use the tutoring services, the library, counselors,
A student’s permanent academic record will indicate any and other support services.
courses repeated using an appropriate symbol and will be
annotated in such a manner that all work remains legible, Alternative Credit
ensuring a true and complete academic history.
Credit by External Examination
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) A student in good standing who has completed at
least 12 units in residence and is actively enrolled at
Student learning outcomes (SLOs) are developed by faculty Rio Hondo College may petition to receive Credit by
and assessed on an annual basis in order to improve teaching External Examination from the Advanced Placement (AP)
and student learning. All SLOs are listed in course syllabi so examinations, College Level Examination Program (CLEP),
students are aware of them at the beginning of each term. and/or International Baccalaureate (IB). However, course
Rio Hondo College maintains a database of all assessment credit cannot be granted if it duplicates previous course
data and reports. An SLO Committee, chaired by the SLO work completed at Rio Hondo. Credit awarded will not
Coordinator, meets monthly to review all matters relating to be used to meet residency requirements. Please note that
SLOs. More information about SLOs can be found at www. course credit and units granted at Rio Hondo College may
riohondo.edu/slo/. differ from course credit and units granted by a four-year
transfer institution.
Transcripts
Guidelines for receiving credit:
Upon written application, the Admissions and Records 1. A request form must be completed and returned to
Office will issue a document verifying grades or enrollment. the Admissions and Records Office.
The first two copies requested are issued free. Thereafter, a 2. An official transcript of the test scores must be sent
fee of $3.00 for each record is charged. Forms are available to the Admissions & Records Office to be kept as
in the Admissions and Records Office or online. part of the official record.

AP credit may be granted for Advanced Placement tests
which have been satisfactorily passed with a score of 3, 4,
or 5. See the College Credit for Advanced Placement section
below for a list of accepted tests.

40 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

CLEP credit may be granted for College Level Examination Experiences in the Armed Forces by the American Council
Program tests in selected areas. See the College Level on Education. Course work from the Community College of
Examination Program section below for a list of accepted the Air Force will be granted credit on the basis of similarity
tests. to Rio Hondo programs.

IB: International Baccalaureate credit may be granted for Veterans desiring credit for military service must request
the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examinations such credit and present authentic military service and
with scores of 5, 6, or 7. Official IB scores must be sent to training records, including a copy of the discharge papers
the Admissions and Records Office. See the International (DD214) to the Admissions & Records Office. Upon the
Baccalaureate section below for a list of accepted tests. presentation of the DD214, two P.E. requirements may be
waived for the A.A. or A.S. degree. Requests for military
Credit by Examination at Rio Hondo credit will be evaluated upon the presentation of proper
The Board of Trustees of Rio Hondo College, in accordance documents, and the completion of 12 units in residence of
with provisions of Title V (55753), authorizes the college to work at Rio Hondo College.
grant appropriate semester unit credit to any student who is
currently enrolled and successfully passes an examination Those veterans planning on applying for veterans benefits
administered by appropriate staff. while attending classes must submit proper documentation
of military service, schools, and any postsecondary credits
Individual departments and/or specialty areas may elect to prior to enrolling at Rio Hondo. These documents are
grant course credit to enable students who can demonstrate to be sent to the Veterans Office at Rio Hondo College.
proficiency in specific bodies of subject matter, to plan a Records will be reviewed and evaluated prior to enrollment
relevant educational program that will exclude courses in and development of an educational plan. Under some
which essential levels of mastery of subject matter material conditions, students may be allowed to enroll and have their
have been previously attained. military and educational records submitted prior to the end
of the first semester of attendance.
Students shall be given course credit up to a limit of 12
Rio Hondo College units upon the successful completion Non-Collegiate Registered Nursing Training Credit
of examinations. (Not to count as units in residence.) The Credit may be granted to a student who has a valid
student’s transcript will denote credit earned by credit by California RN license for nursing courses taken at an
exam. accredited non-collegiate RN nursing program toward the
Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. Credit granted may
Each department identifies courses that are eligible for not exceed the total number of nursing units required for
challenge. Students will receive a grade for each course the Associate Degree in Nursing at Rio Hondo College.
challenged based on the written guidelines developed by
the individual department. Upper-Division Credit
Upper-division credit from U.S. regionally accredited
To challenge a course and receive Credit by Examination institutions may be used to fulfill Rio Hondo graduation
a student must be registered in the college and be in good requirements. Please see a counselor for more information.
standing. Course(s) must be listed in the college catalog.
Students may be exempt from this if they are requesting
to challenge and receive credit by examination for a high
school / Regional Occupational Program Career and
Technical Education (CTE) articulated pathway (Title 5
Section 55052).

