Policies and Regulations

Open Class Policy

Victor Valley College strives to maintain an “open class” policy which allows any person admitted to the college to enroll in any course section. Per Division 6 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations Section 51006 this includes all students who meet such prerequisites as may be established pursuant to Section 55003.

Academic Freedom

Per VVCD Administrative Procedure 4030 (Victor Valley Community District), teachers must be free to think and to express ideas, free to select and employ materials and methods of instruction, free from undue pressures of authority, and free to act within their professional group. Academic freedom should be used judiciously and prudently to the end that it promotes the free exercise of intelligence and student learning.

Academic freedom is not an absolute. It must be exercised within basic ethical responsibilities of the teaching profession.

Student Handbook

Important procedural and policy information is contained in the Student Handbook, which is available to all Victor Valley College students from the VVC website. The Student Handbook includes important information on:

• Activities and Student Life
• College Regulations and Shared Responsibility
• Matriculation and Enrollment Services
• Student Support Services

Student Responsibilities

Student Success is a shared responsibility. Students have a responsibility to understand and follow all college policies and procedures. 

Students should study the schedule of classes as well as this catalog, which provides a wealth of information on admissions, registration, graduation, transfer, and managing and financing a college education.

Students must plan their own education by carefully considering the courses they take and the requirements for the educational degrees and certificates which they seek.

Student responsibilities include the selection of courses which will complete the general education and major requirements of the area in which they are studying.

Students are responsible for doing their best and reaching out when they need support. Counseling and guidance services are available to help students plan and successfully complete their education at Victor Valley College. Support services are available every step of the way.

Student Complaints and Grievances

A student may use the process outlined in VVCD Administrative Procedure 5530 to file an informal complaint or formal grievance if they believe a college decision or action has adversely affected their status, rights, or privileges as a student. A Statement of Complaint shall be filed with the school dean or supervisor within thirty (30) days of the incident upon which the complaint is based. It is the intention of the College to resolve problems at the lowest level possible.

Informal Level

• Step 1: Meet and confer with the person with whom there is a complaint.
• Step 2: If the complaint is not resolved in Step 1, the student may then take the matter, in writing, to the appropriate Department Chair or Supervisor. If the student has not been able to resolve the complaint informally, they may file a Request for Grievance Hearing with the Dean of Student Services within 10 instructional days.

Formal Level - Once a Request for Grievance and all supporting facts and documentation is received by the Dean of Student Services office, a Hearing Panel (including a student representative) will be convened to determine whether a valid grievance exists. Decisions made by the Grievance Hearing Panel may be appealed. All processes must by followed as detailed in VVCD Administrative Procedure 5530, available from the Dean, Student Services office.

Student ID Card

The ASB/Student Identification Card is required for all VVC students and must be presented to access certain classes, computer labs, the weight room, the library, and to ride the Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) bus. It can be obtained in the Student Activities Center, 2nd floor. A current Registration Statement and valid picture ID (driver’s license, CA ID, military ID, current high school ID, or passport) must be presented at the time the card is issued. All fees must be paid prior to receiving an ASB/Student ID Card.

Student Accident Insurance

VVCD Board of Trustees Policy 5205 states that all students who are properly registered at Victor Valley College are provided student accident insurance for accidents which occur in class or during college-sponsored activities such as sporting events. This insurance is secondary to other insurances. If a student is injured, claim forms are available in the Risk Management Office or on the VVC website under Risk Management.

Violence Against Women Act 

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a United States Federal Law signed by President Bill Clinton on September 13, 1994, and renewed in 2005 and again in 2013. It was passed in recognition of the severity of crimes associated with domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Visit the US Department of Justice website for more information. 

In an effort to comply with the law in combating and reducing violence against women in many different areas, Victor Valley College has created a program and policies. More information can be found on our Campus Police website or by visiting the Campus Police Department office on campus.

Student Conduct

Student Conduct Code - Rules and Regulations

Any student found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to disciplinary sanctions. The  following conduct shall constitute good cause for discipline, including but not limited to the removal, suspension, or expulsion of a student per Board Policy 5500.

