The Community Colleges of Ventura County District Board of Trustees Area 1 Mr. Stephen P. Blum, Esq. Area 2 Ms. Cheryl Heitmann, Trustee Area 3 Dr. Larry O. Miller, Chair Area 4 Mr. Robert O. Huber, Vice Chair Area 5 Mr. Arturo D. Hernández, Trustee Student Trustee Ms. Lorraine Hawes District Administrators Chancellor Chief Executive Officer Dr. James M. Meznek Vice Chancellor Business & Administrative Services Ms. Sue Johnson Associate Vice Chancellor, Human Resources Ms. Patricia Parham College Administrators President, Moorpark College Dr. Eva Conrad President, Oxnard College Dr. Richard Durán President, Ventura College Dr. Robin Calote Students on the VC Campus 2007 • 2008 General Catalog and Announcement of Courses Ventura College 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003 (805) 654-6400, 986-5855, 378-1500, 656-0546 www.venturacollege.edu Ventura College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission forCommunity and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schoolsand Colleges, 10 Commercial Boulevard, Suite 204, Novato, CA 94949, (415) 506-0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Councilfor Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. The College Catalog is available in alternate formats upon request from theEducational Assistance Center, (805) 654-6300. Ventura College has made every reasonable effort to insure that the information provided in this general Catalog is accurate and current. However, this document should not be considered anirrevocable contract between the student and Ventura College. The content is subject to change. The College reserves the right to make additions, revisions, or deletions as may be necessary due to changes in governmental regulations, district policy, or college policy, procedures, orcurriculum. The College will make every reasonable effort to inform students of significant changesthat occur after publication of this document. Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 1 2007 Ventura College graduates and AGS Honor Society members. FROM THE PRESIDENT As the President of Ventura College, I am pleased to welcome you to our college. Through the 2007-2008 Catalog, we are proud to showcase our innovative instructional programs and support services, outstanding faculty and staff, and beautiful campus! Students attending our comprehensive College can earn associate’s degrees or complete certificates in more than 75 programs, learn a new profession or sharpen their vocational skills, all while participating in student activities, leadership opportunities, and athletics. More than 12,500 students enroll at Ventura College every semester. With our students ranging from high school students earning early college credits to retirees exploring new fields, and all those in between who are pursing degrees, sharpening their professional skills, or just learning more about a topic of personal interest, we continue to provide educational programs that will meet the life-long learning and employment aspirations of our diverse student population. A very successful transfer institution, we have transfer agreements with five California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) campuses, which ensures acceptance to those campuses by students who meet the institution’s requirements. We are among the top 25% of all California Community Colleges (CCCs) transferring students to the UC system, and in the top third of CCCs transferring students to the CSU system. In 2005-2006, the most recent year for which statistics are available, we were in the top three in the state for community colleges with enrollment between 10,500 and 12,500 in transferring students to both the CSU and the UC systems. Officially designated a Hispanic-serving institution by the U.S. Department of Education, we are nationally recognized for our success rate in awarding associate’s degrees to Hispanic students. Ventura College has long served the residents of Ventura County, both historically as the first college in the county and through our extensive partnerships with industry and government. We received more than $4 million in state and federal grants and foundation awards this year, which allows us to develop new programs, such as our joint efforts with high school students interested in environmental technology and industrial and technical work, and to enhance our current vocational and academic offerings. Our $117 million face-lift from the passage of bond Measure S continues. The Sports Complex is in its final stages of completion and the one-stop Student Services Center will be opening soon. Three new buildings, the Advanced Technology Center, a general purposes classroom building, and the Health Sciences Building, are in the design stages. To ensure student success, Ventura College offers a full complement of support services and flexible scheduling at a variety of locations, including the Ventura campus, the East Campus in Santa Paula, and other sites in Ventura, Santa Paula, Ojai and Fillmore. We also offer a full range of general education and CSU transferable online courses. In addition, we offer all graduating Ventura County high school students and recipients of the GED their first year enrollment fees free through The Ventura College Promise, a program funded through the generosity of the Ventura College Foundation. On behalf of the administration, faculty and staff of Ventura College, welcome! We wish you every success in your academic endeavors. Robin Calote, Ed.D. President Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 Ventura College Catalog 2007-2008 The “Beach” in the Learning Resources Center offers access to the latest technology. TABLE OF CONTENTS College Philosophy.....................................................................................................6 General Information .................................................................................................... 9 Campus Telephone Numbers ...................................................................................... 11 Admissions Information.............................................................................................. 13 Academic Calendar .................................................................................................... 21 Academic Policies ...................................................................................................... 22 Instructional Support Services....................................................................................29 Student Services ........................................................................................................ 31 Special Programs ....................................................................................................... 37 Degrees, Programs, Transfer Information .................................................................... 39 Announcement of Courses.......................................................................................... 57 Credit Courses and Degrees ....................................................................................... 61 Non-credit Courses .................................................................................................... 217 Faculty and Administration..........................................................................................218 Appendices: Student Conduct Code ......................................................................................... 225 Student Grievance Procedure ............................................................................... 227 Privacy Rights Governing Student Records...........................................................228 Academic Freedom .............................................................................................. 229 Solicitation........................................................................................................... 229 Publicity Code and Information Dissemination ...................................................... 230 Use of Student Image, Likeness or Voice Captured at Public Events ...................... 230 Parking & Campus Traffic.....................................................................................230 Equal Opportunity Statement................................................................................232 Student’s Right-to-Know Completion and Transfer Rates ...................................... 232 Policy on Harrassment/Discrimination .................................................................. 233 Sexual Assault ..................................................................................................... 235 Student Financial Services ................................................................................... 238 Student’s Right-to-Know Campus Security and Crime Awareness.........................241 Glossary of College Terms..........................................................................................242 Index.......................................................................................................................... 244 Maps ......................................................................................................................... 