American Council on Education (ACE) Credit
Credit may be granted for those courses listed in the
American Council on Education source book. The courses
listed may be treated as lower-division transfer courses by
Rio Hondo College and may be acceptable for units towards
graduation requirements for the associate degree provided
all other graduation requirements are fulfilled.

Before any course is applied to a departmental major and/
or to a certificate, the course is subject to departmental
approval of equivalencies and for prerequisites. Otherwise,
the course shall be applied for elective credit only.

Students are to be apprised of the fact that although Rio
Hondo accepts such a course as a transfer course and
applies units toward the degree, transfer of said course
to a specific four-year institution is subject to current
articulation agreements with that institution.

Credit for Military Service
Rio Hondo College may grant credit for service courses as
described in the Guide to the Evaluations of Educational

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 41

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. or GE patterns. To request Scores, call 1(888) 225-5427. 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.
general education (GE) and/or major requirements.

EXAM RHC AA CSU GE CSU - UNITS EARNED IGETC UC - UNITS
(MAJOR AND/OR GE) TOWARD TRANSFER EARNED TOWARD
Art History Score of 3 or better for subject Area C1 or C2
Art (Studio-2D Design) area unless otherwise indicated 3 semester units 6 semester units Area 3A or 3B TRANSFER
Art (Studio-3D Design) ART 105, 106 N/A 3 semester units 3 semester units
Art (Studio-Drawing) 6 semester units 3 semester units N/A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
3 semester units units
N/A N/A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
units **
N/A N/A N/A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
units**
N/A N/A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
units**
AP STUDIO ARTS BIOL 101 Area B2 and B3 6 semester units Area 5B (with lab) **Maximum credit 8
LIMITATIONS 4 semester units 4 semester units 3 semester units* 4 semester units quarter/5.3 semester units
Biology for all studio arts exams
Communication & Analytical Thinking Area B4 Area 2A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Calculus AB 3 semester units 3 semester units 3 semester units units
Score of 4 or 5 - MATH 190
Calculus BC 4 semester units Area B4 6 semester units* Area 2A 4 quarter/2.7 semester
3 semester units 3 semester units units**
AP CALCULUS EXAM Communication & Analytical Thinking
LIMITATIONS 3 Semester Units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Score of 4 or 5 - MATH 190, 191 units**
Chemistry 8 semester units
Chinese Language & **Maximum credit 8
Culture *Only one exam may be used quarter/5.3 semester units
Computer Science A toward transfer for both