1. Causing, attempting to cause, or threatening to cause physical injury to another person.
2. Possession, sale or otherwise furnishing any firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous object, including but not limited to any facsimile firearm, knife or explosive, unless, in the case of possession of any object of this type, the student has obtained written permission to possess the item from a district employee, which is concurred in by the college president.
3. Unlawful possession, use, sale, offer to sell, or furnishing, or being under the influence of, any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the California Health and Safety Code, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind; or unlawful possession of, or offering, arranging or negotiating the sale of any drug paraphernalia, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 11014.5.
4. Committing or attempting to commit robbery or extortion.
5. Causing or attempting to cause damage to district property or to private property on campus.
6. Stealing or attempting to steal district property or private property on campus, or knowingly receiving stolen district property or private property on campus.
7. Willful or persistent smoking in any area where smoking has been prohibited by law or by regulation of the college or the District.
8. Sexual assault or sexual exploitation regardless of the victim’s affiliation with the District.
9. Committing sexual harassment as defined by law or by District policies and procedures.
10. Engaging in harassing or discriminatory behavior based on disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law.
11. Engaging in intimidating conduct or bullying against another student through words or actions, including direct physical contact; verbal assaults, such as teasing or name-calling; social isolation or manipulation; and cyberbullying.
12. Willful misconduct which results in injury or death to a student or to college personnel or which results in cutting, defacing, or other injury to any real or personal property owned by the district or on campus.
13. Disruptive behavior, willful disobedience, habitual profanity or vulgarity, or the open and persistent defiance of the authority of, or persistent abuse of, college personnel.
14. 14. Cheating, plagiarism (including plagiarism in a student publication), or engaging in other academic dishonesty as defined in the College Catalog.
15. Dishonesty; forgery; alteration or misuse of college documents, records or identification; or knowingly furnishing false information to the District.
16. Unauthorized entry upon or use of college facilities.
17. Lewd, indecent or obscene conduct on District-owned or controlled property, or at district-sponsored or supervised functions.
18. Engaging in expression which is obscene; libelous or slanderous; or which so incites students as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on District premises, or the violation of lawful District regulations, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the District.
19. Persistent, serious misconduct where other means of correction have failed to bring about proper conduct.
20. Unauthorized preparation, giving, selling, transfer, distribution, or publication, for any commercial purpose, of any contemporaneous recording of an academic presentation in a classroom or equivalent site of instruction, including but not limited to handwritten or typewritten class notes, except as permitted by any District policy or administrative procedure.

Campus Regulations

1. Only officially registered students are allowed to attend classes. Minors or other students who are not registered or do not have permission to be in the class may not remain in the classroom.
2. Students are not permitted to eat or drink in classrooms.
3. Smoking is prohibited in all college buildings or within 20 feet of building entrance.
4. Card playing on Victor Valley College premises is prohibited except in a designated game or recreation area.
5. Only authorized service animals for individuals with disabilities are allowed on Victor Valley College premises. No pets. Visit the Office of Campus Police and Public Safety or ACCESS for more information.
6. Printed materials that are not class-related to be distributed must be approved for distribution by the Office of Student Activities.
7. Students must be fully attired, including shoes, while in the classroom or on Victor Valley College premises.
8. Library books and materials must be returned promptly.
9. Use of audio equipment on Victor Valley College premises is restricted to personal headphones or preapproved authorized activities.
10. Children must be under the supervision of parents at all times.

Violation of Law and Victor Valley College Discipline

1. If a student is charged only with an off-campus violation of federal, state, or local laws, but not with any other violation of this Code, disciplinary action may be taken and sanctions imposed for grave misconduct which demonstrated flagrant disregard for the Victor Valley College community. In such cases, no sanctions may be imposed unless the student has been found guilty in a court of law or has declined to contest such charges, although not actually admitting guilt (e.g., “no contest” or “nolo contendere”).
2. Victor Valley College disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law which is also a violation of this Student Code; for example, if both violations result from the same factual situation, without regard to the pendency of civil litigation in court or criminal arrest and prosecution. Proceedings under this Student Code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off-campus.
3. When a student is charged by federal, state or local authorities with a violation of law, Victor Valley College will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of his, her, or their status as a student. Victor Valley College will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus and in the conditions imposed by criminal courts for the rehabilitation of student violators.

Principle of Progressive Discipline

The campus follows a “progressive” discipline process. Student Complaint-Grievance forms should be completed and forwarded to the appropriate Department Chair/Dean's office. Unless inappropriate conduct is egregious and/or requires intervention by law enforcement, the initial contact will result in a verbal warning. Infractions after an initial meeting may result in short or long-term suspension and/or expulsion.

The following are examples of student conduct which may require immediate law enforcement intervention: providing false information; harassment; sexual harassment; fighting; narcotics possession, use, and/or sale, campus demonstrations; lewd behavior; breach of the peace; forging documents; threats; coercion; discrimination; hazing; issues with firearms/explosives; inciting disruptive behavior; indecent and/or obscene behavior; election tampering; physical abuse; intimidation; endangerment; theft or damage to property; failure to comply; issues related to dangerous/illicit chemicals; disorderly conduct.