246 CREDITS Cover Design & Photo Production – Barbara Harvey Photos – Liza Cansino, Robert Chaparro, Barbara Harvey, Rebecca Santillian Hull, Alisa Sparkia Moore, Abra Paudler, Jay Varela and all photos of scholarship winners by Fernando Flores Production – Christina L. Garcia Coordinator – Alisa Sparkia Moore Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 Ventura College Catalog 2007-2008 COLLEGE PHILOSOPHY Vision * We believe in the power of education to change the lives and economic futures of our students and their communities. * We succeed when our students can apply what they have learned to create new knowledge, to engage in meaningful employment, and to actively participate as informed members of society. * We celebrate the power and diversity of ideas, cultures, races, lifestyles, and learning styles. * We expand educational opportunities and enrich the learning environment through traditional classroom instruction, distance education technologies, experiential learning, and meaningful co-curricular activities. We have a passion for excellence, and hold ourselves and our students to the highest standards * of conduct and performance. Mission The mission of Ventura College is: to offer academic and vocational programs leading to the completion of associate degrees or certificates; to prepare students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities; to provide remediation to those who need to improve their basic skills; to support the state and region’s economic viability through workforce development; and to provide continuing education opportunities that enhance personal growth and life enrichment. The college serves high school graduates and others who are able to benefit from the academic and vocational opportunities it offers. Courses are provided using both traditional and distance learning delivery systems. The faculty and staff of Ventura College are committed to student success and strive to create an environment of continuous improvement through the establishment of measurable and/or observable student learning outcomes that can be used to assess student performance, improve instructional and service delivery, and guide institutional decision-making. Ventura College Catalog 2007-2008 Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 Statement of Values The Ventura College community is committed to following a set of enduring core Values that guide it through changing times. * Respect We believe in the personal dignity and full potential of every individual and in fostering positive human values in the classroom and in all our interactions. * Integrity We are committed to maintaining an open, honest and ethical environment. * Quality We are dedicated to achieving excellence in the broad range of academic programs and services we provide to our students and the community. * Collegiality We are committed to creating a professional and supportive environment where students, faculty, and staff can achieve personal growth and fulfillment. * Access We believe it is essential to provide and nurture learning opportunities for all individuals. * Innovation We recognize that change is constant and that it is imperative that we continually evaluate our performance and seek new and improved approaches to providing educational programs and services. * Diversity We are dedicated to embracing and responding to our increasingly diverse student body. Service * Ventura College values its importance to the community and is dedicated to enhancing the community’s quality of life and to meeting its needs. * Collaboration We believe that better results are achieved by working together, whether as colleagues on College issues and decisions or by actively seeking to form partnerships with other organizations to address mutual Goals. Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 Ventura College Catalog 2007-2008 Students enjoy free pizza on ASVC Club Day. GENERAL INFORMATION Accreditation Ventura College is one of California’s 109 public community colleges and is subject to the legal provisions of the state. Ventura College is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. U.S. Department of Education, General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) Ventura College (VC) is in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, and welcomes students for admission to any course of study for which they are otherwise qualified without regard to age, marital status, race, color, creed, gender, sexual preference, national origin, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. VC embraces both the letter and the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. VC fully informs students of the availability of services to ensure equitable access. Access information is disseminated in both printed and electronic form throughout the College’s expansive service area. College Services At Ventura College, there is a strong commitment to equal opportunity for all students who choose to attend and can profit from the educational courses and programs. All people are welcome to the college family. Various offices and associations promote the efforts of underrepresented people to become students. Students interested in assistance from these support groups and offices may make the appropriate contact. The Advantages of a Community College Ventura College offers students some very special opportunities not found at four-year colleges and universities. We put students and teaching first, with smaller classes and more individual attention from staff, counselors, and instructors. We are the convenient equivalent to lower division university studies and provide smooth and secure transfer to four-year schools. We welcome all students, whether just out of high school or returning to school after a period of work or home responsibilities. Any student who can benefit from our classes is welcome to attend. We are the obvious “best-buy” in higher education—fees are low, quality is high. College and the Community Though Ventura College draws students from other California regions, as well as other states and foreign countries, there is a particularly strong bond between the campus and the communities which surround it. For decades, Ventura College stood alone as the only postsecondary institution in the county, and, as a result, the College counts as friends, supporters, and alumni, thousands of people from across the Oxnard plain and the Santa Clara, Ojai, Conejo and Simi Valleys. In many of these areas, but particularly in the west county, Ventura College is known as “the College.’’ Today, Ventura College maintains the same strong commitments with its community. The performances of College drama, music, opera, dance, and athletic groups and teams draw enthusiastic support from the community, as do professional and student artists who exhibit in the two College galleries. In addition to these Curricular activities, special noncredit courses and other events, performances, and excursions keep the community focused on the College as an exciting cultural and recreational center. In 1981, the Ventura College Foundation was established by the College President and a group of education-minded business and professional people from the community. The purpose of the Foundation is to support the goals and services of the College by building and shaping community support. By the end of 1986, the Foundation’s base of support had grown to the point where it appointed an executive director, and set as a capital project goal a new campus building to house tutoring and testing services in addition to providing a place for community meetings. Guthrie Hall was dedicated in November 1989. The Foundation continues to build support for its ongoing projects of student scholarships, staff study grants and program support. If you would like to be part of the tradition, call the Foundation at (805) 654-6461 and become involved. Alumni Association The Ventura College Alumni & Friends Association was created to foster a spirit of friendship and philanthropy among alumni and friends for scholarships, newsletters, reunions, and special events. For additional information, contact the Ventura College Foundation at (805) 654-6461, or visit the Web site www.venturacollege.edu/ foundation/index.htm History Community college education in Ventura County began in 1925 when a junior college department was added at Ventura Union High School, on the site now occupied by Cabrillo Middle School. In 1952, responding to recommendations from a commissioned study concerning population growth and building needs, the Ventura High School District adopted a 3-3-2 organization. Ventura Junior College became Ventura College, a two-year institution for the freshman and sophomore years of college. In 1955, the College moved to its present 112-acre hillside campus at 4667 Telegraph Road in the eastern part of Ventura. The current student enrollment of the College for day and evening classes both on-campus and off-campus (Fillmore, Ojai, Piru, Santa Paula) is approximately 12,000. The East Campus has been added in Santa Paula. The citizens of Ventura County voted in 1962 to form a community college district separate from any other public school entity. Ventura College has since grown into a comprehensive community college serving a diverse population of college-age and adult students who pursue a wide variety of transfer, vocational, and other educational goals. Today the Ventura County Community College District includes two additional colleges—Moorpark and Oxnard. The District Offices are centrally located in Camarillo. In March 2002, the Ventura County voters approved a $356 million general obligation bond to renovate and expand all three campuses and the District training facilities for police, fire, and sheriff’s officers. The first Ventura College building using bond funds was the Library and Learning Resources Center which opened in January 2005. The new Student Services Center and the Ventura College Sports Complex are currently under construction. Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 General Information VC Women’s basketball player shoots the layup. (photo by René Ponce) PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY Over the past 80 years, Ventura College has had exemplary leadership. That leadership was provided by: H.O. Wise .......................... 