Score of 3 – Chemistry 120 Areas B1 and B3 6 semester units Area 5A (with lab) 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Score of 4 or 5 – Chemistry 130 4 semester units 6 semester units 4 semester units units
5 Semester units 3 semester units**
Humanities Area C2 Area 3B and 6A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
3 Semester Units 3 semester units 3 semester units units
2 quarter/1.3 semester
N/A N/A N/A units***
4 quarter/2.7 semester
Computer Science AB N/A N/A 6 semester units** N/A units***
*Only one exam may be used ***Maximum 4 quarter/2.7
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE Social & Behavioral Science Area D2 toward transfer Area 4B semester units for both
EXAM LIMITATIONS 3 semester units 3 semester units 3 semester units
Score of 4 or 5 – ECON 101 3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester
Economics - Social & Behavioral Science Area D2 units
Macroeconomics 3 semester units 3 semester units 3 semester units Area 4B
Score of 4 or 5 – ECON 102 Area A2 6 semester units 3 semester units 4 quarter/2.7 semester
Economics - ENGL 101 3 semester units 6 semester units units
Microeconomics 3.5 semester units Area A2 and C2 Area 1A
ENGL 101, LIT 102 6 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
English - Language & 6.5 semester units Area 1A or 3B units*
Composition 3 semester units 8 quarter units/5.3
English - Literature & semester units*
Composition *8 quarter/5.3 semester
AP ENGLISH EXAM units maximum for both
LIMITATIONS
4 quarter/2.7 semester
Environmental Science Natural Science w/Lab Area B2 and B3 (if taken 4 semester units Area 5A (with lab) units
4 semester units prior to Fall 2009) 3 semester units
or 6 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
French Language & Humanities Area B1 and B3 6 semester units Area 3B and 6A units
Culture 3 Semester Units (regardless of when taken) 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
4 semester units Area 3B and 6A units
French Literature Humanities 3 semester units
3 Semester Units Area C2
3 semester units

Area C2
3 semester units

Continued on next page.

42 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

Continued from previous page.

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 IGETC UC - UNITS
(MAJOR AND/OR GE) EARNED EARNED
German Language & TOWARD
Culture Score of 3 or better for subject area TOWARD TRANSFER TRANSFER
Government & Politics - unless otherwise indicated
Comparative Area C2 6 semester units Area 3B and 6A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Government and Politics Humanities 3 semester units 3 semester units 3 semester units units
- U.S. 3 Semester Units Area D8 3 semester units Area 4H 4 quarter/2.7 semester
3 semester units Student can satisfy the 3 semester units units
Social & Behavioral Science Area D8 and US-2* requirement after transfer Area 4H 4 quarter/2.7 semester
3 semester units 3 semester units 3 semester units units
*Does not fulfill 6 semester units
POLS 110 California Government Area 3B or 4F 8 quarter/5.3 semester
3 semester units requirement 6 semester units 3 semester units units

History - European Social & Behavioral Science or Area C2 or D6 6 semester units Area 3B or 4F 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Humanities 3 semester units 3 semester units units
History - U.S. 3 semester units 3 semester units
HIST 143, 144 Area C2 or D6 and US-1 6 semester units Area 3B or 4F 8 quarter/5.3 semester
History - World 6 semester units 3 semester units 6 semester units 3 semester units units
Social & Behavioral Science or 3 semester units
Human Geography Humanities Area C2 or D6 6 semester units Area 4E 4 quarter/2.7 semester
Italian Language & 3 semester units 3 semester units 3 semester units units
Culture Social & Behavioral Science 6 semester units Area 3B and 6A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Japanese Language & 3 semester units Area D5 3 semester units units
Culture Humanities 3 semester units 6 semester units* (removal F’15) Area 3B and 6A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Latin - Vergil 3 Semester Units Area C2 4 semester units* 3 semester units units
Humanities 3 semester units 4 semester units* Area 3B and 6A 4 quarter/2.7 semester
Latin - Literature 3 Semester Units Area C2 4 semester units* 3 semester units units
Humanities 3 semester units 4 semester units* Area 3B and 6A 4 quarter/2.7 semester
Music Theory 3 Semester Units Area C2 (removal F’12) *Maximum 4 semester units 3 semester units units
Humanities 3 semester units toward GE and 4 semester
Physics B 3 Semester Units Area C2 units toward transfer N/A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
3 semester units units
Physics 1 Natural Science w/Lab Area C1 (if taken prior to Area 5A (with lab)
4 semester units 4 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Physics 2 removal F’09 Fall 2009) units**
Natural Science w/ Lab N/A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Physics C - Mechanics 3 semester units units
Physics C – Natural Science w/ Lab B1 and B3 (removal F’13) N/A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Electricity/Magnetism 4 semester units* units
Natural Science w/Lab B1 and B3 Area 5A (with lab) 4 quarter/2.7 semester
AP PHYSICS EXAM 4 semester units 4 semester units* 3 semester units units**
LIMITATIONS Natural Science w/Lab B1 and B3 Area 5A (with lab) 4 quarter/2.7 semester
4 semester units 4 semester units* 3 semester units units**
Psychology Area B1 and B3 **Maximum 8
Social & Behavioral Science 4 semester units* quarter/5.3 semester
Seminar 3 semester units Area B1 and B3 units for all physics
Spanish Language & Score of 4 or 5 – PSY 101 4 semester units* exams
Culture
Spanish Literature & N/A Area D9 3 semester units Area 4I 4 quarter/2.7 semester
Culture 3 semester units 3 semester units units
SPAN 101, 102
Statistics 8 semester units N/A 3 semester units N/A N/A
SPAN 201 6 semester units
4 semester units Area C2 6 semester units Area 3B and 6A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Communication & Analytical 3 semester units 3 semester units units
Thinking Area C2 Area 3B and 6A 8 quarter/5.3 semester
3 semester units 3 semester units 3 semester units units
Score of 4 or 5 - MATH 130
4 semester units Area B4 3 semester units Area 2 4 quarter/2.7 semester
3 semester units 3 semester units units