Cheating and Plagiarism Defined

The term “cheating” includes, but is not limited to:

• Use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations.
• Dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments, or acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the VVC faculty or staff.
• Cheating, plagiarism (including plagiarism in a student publication), or engaging in other academic dishonesty as defined on the next pages.

The term “plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.

Because VVC is an institution of higher learning, plagiarism and cheating offenses are taken very seriously. A verbal warning may or may not be issued prior to a disciplinary action. Disciplinary actions may include short term or long-term suspension and/or expulsion. The instructor maintains the right to give a verbal warning; give the plagiarized or cheated work a zero and/or an “F”; or report the student for further disciplinary action (see aforementioned actions).

Classroom Discipline

Instructors need to outline classroom rules and behavioral expectations on their syllabus. Examples may include a prohibition on the use of cell phones, the wearing of appropriate lab attire, etc. Faculty may remove students from class for up to two consecutive class meetings for gross misconduct and/or class disruption. Instructors must complete an Inappropriate Student Behavior Form on all removals and forward the form to the Dean of Student Services office and the dean of the area discipline.

An instructor may assign a failing grade on a particular assignment or examination if the student was found to have plagiarized in preparing that assignment or cheated on a particular examination. An instructor cannot automatically fail a student for the entire course where the student is only known to have cheated or plagiarized with respect to one of several assignments that count toward the final grade. An instructor may not administratively drop a student for cheating or plagiarism. A student may only be involuntarily removed from a course due to excessive absences or as a result of a disciplinary action taken pursuant to law or the Student Conduct Code.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Victor Valley Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Board of Trustees is committed to supporting recruitment activities that are intentional, professional development opportunities that are meaningful, and instructional processes that support the goals of equal opportunity, equity, and diversity by providing equal consideration for all qualified candidates including but not limited to federally and state protected class, race, color, national origin, disability (mental and physical, including HIV/AIDS, cancer, and genetic characteristics), ancestry, sex/gender (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion (includes religious dress and grooming practices), age (over 40), marital status, medical condition (genetic characteristics, cancer or a record or history of cancer), military or veteran status, and genetic information.

Reglamento Imparcial de Oportunidad

El Colegio de Victor Valley es un colegio de oportunidad educacional imparcial; sigue las guías federales incluyendo el Título IX de la Enmienda Educacional de 1972 la cual se relata al reclutamiento, empleo y la retención de empleados. VVC no hace distinción en base de raza, color, origen de nacionalidad, sexo, edad, o disabilidad, en ninguna de sus reglamentos, prácticas o procedimientos. Este reglamento imparcial abarca admisión y acceso así como también tratamiento y empleo en las actividades y programas de empleo del colegio. Puede llamar a la consejera y habilitadora bajo la sección 504 de el Colegio Victor Valley al (760) 245-4271, extensión 2455.

Unlawful Discrimination

The Victor Valley Community College District is committed to providing an academic and work environment free of unlawful harassment and has adopted the following procedures to ensure its programs and activities are available to all persons without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, or sexual orientation of any person or the perception that a person has one or more of these characteristics. The Unlawful Discrimination Complaint Procedures provide for the investigation of alleged unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment.

UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT FORM

You may file a complaint in any of the following ways:

• By Email: Send your complaint to TitleIX-DiscriminationComplaints@vvc.edu
• By Contacting a Title IX Coordinator: Reach out directly to a Title IX Coordinator
• By Form: Complete the Unlawful Discrimination Complaint Form and submit it by email to TitleIX-DiscriminationComplaints@vvc.edu or deliver it in person to the Human Resources Department, Building 10

Title IX: Sex-Based Harassment & Discrimination

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title IX states “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” 

Examples of the types of discrimination that are covered under Title IX include but are not limited to: sex-based harassment; sexual violence; pregnancy discrimination; the failure to provide equal athletic opportunity; sex-based discrimination in a school’s science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses and programs; discriminatory application of dress code policies and/or enforcement; and retaliation.

TITLE IX COORDINATORS

CONTACT: Monica Martinez, Vice President of Human Resources
LOCATION: Human Resources, Building 10
PHONE: (760) 245-4271, ext. 2455
EMAIL:  Monica.Martinez@vvc.edu

CONTACT: Joan Cook, Deputy Title IX Coordinator
EMAIL: Joan.Cook@vvc.edu

You may file a complaint in any of the following ways:

• By Email: Send your complaint to TitleIX-DiscriminationComplaints@vvc.edu
• By Contacting a Title IX Coordinator: Reach out directly to a Title IX Coordinator
• By Form: Complete the Unlawful Discrimination Complaint Form and submit it by email to TitleIX-DiscriminationComplaints@vvc.edu or deliver it in person to the Human Resources Department, Building 10.