1925-1928 Melrowe Martin .................. 1928-1929 Amos E. Clark .................... 1929-1931 D.R. Henry ......................... 1931-1953 Hugh Price......................... 1953-1956 Phil Putnam ....................... 1956-1960 Ed Rowins ......................... 1960-1966 Richard E. Loehr ................ 1967-1974 Dr. Richard A. Glenn........... 1974-1985 Dr. Robert W. Long............. 1985-1992 Dr. Jesus Carreón............... 1992-1995 Dr. Larry A. Calderón .......... 1995-2004 Dr. Robin Calote...............2005-current ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES President................................................................ 654-6460 Executive Vice President of Student Learning ............ 654-6464 Vice President of Business Services......................... 654-6354 OFFICES OF THE DEANS Arts and Sciences ................................................... 654-6339 Business, Community Education, Off-Campus Programs ......................................... 654-6368 Community and Economic Development .... 654-6400 ext. 3143 Criminal Justice, Technology, Music and Reserve Academy ......................................... 654-6470 Distance Education ................................................. 654-6452 Evening Supervisor ................................................. 654-6483 Health and Human Performance ............................... 654-6348 Liberal Arts and Learning Resources ........................ 654-6468 Student Development .............................................. 654-6455 EAST CAMPUS East Campus at Santa Paula .................................... 525-7136 IMPORTANT CAMPUS PHONE NUMBERS For general information call: From Ventura, Ojai, Saticoy, all others not specifically listed: (805) 654-6400, (805) 656-0546. From Oxnard, Camarillo, Port Hueneme: (805) 986-5855 - connect to Ventura College From Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Agoura: (805) 378-1500 - connect to Ventura College Admissions and Records...........................................654-6457 Assessment / Testing Center .....................................654-6402 Bilingual College Services..........................................654-6484 Bookstore.................................................................654-6485 Business Services.....................................................654-6354 CalWORKs................................................................648-8903 Campus Police..........................................................654-6486 Career Center............................................................654-6411 Child Development Center..........................................648-8930 Community Education ...............................................654-6459 Counseling Center.....................................................654-6448 East Campus ............................................................525-7136 Educational Assistance Center (formerly Disabled Students Center) .......................654-6300 TDD only...............................................................642-4583 Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS)....................................................654-6302 Financial Aid Office ...................................................654-6369 Human Resources.....................................................654-6465 Institute of Comm. and Prof. Development ..................648-8904 International Student Center .......................................654-6323 Learning Center ........................................................654-6320 East Campus Branch .............................................525-7136 Library .....................................................................654-6482 East Campus Branch .............................................525-7136 Math Center............................................... 654-6400 ext.3255 Matriculation Office ...................................................654-6493 Public Relations........................................................654-6462 Re-entry and Women’s Center ...................................654-6365 Reserve Academy .....................................................987-7413 Scholarships (Foundation).........................................654-6461 Student Activities Office.............................................654-6487 Student Business Office.............................................654-6488 Student Business Fax.............................................648-8950 Student Health Center................................................654-6346 Student Payroll ...........................................654-6400 ext.1351 Transfer Center.........................................................654-6473 Tutoring Center.........................................................648-8926 East Campus Branch .............................................525-7136 Ventura College Foundation........................................654-6461 Veteran’s Affairs .......................................................654-6457 Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 General Information Scholarship winning musicians entertain for the Foundation scholarship dinner. ADMISSIONS INFORMATION Eligibility Admission to Ventura College is open to any California resident who possesses a high school diploma or equivalent (certificate of proficiency, GED), any adult 18 years of age or older who may benefit from instruction offered, and any person who is an apprentice as defined in Section 3077 of the Labor Code. Exceptions are considered by petition for special admissions programs noted elsewhere in this section. High school graduates under 18 years of age shall provide an official transcript verifying their graduation or its equivalent. Students entering any of the public community colleges of California are subject to the residency requirements as determined by the state of California. A student who is a resident of another state may be admitted under conditions stipulated by the governing board and on payment of nonresident tuition, enrollment, health fees and other applicable fees. A student who is a citizen and resident of another country (international student) may be admitted under conditions stipulated by the governing board and on payment of an application processing fee, nonresident tuition and foreign student surcharge, enrollment, health fees and other applicable fees. Consult the “Fees” section and “Appendix XIII” of this catalog for more information on nonresident tuition, fees and refunds. The right of a student to attendany community college inthis District is conditioned by certain admissions and residency qualifications as provided by law. Students disqualified from other institutions must petition to be admitted by the Office of the Registrar. Further information is listed under residency requirements. Admission Procedures New Students: Students attending Ventura College for the first-time must file an application for admission and attend a new student orientation, assessment and advisement session. Apply online at www.venturacollege.edu/apply. Applications may also be filed in person at the Admissions Office. Students who complete orientation, assessment and advisement activities will be eligible for an early registration date. Continuing Students: Students who have attended within the last year must update personal information (address, phone) and academic goal information before they register each semester. This may be done online when you register, or in-person at the Admissions Office before your registration appointment date. Returning Students: Students who are returning to Ventura College after an absence of one year must file an Application for Admission in-person or online at www.venturacollege.edu/ apply All Students: Must have official transcripts of all previous high school, college, and university coursework sent to the Admissions Office. Additional information is provided under Transcript Requirements, (see page 17). WebSTAR: Online Student Services Students may access the following student services online at www.venturacollege.edu by clicking on Student Central: . Apply for Admission . Check registration appointments . View Registration Calendars . Register for classes . Search for classes using the “Searchable Schedule,” customize the search with available options . Add and drop classes . Pay fees with Visa or Mastercard . Change your mailing address and phone numbers . Change your PIN to a personalized PIN . Update your major and educational goals . View your class schedule . View your academic records (courses, units, GPA) . View unpaid fees and holds . Check your progress toward a degree, certificate or transfer . Print an official enrollment verification . Access course information and drop deadlines Registration Procedures Ventura College offers registration online and in person. All students must have an application on file, and must have completed or waived the three student matriculation activities of orientation, assessment and advisement before they receive a registration appointment. Registration appointments are available online at least one week prior to the beginning of registration. .Registration Calendar is available online and in the printed Schedule of Classes each semester. .Register online at www.venturacollege.edu/register .In person at the Admissions Office. .Late Registration and Program Adjustment: begins on the first day of instruction. See the Registration Calendar for more information about deadlines for full-and short-term classes. .Registration in a Closed Class: During the registration period before a semester or session begins, students may have the option of placing themselves on a waitlist for most closed classes. See “Waitlist for Closed Class” information below. Registration in a closed class as of the first day of the semester always requires permission of the instructor, and must be completed by the end of the Late Registration and Program Adjustment period. Attend the first available class meeting, get an “Authorization to Add Code” from the instructor, and register for the class online using webSTAR, or in-person at the Admissions Office. This process also applies to students who are still on a waitlist as of the first class meeting. .Waitlist for Closed Class: Students will have the option of placing themselves on a waitlist for most closed classes. Waitlisted students will be moved into seats that become available during the registration period. All students who are still on the waitlist as of the first day of instruction must attend the first class meeting to take advantage of their priority on the waitlist. Follow the procedures for “Registration in a Closed Class” above. Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 Admissions Information Residency Requirements The determination of legal California residence is a complex matter. Students will be required to present various kinds of documentation for purposes of the final determination. All questions as to legal residence and the exceptions allowed under California law shall be directed to the Admissions and Records Office. The right of a student to attend any public community college in California is conditioned by certain residency qualifications set forth in the California Education Code. Residence determination is based on state and federal law, and is subject to change without prior notification. California Residents To qualify as a California resident, a student must have legally resided in California for one year and one day prior to the beginning of the semester he or she is planning to attend, and must have taken actions that express intent to establish California residence. Students who have lived in California for more than one year but less than two years will be asked to show proof of legal California residence. The burden of proof lies with the student, who must present documentation of both physical presence in the state for at least one year and one day, and intent to establish permanent California residence. Failure to present such proofs will result in a nonresident classification for admission and tuition purposes. A list of acceptable proof documents is available from the Admissions and Records Office. Students who are former residents of California and have been absent from the State, but who attended a California high school for three years and graduated from a California high school may be eligible for exemption from the requirement to pay nonresident tuition fees while they reestablish their legal residence in the State. Contact the Admissions and Records Office for more information on AB540. Nonresidents A nonresident is a student who has not lived in California continuously for one year and one day prior to the beginning of the semester he or she is planning to attend, or who is unable to present proof of intent to establish permanent California residency. Students classified as nonresidents shall pay nonresident tuition fees in addition to mandatory enrollment and health fees. Conduct inconsistent with a claim for California residence includes but is not limited to: . being an actively registered voter in another state . petitioning for divorce in another state . attending an out-of-state educational institution as a resident of that state . declaring nonresident status for California state income tax purposes . maintaining a driver’s license or vehicle registration from another state International Students International students (F1, F2, M1, M2 visas) and persons who hold nonimmigrant visas including but not limited to visa types B, C, D, H2, H3, J, O, P, Q1, TN, TD, TWOV, U, WB, WT are citizens and residents of another country. Eligibility for admission is determined by the type and current status of the visa. If eligible for admission, students present in the United States under these visa types are classified as International students and required to pay nonresident tuition fees in addition to the mandatory enrollment and health fees for each semester of attendance. Contact the International Student Office for more information. Students who hold certain types of nonimmigrant visas approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service or INS) may be eligible for admission as well as residence classification for tuition purposes. Visa types eligible to establish residence include: A, E, G, H1B, HIC, H4, I, K, L, N, NATO, O1, O3, Q2, Q3, R, S, T, V. Proof of current visa status must be submitted. Contact the International Student Office for more information. Students residing in the United States who do not possess a visa or other documentation issued by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services may be eligible for exemption from the requirement to pay nonresident tuition fees. The student must have attended a California high school for at least three years and graduated from a California high school. Contact the Admissions and Records Office for more information on AB540. This exemption does not apply to students who hold nonimmigrant visas. Military Personnel and Dependents Military personnel who are stationed in California on active duty are exempt from the requirement to pay nonresident tuition for the duration of their active duty assignment to California. Eligibility for the exemption does not mean the individual is classified as a California resident. Persons eligible for the exemption may not be eligible for certain types of financial aid or assistance. The exemption does not apply to members of the armed forces assigned to California solely for educational purposes. Spouses and dependents of military personnel who meet the above description are also exempt from the requirement to pay nonresident tuition. Eligibility for the exemption does not mean an individual is classified as a resident. Persons eligible for the exemption may not be eligible for certain types of financial aid or assistance. The exemption applies only to dependents whose sponsor is assigned to California on active duty. The exemption may not apply to any military personnel or dependant who already possesses a bachelor’s degree or higher. 2006 VC Swim Team was 2nd in the state. 14 Admissions Information Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 Minors as Special Admission Students In accordance with the California Education Code, minors may be permitted to take college courses under very specific circumstances. The intent of Special Admissions is to provide minors who can benefit from advanced scholastic and vocational education the opportunity to take college-level courses that are not available through their primary school or other alternatives. Ventura College permits high school students to enroll in Ventura College courses as Special High School Admission students. The College may admit other minors, in accordance with the California Education Code, who can demonstrate the ability to benefit from advanced (college-level) scholastic and vocational education. Special High School Admission and Special K-8 Admission Students are required to complete and submit an application for college admission (online or in person), a Special Admission packet that includes the Recommendation for Special Admission (required every semester), Memorandum of Understanding, a transcript (high school students), a letter from the principal attesting to the student’s ability to benefit from advanced scholastic or vocational education (through grade 8), and may be requested to provide additional documentation as needed. K-8 students are also required to obtain the instructor’s written permission (signed add slip). Parents and students applying for Special Full-time Admission status must contact the Registrar’s Office. See information following regarding this category of special admission. All packets and forms are available from the high schools, the College Web site or Admissions Office. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, once a student is attending an institution of postsecondary education, all rights pertaining to the inspection, review and release of his/her educational records belong to the student without regard to the student’s age. Therefore, all students, regardless of age, must provide written consent for release of their transcripts. For more information, see the Student Privacy section in this Catalog. Fees Special High School Admission students and other minors in Special Admission status who are enrolled in 11 or fewer units, are exempt from paying the enrollment fee. Nonresident tuition, health fee, student center fee, and materials fees (if applicable) still apply. No fee exemption applies if enrollment in more than 11 units is approved. Special High School Admission Students Such students are actively enrolled in at least a minimum day at high school, and are requesting to take college courses concurrently. After first semester, student must submit the Recommendation for Special Admission form each term at registration. Special High School Admission students register in-person on an assigned day as noted on the registration calendar in the Schedule of Classes or online at: www.venturacollege.edu/calendars Special K-8 Admission Students Such students are enrolled in grades K-8 and have provided the required documentation supporting that they can benefit from advanced scholastic and vocational education. Documentation may consist of a letter from their primary school principal (required); official confirmation that the student is a GATE (gifted and talented) student; test results from the Ventura College