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 43

Credit by External Examination

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Rio Hondo College will award CLEP credit toward the Associates 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 D8 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
Biology 3 units B2 Natural Sciences 50 NA 3 units

NA 3 units
NA
Calculus 50 NA B4 Language & 50 NA 3 units
NA
3 units 3 units Rationality

Chemistry 50 3 units B1 Natural Sciences 50 NA 3 units
6 units
3 units

College Algebra 50 B4 Language & 50 NA 3 units

3 units Rationality

College Algebra- 50 B4 Language & 50 NA 3 units
Trigonometry NA
College Comp. 3 units Rationality

NA Language & 50 ENGL 101 3.5 units

Rationality

College Comp. NA NA Language & 50 ENGL 101 3.5 units
Modular 50
50 Rationality
English Comp. 50
NA Language & 50 ENGL 101 (if taken 3.5 units
(no essay)
Rationality before July ’10)
English Comp.
NA Language & 50 ENGL 101 (if taken 3.5 units
(with essay)
Rationality before July ’10)
English Literature
C2 (if taken before Humanities 50 LIT 146A/B 6 units

F’11)

3 units

Financial 50 NA NA 50 ACCT 101 4 units
Accounting 50
French Level I NA Humanities 80 FR 101/102 8 units

C2 FR 101/102/201

44 / Rio Hondo College Continued on next page.
2016-17 Catalog

Continued from previous page.

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

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

before July ’10)

6 units NA NA NA NA
12 units (if C2
3 units 60 NA 3 units
taken prior to F’15)
History, US I 50 D6+US-1 Social/Behavioral 50 NA 3 units
50 9 units (if taken 3 units Sciences 50 NA 3 units
History, US II 50 D6+US-1 50 NA 3 units
50 F’15 or after) 3 units Social/Behavioral 50 NA 3 units
Human Growth & 50 Sciences 50 CIT 101 3 units
Development 3 units E
Humanities 50 3 units Social/Behavioral NA NA NA
50 3 units Sciences 50 BUSL 110 3 units
Information 50 C2 50 3 units
Systems & Comp. 50 3 units 3 units Humanities 50 NA 3 units
NA
Applications 3 units NA NA
Intro to Educ.
3 units NA
Psychology
Introductory 3 units NA NA
Business Law 3 units
Introductory 3 units NA Social/Behavioral
Psychology 3 units Sciences
Introductory D9
3 units Social/Behavioral
Sociology Sciences
D0
3 units

2016-2017 Catalog Continued on next page.
Rio Hondo College / 45

Continued from previous page.