Política No Discriminatoria

El Colegio Victor Valley proporciona, principalmente a los residentes de su distrito, oportunidades a fin de alcanzar metas deexcelencia por medio de sus programas educativos y de otros servicios. El propósito de estos programas y servicios es mejorar la calidad de la vida humana haciendo accesible la educación universitaria al público en general, sin prestar atención asu raza, origen étnico o nacional, sexo, edad, insuficiencias o incapacidad fîsica, su orientación sexual, identidad de género, previa situación educacional, o cualquier otra base irrazonable de discriminación. La falta de habilidad en el lenguaje inglés no será una barreraa la admisión o participación en el programa de educación vocacional. Preguntas respecto a la aplicación de esta política pueden dirigirse al oficial designado responsable de la áplicación del Título 5 y al coordinador del Título IX, Regulación 504/ADA.

en la oficina de Recursos Humanos
Colegio del Victor Valley
Calle Bear Valley 18422
Victorville, CA 92395
(760) 245-4271, extensión 2455

Discrimination Complaint Procedure

Any student who feels he or she has been discriminated against has the right to file a complaint of unlawful discrimination with Human Resources.

Office of the Vice President of Human Resources
Victor Valley College
18422 Bear Valley Rd.
Victorville, CA 92395
(760) 245-4271, extension 2455

Disability Accommodations

The Victor Valley Community College is committed to creating a culture of excellence, opportunity, and care for all students, employees, and visitors. Part of this commitment is to assure equal opportunity in employment and education for individuals with disabilities. Another part of this commitment is to assure compliance with disability-related laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

For current and prospective employees who have questions about or would like to request a disability accommodation, the College will engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process with the employee or applicant to determine effective reasonable accommodation options.

For more information on how to request an accommodation(s) as an employee (includes student workers) or job applicant, please contact VVC Human Resources or the ADA Accommodations Coordinator. 

For more information on how to request an accommodation(s) as a student for your classes, please contact the Access Resource Center at (760) 245-4271 ext. 2212 or email to ACCESS@vvc.edu

Sexual Harassment

It is the policy of Victor Valley Community College District to provide an academic and work environment that is free of sexual harassment and all forms of sexual intimidation and exploitation, as defined and prohibited by federal and state statutes. The District strongly encourages employees and students who believe they are being harassed or discriminated against to file a complaint. All complaints are taken seriously and will be reviewed promptly. All employees have a mandatory duty to report incidents of harassment and discrimination. The Director of Human Resources is charged with receiving complaints of discrimination or harassment and coordinating their investigation. Anyone with questions about this policy or anyone who wishes to file a complaint should contact the Director of Human Resources at (760) 245-4271, extension 2455. Procedures for filing a complaint of sexual harassment are in accordance with VVCD Board Policy 3430 and VVCD Administrative Procedure 3430. The complaint procedure is available at the Victor Valley Community College website, under Quick Links. A copy of this procedure may be obtained from the:

Office of the Vice President of Human Resources
18422 Bear Valley Road
Building 10
Victorville, CA 92395

Acoso Sexual

Es reglamento del Colegio de Victor Valley proveer un ambiente académico y de trabajo libre de acoso sexual y de todas las formas de intimidación sexual y explotación, asi como está definido y prohibido por las leyes federales y estatales. El Distrito anima fuertemente a empleados y estudiantes que creen que están siendo acosados o discriminados a presentar una queja. Todas las quejas se toman en serio y se revisarán puntualmente. Todos los empleados tienen el deber de reportar incidentes de acoso y discriminación. El Director de Recursos Humanos se encarga de recibir las quejas de discriminación o acoso y coordina las investigaciones. Cualquier persona con preguntas sobre este reglamento o que desee presentar una queja debe comunicarse con el Director de Recursos Humanos al (760) 245-4271, extensión 2455. Procedimientos para llenar una queja de acoso sexual son basados en la VVCD Directiva 3430 y el VVCD Proceso Administrativo 3430 del Colegio. El procedimiento de queja está disponible en la página electrónica del Colegio de Victor Valley. Una copia de este procedimiento también puede obtenerse

en la oficina del Vice President de Recursos Humanos
18422 Bear Valley Road
Edificio 10
Victorville, CA 92395.