Assessment tests; other forms of documentation may be considered. After first semester, student must submit the Recommendation for Special Admission form and written permission from college instructors each term at registration. Written permission consists of a signed add slip. Special Admission students register in-person on or after the first day of the semester. Special Full-Time Admission Students As provided for in the California Education Code, a parent or guardian may petition Ventura College on behalf of a person who is under 18 years of age, not a high school graduate, no longer enrolled in a public school, and determined by the College to be able to benefit from advanced (college-level) scholastic and vocational education. Admission to Ventura College will only be considered upon determination that the parent and student have exhausted all possible alternatives offered by the public school district in which the student would normally be enrolled, and may require that the student obtain permission from the administration of that district for a leave of absence. Students applying under this status are required to enroll in and maintain full-time status in every term they attend as Special Full-Time Admission students. Failure to maintain full-time status may result in probation or dismissal. They must complete an application for college admission, provide transcripts from the last high school attended and submit a petition for Special Full-Time Admission then, complete the college matriculation process, see a Ventura College counselor and the Registrar. Additional documentation may be required to determine the ability to benefit from college-level coursework. Special Full-Time Admission students register in-person during walk-in registration. College Board Advanced Placement Credit Students who complete special advanced placement courses in high school and who earn scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement examinations taken before high school graduation will receive credit towards graduation at Ventura College for each such test completed with the required scores. An official copy of test scores must be submitted to the Admissions and Records Office. Students granted credit for advanced placement exams will not earn credit towards a Ventura College degree for duplicated college courses. Students should see a counselor before taking courses which appear to duplicate advanced placement tests. The specific unit value assigned to each examination and the applicability of this credit to the College’s general education requirements are available from college counselors. Other colleges or universities have different policies concerning advanced placement and may offer a different number of units or consider different courses as comparable courses. It is also possible that other colleges and universities may not honor Ventura College transcript entries which award advanced placement credit for particular tests. Students planning to transfer should discuss the use of AP scores for meeting transfer requirements with their college counselor. Credit for Military Service The colleges of the Ventura County Community College District will recognize and grant credit to service personnel for formal educational training completed in the United States armed forces provided such credit is not a duplication of work taken previously. Service personnel may be allowed credit for formal service school courses offered by the United States military service recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the armed services of the American Council on Education. The credit allowed will be based upon the recommendations specified in the Guide. The maximum amount of credit which may be allowed toward satisfaction of college requirements shall be 12 units. Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 Admissions Information Service personnel will be allowed full advanced standing credit for college level courses completed under the auspices of the Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) or the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) as recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the armed services of the American Council on Education. Service personnel will be allowed full advanced standing credit for college-level courses completed at the Naval Construction Training Center (NCTC) at Port Hueneme based upon the recommendations of the Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education of the American Council of Education. Such credit will be treated in the same manner and under the same policies as allowing credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Any work completed at a regionally accredited college or university by service personnel while in military service and for which the college or university issues a regular transcript showing the credits allowable toward its own degrees, will be allowed advanced standing credit toward the associate degree in the same manner as if the student had pursued the courses as a civilian. Service personnel should be aware that other colleges and universities may have different policies concerning credit for military educational training. There is no assurance that the granting of these units by the colleges of this district will be accepted by other institutions of higher education. Students must submit an official transcript of military course work to the Admissions and Records Office for evaluation. Contact the Admissions and Records Office for more information. Ventura College Matriculation MATRICULATION Matriculation is a partnership which results in an agreement between Ventura College and the student for the purpose of defining and realizing the student’s educational goal. This agreement includes responsibilities for both the College and the individual student. This agreement results in a Student Educational Plan. COLLEGE RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: 1. Admissions and Records -provides an admissions and records process that will enable the College to collect state- required information on students. This information will be used as a basis for providing services to students. 2. Orientation -provides an orientation process designed to acquaint students with College programs, services, facilities and grounds, academic expectations, and College policies and procedures. 3. Assessment -provides an assessment process using multiple measures to determine academic readiness in English, reading and math. These assessment results will be used by the College to assist students in the selection of academic courses. Additional assessments are available in areas of study/learning skills and vocational interest. 4. Counseling -provides counseling services to assist students in course selection, development of an individual student educational plan, and use of campus support services. Additional counseling assistance will be provided for students who have not declared an educational goal, are enrolled in basic skills courses, or are on academic probation/dismissal. 5. Follow-up -establishes a process to monitor a student’s progress and provide necessary assistance toward meeting educational goals. 6. Alternative Delivery -Provide modified or alternative services for the matriculation process (if necessary) for ethnic and language minority students and students with disabilities. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: 1. Submit official transcripts from high schools and colleges attended. 2. Acquire and read the College Catalog, Schedule of Classes, handouts, and other student materials which detail College policies and procedures. 3. Indicate at least a broad educational goal upon admission. 4. Declare a specific educational goal after completing a minimum of 15 units. 5. Participate in orientation, assessment, counseling groups and other follow-up support services deemed necessary by the College in order for the student to complete their stated educational goal(s). 6. Attend all classes and complete all course assignments. 7. Complete courses and maintain progress toward their stated educational goals. MUST I PARTICIPATE? A comprehensive assessment process is required for all nonexempt students. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in all the components of the Matriculation process, i.e., orientation, assessment, counseling, and follow-up. You may be exempt from participating in the Matriculation process if you meet the criteria listed as follows: 1. If you hold an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution. 2. If you have completed less than 15 units and your education goal is either: a. To advance in current job/career (update job skills). b. To maintain a certificate or license (e.g., nursing, real estate). c. Educational development (intellectual, cultural). 3. If you are receiving matriculation services at another college and attending a VCCCD campus concurrently, you may be exempt from orientation and counseling. 4. If you provide scores from recently taken VCCCD-approved assessment tests, you may be exempt from the testing portion of assessment. You have the right to postpone or appeal one or more of these activities: Assessment (including math, English and reading testing), orientation, or counseling. If you choose to postpone or appeal one or more of these activities, you may not take part in early registration. If you postpone any activities, you are required to complete them before registration for the following term begins, or you again will be unable to register during early registration. In order to postpone or appeal one or more of these services, you must complete the Postponement or Appeal of Matriculation Services form available in the Admissions and Records Office. 