CLEP EXAM PASSING MIN. SEM. CSU-GE AREA/ PASSING RIO HONDO RIO HONDO
SCORE FOR UNITS CERTIFICATION SCORE FOR EQUIVALENT SEMESTER
CSU CREDIT EARNED FOR UNITS RIO HONDO RIO HONDO COURSE (FOR UNITS
ADMISSION GE AREA CREDIT CREDIT AWARDED
Natural Sciences 50 B1 or B2 ASSOCIATE DEGREE)
3 units 3 units Natural Sciences 50 3 units
NA 3 units
3 units B4 Language &
Pre-Calculus 50 3 units Rationality 50 NA NA
3 units 3 units
Principles of 50 NA NA NA NA 3 units
Accounting 50 3 units
Principles of 50 3 units D2 Social/Behavioral 50 NA 3 units
Macroeconomics 50 3 units 3 units Sciences 50 NA 8 units
Principles of 50 3 units 50 MGMT 150 12 units
Microeconomics 50 D2 Social/Behavioral
Principles of 63 3 units Sciences 3 units
Management NA
Principles of NA 3 units
Marketing 3 units
Spanish Level I 3 units NA NA 50 MRKT 170
Spanish Level II
6 units NA Humanities 50 SPAN 101/102
Trigonometry 50 12 units (if C2 Humanities 63 SPAN 101/102/
3 units
Western 50 taken prior to F’15) Language & 50 201
Civilization I 50 B4 (if taken prior to Rationality 50
9 units (if taken 50 NA
Western F’06) Humanities or
Civilization II F’15 or after) S/B Sciences NA
3 units Social/Behavioral NA
3 units C2 or D6
3 units Sciences
3 units
D6
3 units 3 units

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

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

IGETC: CLEP exams cannot be used to certify IGETC.

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

46 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

Credit by External Examination
International Baccalaureate (IB)

EXAM RHC AA GE Area Credit CSU GE CSU - UNITS EARNED IGETC UC - UNITS
Score of 5 or better Score of 5 or better, TOWARD TRANSFER EARNED TOWARD
unless noted otherwise
TRANSFER
IB Biology HL Natural Science Area B2 6 semester units Area 5B
3 semester units 3 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
IB Chemistry HL Clearance for BIOL 111L or 120L units
Area B1 6 semester units Area 5A
IB Economics HL Natural Science 3 semester units 6 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
3 semester units 6 semester units Area 4B units
IB Geography HL Social/Behavioral Sciences Area D2 6 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
3 semester units 3 semester units 6 semester units Area 4E units
IB History (any region) Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
HL 3 semester units Area D5 6 semester units units
IB Language (any 3 semester units Area 3B or 4F
language, except Humanities or Social/Behavioral 6 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
English) Lit. HL Sciences Area C2 or D6 units
IB Language (any 3 semester units 3 semester units 6 semester units Area 3B and 6A
language, except 6 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
English) Lang. & Lit. HL Humanities Score of 4 or better 6 semester units units
3 semester units Area C2 6 semester units Area 3B and 6A
3 semester units 3 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Humanities 6 semester units units
3 semester units Score of 4 or better Area 3B
Area C2 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
IB Language A1 (any Humanities 3 semester units units
language) HL 3 Semester Units Area 3B
Score of 4 or better 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
IB Language A2 (any Humanities Area C2 (* F’13) units
language) HL 3 semester units 3 semester units Area 6A
IB Language B (any 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
language) HL Humanities Score of 4 or better units
3 semester units Area C2 (* F’13) Area 2A
IB Mathematics HL 3 semester units 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Language & Rationality units
IB Physics HL 3 semester units Score of 4 or better Area 5A
N/A 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
IB Psychology HL Natural Science Area 4I units
3 semester units Score of 4 or better 3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
IB Theatre HL Social/Behavioral Science Area B4 units
3 semester units 3 semester units Area 3A
3 semester units 8 quarter/5.3 semester
Fine Arts Area B1 units
3 semester units 3 semester units

Area D9
3 semester units

Score of 4 or better
Area C1
3 semester units

*if taken prior to

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 47

7 Degree & Certificate
Guidelines
Degree Programs be found in the degree listing in the college catalog. In addi-
tion, a minimum of a “C” grade for all coursework within the
Rio Hondo College offers a variety of two-year programs major is required. Effective Fall 2008, courses can be used to
leading to the Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of meet a General Education area and Major requirement.
Science (A.S.) degrees. See this catalog for a listing of degree
programs available. Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T)
or Associate in Science for Transfer
The A.A. or A.S. Degree Concept (AS-T) Requirements