Student Record Notice/Directory Information

The Federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 protects the privacy of student records. Student records primarily include those found in the Admission and Records Office (admission application, transcripts, petitions, etc.) and the Office of the Dean of Student Services (discipline). The required log of access to these records is kept in each office. Officials may access these records when operating within the scope of their assigned duties. Students may have access to their records with appropriate notice and when payment of appropriate cost is made; they may challenge the content as determined by campus policy.

The college is authorized to release directory information, which at VVC includes degrees, certificates, and awards received by students, including honors, scholarship awards, athletic awards, academic recognition, and Dean’s List recognition. Also included is student participation in officially recognized activities and sports, including height, weight, and high school of graduation of athletic team members. A student may prohibit the release of this information on the initial application for admission.

Student Affirmative Action Plan

Victor Valley College strives to overcome any remaining ethnic, economic, disabled, and gender underrepresentation in the composition of the student body, as well as any factors that discriminate against students who seek to be educated here. The college has a responsibility for ensuring equal educational opportunity for all eligible residents of the district. Within its financial capacity, Victor Valley College will provide for the prompt, fair, and impartial consideration of all student grievances regarding race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. The college provides access to counseling or grievance procedures for all students and encourages the resolution of students’ problems on an informal basis. As an equal educational opportunity campus, Victor Valley College complies with Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974.

The college will make every attempt to eliminate any remaining barriers that cause significant under-representation of minority, disabled, economically, educationally, or socially disadvantaged students.

Campus Police

Campus Police Safety Tips – Staying Safe on Campus

• Be aware of your surroundings and look out for others.
• Report suspicious behavior to Campus Police right away.
• Choose well‑lit paths and parking areas at night.
• Know campus emergency contact numbers.
• Report any criminal activity without delay.
• If something doesn’t feel right, say something—Campus Police are here to help.

Important Campus Telephone Numbers

• Best to call 911 for assistance when life threatening Emergency is occurring.

• Best to call ext. 2555 when non‑life‑threatening assistance is needed. Examples include:
  • Suspicious person or activity
  • Lock‑outs or security access issues
  • Parking or traffic concerns
  • Welfare checks or safety concerns
  • Lost or found property
  • Request for a safety escort
  • General assistance on campus

Parking Rules and Regulations

All vehicles parking on the campus must abide by the parking rules and regulations. 

Parking Permits

All vehicles parked on campus must possess a valid virtual parking permit. There are two types of virtual parking permits available for students:

• Daily Permits: These permits are available for both students and visitors. Daily permits cost $2 each and are valid until 11:59 PM on the day of purchase. You can purchase daily permits online at the Daily Virtual Parking Permit PayMyCite website.
• Semester Permits: These permits are exclusively available for students and can be purchased online at the Semester Virtual Parking Permit PayMyCite website.

Virtual parking permits must be properly registered to your vehicle to be valid. They are required from Monday through Saturday. Make sure to obtain the appropriate permit to avoid any parking violations.

• Take care to enter license plate information correctly. Mistyped digits will likely result in a parking citation.

Liability Disclaimer

Victor Valley College does not guarantee the availability of parking spaces, particularly during peak periods. The District is not responsible for theft, damage, or loss of vehicles or personal property while parked on District property. While Campus Police patrol designated areas, all vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk.

Parking violations may include:

• Invalid Parking Permit: You do not have a valid virtual parking permit registered to your vehicle.
• Improper Parking: Parking beyond stall lines or in multiple stalls.
• Unauthorized Areas: Parking in Faculty/Staff stalls, parking in red, green, or yellow zones, disabled stalls, unauthorized dirt areas, or overnight parking.

Citations

Authority for the enforcement of traffic and parking regulations by the Victor Valley College Campus Police Department is established under the California Penal Code, the California Vehicle Code, and relevant legislative provisions. Unresolved citations are subject to statutory penalties, including additional fines, a Department of Motor Vehicles registration hold, and an administrative transcript hold by the District.

Drug- and Alcohol-Free Campus Notice

Victor Valley College is a drug‑ and alcohol‑free campus pursuant to VVCCD Administrative Procedure 3550. The use, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol by students or their guests is prohibited on College property and at all College‑sponsored or College‑supervised activities. Students or guests who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion, and may also be subject to criminal prosecution. Counseling and referral services are available through Human Resources and the NextUp Department.

Smoke-Free Campus Notice

Victor Valley College is a smoke‑free institution. The Victor Valley Community College District designates all District property, including District‑owned vehicles, as non‑smoking. Smoking or the use of any tobacco products is prohibited at all District sites, including inside personal vehicles while on District property. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, electronic smoking devices (e‑cigarettes or vaping devices), marijuana, and any paraphernalia used for smoking marijuana. Reference: VVCCD Board Policy 3570.