16 Admissions Information Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 Full-Time Student A student is defined as full-time if carrying 12 or more units in a regular semester or 4 units in a summer session. Unit Requirements for Benefits Students are required to enroll in and complete a minimum number of units per semester to qualify for certain benefits, including the following: Most automobile insurance “good student” discounts (3.00 GPA) ...................................................12 units Coverage under most medical insurances ..............12 units Student government participation...........................12 units Social Security benefits ........................................12 units Student Loan Deferments: Full-time required ..........................................12 units Half-time required ...........................................6 units Financial Aid ..........................Contact Financial Aid Office Veteran’s Educational/War Orphan benefits under G.I. Bill: Full subsistence ............................................12 units 3/4 subsistence ..............................................9 units 1/2 subsistence ..............................................6 units Less than 1/2 time, contact the VA specialist in Admissions and Records Office for details regarding eligibility. Obtaining Your VC Transcripts Only the student can initiate release of transcripts. Transcript requests must be made in writing to the College Admissions and Records Office. All students receive two transcripts free of charge; thereafter, the fee is $3.00 for regular processing (a minimum of two weeks) and $5.00 for rush processing. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, once a student is attending an institution of postsecondary education, all rights pertaining to the inspection, review and release of his/her educational records belong to the student without regard to the student’s age. Therefore, all students, regardless of age, must provide written consent for release of their transcripts. For more information, see the appendices “Student Privacy” section in this Catalog. Transcript Requirements ALL NEW, CONTINUING AND RETURNING STUDENTS are required to submit official transcripts from all high schools, colleges and universities they have attended. EXCEPTION: Students do not need to submit transcripts from Moorpark and Oxnard Colleges. The transcripts should be directed to: Ventura College Admissions and Records Office, 4667 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003. Students are encouraged to have their transcripts submitted to Ventura College before enrolling for their first semester, to prevent delays in processing their registration. Transcripts are required for verification that students have met prerequisite requirements with courses from other schools. Special programs with special requirements such as nursing, varsity athletics and financial aid require a student to file all high school and college transcripts to verify eligibility. Ventura College will retain these transcripts in student files in the Counseling Office. The College is not required to maintain files beyond three years except for actively enrolled students. Therefore, students should be aware that records are periodically purged and copies of high school, college and university transcripts are destroyed. Acceptance of Transfer Coursework FROM REGIONALLY ACCREDITED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES: Coursework presented on official transcripts from regionally accredited colleges and universities will normally be granted lower division credit by Ventura College. Exceptions may apply, see a counselor. FROM OTHER ACCREDITED INSTITUTIONS: Coursework presented on official transcripts from nationally or professionally accredited colleges and universities may be eligible for lower division credit from Ventura College based on an approved Petition for Variance, recommendations for lower division baccalaureate credit by the American Council on Education, or other evaluative alternatives utilized by college counselors. All transfer coursework is evaluated based upon the current information and practices specified in the Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education by the American Council on Education. Students transferring to colleges of the Ventura County Community College District are required to declare all previous college attendance. Failure to provide complete information may result in dismissal from the Ventura County Community Colleges. Transfer Credit from Foreign Colleges and Universities Students transferring to the Ventura County Community Colleges from foreign colleges or universities must have their transcripts translated and evaluated by a qualified translation and evaluation agency. Contact the Ventura College International Student Office or Admissions and Records Office for more information regarding credential evaluation criteria. Students must submit official transcripts to a qualified agency and request that the agency forward the official evaluation to the College. Completed coursework will be considered for lower division unit credit only. Requests for equivalent course credit are evaluated on an individual basis by a counselor. This review is based upon the recommendations of the transcript evaluation service and by the appropriate college discipline. Students at ASVC Club Day. Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 Admissions Information International Student DEFINITION -An international student is anyone enrolled in courses in the United States who is neither a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. International students may hold an F-1 student visa or other type of nonimmigrant visa, which require that they remain citizens and residents of their home country. Persons holding any type of nonimmigrant visa should contact the Ventura College International Student Office. PERMANENT RESIDENT -Persons who have been granted a permanent resident card are considered to be United States residents. Persons holding a permanent or temporary resident card, or who have taken steps to obtain permanent resident status by applying to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service) should contact the Admissions and Records Office regarding their resident status for admission and tuition purposes. WHICH INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS MAY ESTABLISH RESIDENCE? Persons holding these visas are eligible to establish residency: 1. A-1, A-2, A-3 Foreign government official or employee, family and servants. 2. E-1, E-2 Treaty trader and treaty investor, spouse, children. 3. G-1, G-2, G-3, Representative of foreign government, officer and G-4, G-5 employee of international organization, family and attendants or servants. 4. H-1, H-4* Temporary worker or trainee, spouse and children. 5. I Representative of foreign information media, spouse and children. 6. K Fiancé and fiancée of U.S. citizen. 7. L-1, L-2 Intracompany transferee, spouse and children. 8. O-1, O-3* International student with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, spouse and children. 9. R Religious Occupations. *Even though dependent children holding an H-4 or O-3 visa are not precluded, their residency status is derived from that of their parents. This list is subject to change based on state and/or federal legislation. See the section on residency reqwuirements for more information. Scholarship winners! WHICH INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS MAY NOT ESTABLISH RESIDENCE? A person is precluded by the Immigration and Nationality Act from establishing residence in the United States if he or she holds a visa of the following type: 1. B-1, B-2 Visitor for business or pleasure. 2. C International student in transit. 3. D-1, D-2 Foreign crew member. 4. F-1, F-2 Academic student, spouse and children. 5. H-2, H-3 Spouse and children of temporary worker or trainee. 6. J-1, J-2 Exchange visitor, spouse and children. 7. M-1, M-2 Nonacademic or vocational student, spouse and children. 8. O-2 International student accompanying and assisting an 0-1 International student with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics. 9. P-1 Internationally recognized athlete or entertainer. 10. P-2 Artist or entertainer entering the United States to perform under a reciprocal exchange program. 11. P-3 Artist or entertainer entering the United States to perform under a program that is culturally unique. 12. P-4 Spouse or child of P-1, P-2 or P-3 International student. 13. Q International cultural exchange program. This list is subject to change based on state and/or federal legislation. See the section on residency requirements for more information. STUDENTS HOLDING A VISA THAT PRECLUDES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RESIDENCE MUST HAVE APPROVAL FROM THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OFFICE PRIOR TO ENROLLING IN CLASSES. LIMITATIONS ON ENROLLMENTS (F-1 VISA ONLY): In order to foster cultural exchange, the District encourages ethnic and national diversity among the International students admitted. Due to the District’s limited financial resources and space, and due to the special educational needs of International students, the Ventura County Community College District reserves the right to limit the number of F-1 International students admitted each year. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WITH AN F-1 STUDENT VISA: 1. Submit a completed Application for Admission and declare an educational objective. Include required application processing fee. See Fees. 2. Provide evidence of adequate proficiency in the use of the English language. Where English was not the language in which their education was acquired, students are required to complete the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a score of at least 450 or produce documentation of equivalent English proficiency. Application deadlines for International Students: • Fall Semester, June 15 • Spring Semester, November 15 • Summer Semester, April 15 For information on the TOEFL, write: Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08540. 