Central to an associate degree, coursework is designed to The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill
introduce students to the variety of means through which 1440, now codified in California Education Code sections
people comprehend the modern world. This coursework 66746-66749) guarantees admission to a California State
is referred to as the general education requirement of the University (CSU) campus for any community college student
degree. It reflects the conviction of the college that those who who completes an “associate degree for transfer,” a newly
receive these degrees must possess in common certain basic established variation of the associate degrees traditionally
principles, concepts and methodologies both unique to and offered at a California community college. The Associate
shared by the various disciplines. College educated persons in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or the Associate in Science for
should be able to use this knowledge when evaluating and Transfer (AS-T) is intended for students who plan to com-
appreciating the physical environment, the culture, and the plete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus.
society in which they live. Most importantly, these degrees A minimum of 18 required units in the major are included
should lead to better self-understanding. In addition to the in the 60 units. Students completing these degrees (AA-T or
general education coursework, courses within an area of AS-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not
specialization, called a major, are required for an associate to a particular campus or major. In order to earn one of these
degree. The area of specialization will appear on the face of degrees, students must complete 60 required semester units
all diplomas. of CSU-transferable coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
A minimum of 18 required units in the major are included
Students should meet with a counselor and create an educa- in the 60 units. Students transferring to a CSU campus that
tional plan in order to ensure fulfillment of requirements of does accept the AA-T or AS-T will be required to complete no
an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree. more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree
(unless the major is a designated “high-unit” major). This
General Education Exceptions – Those students who have degree may not be the best option for students intending to
been awarded a bachelor’s degree from an accredited col- transfer to a particular CSU campus or other institution that
lege or university in the United States will be exempt from is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with
the Rio Hondo College general education and proficiency a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more
requirements, should they pursue an associate degree at this information on university admission and transfer require-
institution. Please see a counselor if additional clarification is ments.
desired.
There are no additional graduation requirements for an AA-T
Course Substitutions – Request for a Course Substitution or AS-T degree.
form must be completed and returned to the Admissions and
Records Office in order to substitute one course for another Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (AS-T)
or to waive part of a requirement in the event of discontinued AS-T subject areas include:
courses. The course substitution request will be reviewed by
a faculty representative, Dean of the discipline involved, and • Administration of Justice
by the Articulation Officer. Rio Hondo College may accept • Business Administration
extension and continuing education courses after taking into • Early Childhood Education
consideration if they are equivalent to Rio Hondo courses, are • Mathematics
from an accredited Institution, are taken for credit and a letter • Physics.
grade, and are degree applicable at the originating institution.
Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
The A.A. or A.S. Degree Requirements AA- T subject areas include:

Both the Associate of Arts and the Associate of Sciences • Anthropology
degrees require a minimum of 60 units with a 2.0 or better • Art History
grade-point average (GPA). At least 12 units must be in resi- • Communication Studies
dence at Rio Hondo College. Non-degree applicable course- • Economics
work will not be included in the total number of units earned • Elementary Teacher Education
toward a major. • English
• History
The degree of Associate of Arts or Associate of Science will be • Journalism
conferred with a major consisting of a minimum of 18 units in
a specified field of study (or major). A listing of all majors can

48 / Rio Hondo College 2016-17 Catalog

• Kinesiology (Exemption may be granted to those students physically
• Philosophy unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are
• Political Science available in the Health Office.) Students who have completed
• Psychology a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from
• Sociology an accredited institution are automatically waived from this
• Spanish requirement. Students with honorable discharge DD214
• Studio Arts paperwork will be awarded two 1-unit PE activity courses.
• Theatre Arts
4. American Institutions Requirement*-Minimum of
Associate Degree for Transfer - one course:
Reciprocity Policy HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 158, 159, 159H, 170
POLS 110 or 110H
Students who have fulfilled a specific course requirement or
entire area of an AA-T/AS-T degree at a California Commu- 5. Natural Sciences with Lab (a lab must be
nity College will be considered to have met those require- included)- Minimum 3 units:
ments at Rio Hondo College for the same degree. Students ANTH 101, 101H, &101L
must initiate the review process with a counselor and must ASTR 110, 110H & 112
mail official transcripts to the RHC Office of Admissions. BIOL 101, 105 & 105L, 111 & 111L, 112, 120 & 120L
CHEM 110, 120, 130
Associate of Arts Degree or GEOG 101 & 101L
Associate of Science Degree GEOL 150 & 151
General Education Requirements PHY 120, 150, 160, 211, 212, 213