18 Admissions Information Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 3. Submit a confidential statement of finance that verifies financial capability for the costs of attending one of the colleges of the district, or affidavits guaranteeing financial support from responsible resident citizens of the United States. 4. Before registration is validated, foreign students must pay the entire nonresident tuition fee and the enrollment fees for the semester. 5. It is expected that applicants will have completed secondary school with a satisfactory academic record. Students must provide certified translated transcripts from secondary schools and colleges previously attended. 6. Submit a health statement by a licensed American physician that verifies general good health and freedom from communicable disease. 7. Provide proof of major medical insurance coverage. If needed, the College can provide information on policies available. PERMISSION TO WORK: (F-1 visa only) According to immigration policy, International students may work 20 hours a week, on- campus only, during their first nine months of study. After the first nine months of study, foreign students may request permission to work off-campus. Contact the International Students Office for information, (805) 654-6313. Fees: ENROLLMENT FEES ARE SET BY THE STATE, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE AND MAY BE RETROACTIVE. ALL OTHER FEES ARE SET BY THE VENTURA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY BOARD ACTION. Enrollment Fee: ..................................... $20.00 per unit 10.00 per 1/2 unit 5.00 per 1/4 unit Health Fee (see details).......................... $16.00 Fall/Spring 13.00 summer Nonresident Tuition: Non-California residents and International students....................... $175.00 per unit International students surcharge............... 14.00 per unit International student application process fee.. ....................................... 50.00 Materials Fees. ............................ As required, see page 20 Remote nonrefundable online registration fee ...................................... 3.00 per sem (Applies to WebSTAR registration) Student Center Fee .................................... 1.00 per unit (maximum of $10 a fiscal year) Audit Fee (non-refundable): Students enrolled in 10 or more credit units................................................no charge Students enrolled in fewer than 10 credit units........................................... 15.00 per unit Note: auditing students also pay the health fee. ASB card (optional) ................................... 6.00 per sem Note: year ends last day of summer session. 10.00 per year Students who owe outstanding fees may not register until their fees are paid and cleared from the computer. Fees / Obligations / Holds CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: California residents must pay the mandated enrollment fee. California residents meeting certain criteria may be eligible for a Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver (BOGW) or other financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid Office, (805) 654-6369. NON-CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: Non-California residents must pay nonresident tuition, plus the enrollment fee, health fee, student center fee, and applicable material fees. You are a nonresident if you have lived in California for less than one year and one day prior to the first day of the semester, or you are unable to present sufficient documentation to prove that you have established California residency. See the College Catalog for residency information on page 14. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: International students must pay enrollment fees, the health fee, nonresident tuition, a student surcharge unless they meet one of the following exemptions as listed pursuant to Ed Code 76141 and 76142: . Student must demonstrate economic hardship. . Student must be a victim of persecution in the country in which the student is a resident; and an application processing fee of $50 which covers the cost of federally-mandated documentation. Nonpayment of Fees All fees are due and payable immediately. Students who do not pay their fees in a timely manner may have one or both of the following actions taken: Be dropped from their classes and required to re-enroll and/or have a financial hold placed against their records, which, until paid will prevent all enrollment, drops, and withdrawals, prohibit access to transcripts, grades, and limit access to certain campus services. Students who drop classes after the refund deadline are held responsible for all fees owed. See the Registration Calendar for the last day to drop with a refund or credit. Health Fees This fee enables us to provide you with a variety of health care services. In accordance with the California Education Code and Board policy, students are required to pay a health fee, regardless of the units taken, unless they meet one of the exemptions listed: . any student who depends exclusively on prayer for healing in accordance with the teachings of a bona fide religious sect, denomination, or organization. Documentary evidence of such an affiliation is required. . students attending college under approved apprenticeship training program, Ed Code 76355. Student Center Fee Students of Ventura College enacted a Student Center fee of $1.00 per unit, up to a maximum of $10.00 per student per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30), for the purpose of financing, constructing, expanding, remodeling, refurbishing and operating a Student Center. The money collected may only be used for this purpose. The fee shall not apply to: a student enrolled in noncredit courses; a student who is a recipient of benefits under Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program; a student on the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP); or a student on a General Assistance Program. Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 Admissions Information Transcript Fee A student may receive two transcripts free of charge. A $3.00 fee will be charged for each additional transcript, and a $5.00 fee per transcript will be charged for rush processing. Normal processing is a minimum of two weeks, and may be longer at the end of the semester. Rush processing is immediate for in-person service or two working days for mailed requests. Transcripts must be requested by the student in writing. See “Obtaining your VC Transcript” in this Catalog for more information (page 17) or online at www.venturacollege.edu Refund Policy Students must drop classes by the credit refund deadline as stated in the Registration Calendar to qualify for a credit or refund of tuition and/or fees. AFTER class(es) have been dropped, application for a refund may be made through the Student Business Office. Credits will NOT be authorized for drops or withdrawals occurring after the deadline date. Enrollment fee refunds are subject, once a semester, to the withholding of a $10 Administrative Fee. To qualify for a refund of parking fees, you must return the original parking permit to the Student Business Office by the deadline. Refund Policy on Tuition and Surcharge (Nonresident / International Students) Application for refunds must be made to the Student Business Office after the class has been dropped. Refund checks will be mailed by the VCCCD District Office after the application is received and processed at the Student Business Office. The following schedule of refunds will be in effect for nonresident students who withdraw from college: Full-semester Length Classes In first and second week 100% tuition In third and fourth week 50% tuition Short-term Classes and Summer Session Withdraw within 10% of class sessions 100% tuition Withdraw within 20% of class sessions 50% tuition No refunds are authorized for drops or withdrawals after the fourth week of a full-term class or 20% of short-term classes. Nonmandatory Fees Nonmandatory fees are the same for day and evening students. Fees are paid at the Student Business Office. Instructional Material Fee - Optional Fee Instructional material fees for certain selected credit or noncredit courses may be required at the time of registration, or the materials may be purchased on your own. If an instructional material fee is required, the amount of the fee is listed beneath the course title in the Schedule of Classes. Authority for the charge is granted under Ventura County Community College District Board Policy 5030. These instructional and other materials include but are not limited to textbooks, tools, equipment and clothing if: (1) The instructional and other materials required for the course have a continuing value to the student outside of the classroom setting, or (2) The instructional and other materials are used in the production of an “end product” that has continuing value to the student outside the classroom setting. See course schedule for instructional material fee costs. Every effort will be made to identify in the Schedule of Classes those courses which may require material fees. A list of all instructional and other materials required in a course will be made available for students no later than the first class meeting each term. The list also will be available in the Division Office and the Bookstore. Fees charged by the College are subject to change at the discretion of the Governing Board. STUDENT BODY (ASB) CARD: $6 per semester, $10 for the