The following general education requirements for an 6. Social and Behavioral Sciences - Minimum 3 units:
Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree must be ANTH 102, 103, 104, 110, 115, 125
completed and are part of the 60 units required for the CD 106, 208
degree. CHST 101, 146, 148, 150
1. Competence in reading and written expression may be ECON 101, 101H, 102, 102H, 106, 135
met by the following: GEOG 102, 103
a. The reading requirement may be met by one of the following: HIST 101, 102, 122, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 158, 159,
i. An appropriate score on the Reading Placement Test 159H, 167, 170
or multiple measures assessment HUM 130
ii. Credit (“P” grade) earned in READ 023 PHIL 128
iii. 2 or 4 year degree from a regionally accredited POLS 110, 110H, 125, 128, 130, 135, 140, 150
institution PSY 101, 101H, 112, 114
b. The written expression requirement may be met by one of the SOC 101, 101H, 102, 105, 110, 114, 116, 120, 127, 148
following:
i. Credit earned in ENGL 101 with a grade of “C” or 7. Humanities
better A. Fine Arts – Minimum 3 units:
ii. A satisfactory score on the CSU English ART 101, 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109,
Equivalency Exam (to be determined by the 110, 112, 113, 115, 120, 130, 135, 140, 179
Division of Communications and Languages) DANC 179, 199
iii. Students earning a “C” or better in freshman
composition courses (3 or more semester/4 or MUS 101, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136
more quarter units) from regionally accredited U.S. PHTO 190
colleges and universities. THTR 101, 105, 105H, 110
iv. Advanced Placement examination scores of 3,
4, or 5 on either of the following exams: AP English B. Humanities – Minimum 3 units:
Language & Composition or English Literature & ASL 149
Composition. CHIN 101, 102
v. CLEP examination scores of 50 or higher on one of CHST 146
the following exams: College Comp, College ENGL 126, 131
Comp Modular, English Comp (if taken prior to FR 101, 102, 201, 202
July ’10). HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 158,
159, 159H, 167, 170
2. Competence in mathematics may be met by one of the
following: HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H,
a. Credit (“C” grade or better) in MATH 060 (Geometry), JAPN 101, 102
MATH 070 (Intermediate Algebra) or MATH 072 LATN 101, 102
(The Mathematics of Money), MATH 073 (Fast-Track
Intermediate Algebra) or a higher level math course LIT 102, 102H, 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114,
b. Demonstrate proficiency by a satisfactory score on the Rio 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H, 140, 140H, 141, 142,
Hondo College Math Proficiency Exam 142H, 144A, 144B, 145, 145H, 146A, 146AH,
c. Advanced Placement examination scores of 3, 4 or 5 146B, 146BH, 147, 148, 149
on either of the following exams: AP Calculus AB or AP MSCM 128
Calculus BC or AP Statistics. PHIL 101, 101H, 120, 124, 126, 135, 140
d. CLEP examination scores of 50 or higher on one of SPAN 101, 102, 130, 131, 201, 201H, 202
the following exams: Calculus, College Algebra, College SPCH 130, 132
Algebra-Trig, and Trigonometry
8. Language and Rationality
A. English Composition–Minimum 3 units:
ENGL 101

3. Physical Education-Minimum 2 classes. B. Communication and Analytical Thinking
Any two physical education or dance activity courses. – Minimum 3 units:
CIT 101, 115, 120, 125, 135

2016-2017 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 49