school year, ending at the completion of the Summer session. Purchase of an ASB card entitles students to free admission to home athletic events, and reduced rates to dramas, plays, 10% discount on used books and supplies from the College Bookstore, eligibility for college and ASB emergency loans, various associated student-sponsored events, discounts from local merchants and the right to run for an office on the Associated Students Board. TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES: By state law, the College is prohibited from furnishing free textbooks or supplies to students. These items may be purchased in the College Bookstore. Save Your Receipts! No Refunds After Late Registration! STUDENT PARKING FEE: Students may park their vehicles off-campus and in the lot at the west end of the campus by the Child Development Center without paying a parking fee. Disabled drivers with a medical verification of disability, or with a vehicle which displays a disabled person’s plate or a placard issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles are required to register with the Educational Assistance Center for an on-campus special parking permit. Disabled drivers are subject to the same parking fees as nondisabled drivers. All students parking a vehicle on the campus anywhere but the lot referenced above or the timed slots must pay the parking fee listed below, regardless of the number of units for which they are enrolled. Parking fees are subject to change at the discretion of the Governing Board. Automobile: regular sem. / summer sem..............................$40 / $19 BOGW students: regular sem. / summer sem..............................$20 / $19 Motorcycle: regular sem. /summer sem..............................$28/$12 Additional permit, same household must present car registration: regular sem. / summer sem..............................$8 / $7 Replacement permit, requires return of original permit regular sem. / summer sem..............................$7 / $5 Single Day .......................................................... $1 To encourage ridesharing and carpooling, for a student who certifies that he/she regularly has two or more passengers commuting to the College with him/her in the vehicle parked at the College, the fee shall not to exceed thirty dollars ($30) per semester and ten dollars ($10) for Summer session. Students who receive financial assistance pursuant to any of the programs described in subsection (g) of Education Code Section 72252 shall be exempt from parking fees in excess of twenty dollars ($20) per semester for one vehicle. A parking permit is required in all paved lots on campus. CITATIONS WILL BE ISSUED FOR VEHICLES WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT. Ventura College assumes no responsibility for damage to any motor vehicle, theft of its contents, or injury to persons within it, while it is parked or operated on or about the campus. The campus is posted with special parking restrictions in effect and campus traffic and parking regulations are published in the appendices. These provisions are strictly enforced by the campus police department. 20 Admissions Information Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 ACADEMIC CALENDAR www.venturacollege.edu/calendars Ventura College offers two semesters of instruction, Fall and Spring, plus a Summer intersession. Within each semester, we offer short-term courses of varying lengths, which are identified in the semester Schedule of Classes. We also offer a variety of distance-learning classes, which we similarly set out in each semester’s Schedule of Classes. The Schedule of Classes may be accessed online or in print, in English or in Spanish. Please note that the add/drop deadlines set out here apply only to full-semester classes. For deadlines applicable to short-term classes, contact the Admissions and Records Office at (805) 654-7457, or go online to www.venturacollege.edu/deadlines, click on the Searchable Schedule of Classes and click on the CRN # of the specific class for which you need the deadline information. Fall Semester August 20 - December 19, 2007 August 18-19 ....... First day of semester-length traditional Saturday and Sunday classes. August 20............. First day of semester-length traditional classes. First day of late registration. August 31............. Last day to add semester-length classes. Last day to drop a class and qualify for enrollment fee, health, and parking refunds. Last day account credited if dropping classes. No refunds or credits after this date for semester-length classes. September 1-2...... No Saturday/Sunday classes. September 3 ......... Labor Day – Legal Holiday – No classes. September 14 ....... Last dayto drop semester-lengthclasses without a transcript entry. September 21 ....... Last day to declare CR/NC grading option for semester-length classes. November 9.......... Last day to apply for Fall 2007 Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement. November 12........ Veteran’s Day – Legal Holiday – No classes. November 10-11... Saturday/Sunday classes will be held. November 21........ Last day to drop semester-length classes with a “W.” November 22-25... Thanksgiving break – No classes. December 13-19... Final exam week for Fall 2007. Spring Semester January 7 - May 14, 2008 January 7............. First day of semester-length traditional classes. First day of late registration. January 12-13 ...... First day of semester-length traditional Saturday and Sunday classes. January 18 ........... Last day to add semester-length classes. Lastdayto drop a class and qualify for enrollment fee, health, and parking refunds. Last day account credited if dropping classes. No refunds or credits after this date for semester-length classes. January 21 ........... Martin Luther King Holiday – Legal Holiday – No classes. February 1............ Last daytodrop semester-length classes without a transcript entry. February 8 ............ Last day to declare CR/NC grading option for semester-length classes. February 15-18 ..... President’s Day weekend – No classes. March 14.............. No classes. Staff Flex Day. March 15-16 ........ Saturday/Sunday classes will be held. March 17-23 ........ Spring Break. No classes. April 11 ................ Last day to apply for Spring 2008 Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement. April 18 ................ Last day to drop semester-length classes with a “W.” May 8-14 ............. Final Exam week for Spring 2008. May 14................. Graduation. "Pirates" ASVC officers on Halloween Ventura College Catalog 2007 - 2008 Academic Policies ACADEMIC POLICIES Courses Open to Enrollment Each course offered by the Ventura County Community College District and its colleges is open to enrollment and participation by any person who has been admitted to the College and who meets the prerequisites to the class or program, unless specifically exempted by statute. Attendance and Absence All students admitted to Ventura College are expected to attend regularly. Continuity of attendance is necessary to both individual and group progress in any class. Financial support of the College is dependent upon student attendance. Absence for any reason does not relieve the student from the responsibility of completing all requirements of the class. For a returning absentee, the College does not designate an absence as “excused” or “not excused.” It takes the position that, since regular attendance is the student’s responsibility, the instructor may evaluate the absence in terms of class requirements and take whatever reasonable action he or she deems necessary. For credit students, when absence from a class exceeds in number 1/9th of the total class contact hours for the session, the instructor may recommend to the Registrar that such student be dropped from the class and a grade recorded in accordance with the withdrawal from class policy as stated in this Catalog. Classes missed because of late registration are counted toward the number of absences. Students may be suspended or dropped from a class at any time when absences result in missing necessary safety instruction when such instruction is routinely given. When possible, students will be given a warning and/or an opportunity to make up missed instruction. Exclusions of this sort will be made by instructors acting in consultation with their Division Deans. Failure of a student to appear at the first regular meeting of a class may result in exclusion, if the class has reached its assigned enrollment limit and other eligible students are present and are seeking admission to the class. The student may petition for reinstatement when just cause for the absences exists. Such petitions must be presented in writing to the Admissions and Records Office for administrative review. Units of Credit The Carnegie unit formula applies to all credit courses offered by the college, whether degree applicable or not applicable to the associate degree. “One credit hour of community college work is approximately three hours of recitation, study, or laboratory work per week throughout a term of 16 weeks.” Ventura College bases its semester unit on one lecture class period of 50 minutes each week of a minimum 16-week semester. For practical purposes, the following terms are synonymous: unit, semester unit, semester hours, credit, credit hour. For purposes of sections dealing with standards for probation and dismissal, all units attempted means all units of credit for which the student was enrolled in any college or university, regardless of whether the student completed the courses or received any credit or grade. Educational Work Load A student’s educational work load generally consists of fifteen (15) units of work per semester in order to make normal progress towards the AA/