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

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 CSSO or designee within thirty (30) days of the incident upon with 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 within 10 working days.

Formal Level - Once a Request for Grievance and all supporting facts and documentation is received by the Vice President's 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 Vice President's 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, or passport) must be presented at the time 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

Each student has the right to pursue their education free of any undue infringement on their lawful rights. Victor Valley College follows a “zero tolerance” philosophy when it comes to any behavior or incident that disrupts the learning environment. Student conduct issues are handled in a fair, just manner. VVCD Administrative Procedure 5520 provides guidance for this process. In general, student misconduct constitutes good cause for discipline, including but not limited to the removal, suspension or expulsion of a student. Due process for student conduct issues is outlined in Administrative Procedure 5520. All students are expected to read and follow this important information. In addition, copies are also available on the VVC website, the office of Campus Police and Public Safety, and in the Dean of Student Services Office.

Generally, VVC’s jurisdiction is limited to conduct that occurs on college premises, or at official VVC off-campus activities, except as noted.

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 VVCD 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 or her 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. Complaint forms should be completed and forwarded to the Vice President'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 incident report 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 Opportunity Policy

Victor Valley College is an equal educational opportunity college: It follows all federal guidelines including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 relating to the recruitment, employment and retention of employees. VVC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in any of its policies, procedures or practices. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, college employment programs and activities. The Section 504-Disabled Counselor/Enabler at Victor Valley College may be reached at (760) 245-4271, extension 2232.

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 2232.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Victor Valley Community College District provides opportunities for the pursuit of excellence through educational programs and services primarily for college district residents. The purpose of these programs and services is to enhance the quality of human life by providing public access to college education without regard to race, ethnic or national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or prior educational status or any other unreasonable basis for discrimination. The lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in vocational education programs. Inquiries regarding the application of this policy may be directed to the appropriate compliance officer for Title 5 and Coordinator for Title IX, Regulation 504ADA.

Human Resources
Victor Valley College
18422 Bear Valley Rd.
Victorville, CA 92395
(760) 245-4271, extension 2232

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 2232

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

Americans with Disabilities Act

Victor Valley College does not unlawfully discriminate based on disability. Complaints from students, employees or the public about unlawful discrimination in academic accommodation or access to facilities due to disability should be directed to the ADA504 Coordinator, in Human Resources. Students with disabilities are encouraged to seek services at the Access Resource Center, located in the Student Services One Stop.

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 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 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 Vice President (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 under-representation in the composition of the student body or any factors that discriminate against students who seek to be educated here. The college has 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, or economically, educationally, or socially disadvantaged students

Campus Police

Safety - What can I do to protect myself?

• Be alert!
• Be concerned at all times for your safety and the safety of others.
• Immediately report any suspicious activity and/or persons to the Campus Police.
• Walk and park your vehicle in lighted areas at night.
• Share any safety concerns you have with your Campus Police Department.
• Know emergency numbers and locations of the nearest telephone.
• Report all criminal activity you observe to the Campus Police Department immediately.

Important Campus Telephone Numbers

Emergency 911
Campus Police (760) 245-4271 ext 2329 (after hours & weekends  ext 2555)
Campus Police Emergency ext 2555

Parking Rules and Regulations

All vehicles parking on the campus must abide by the parking rules and regulations. Semester permits are available online through the VVC website under "Quick links." Daily permits can be purchased for $2.00 at the dispensers in parking lots G, J1, A, C, Q and at the Public Safety Training Center. Permits are not valid in metered stalls. Permits must be displayed in plain view. Parking permits are required Monday thru Saturday on the main campus and the Public Safety Training Center in Apple Valley. The College provides officers for patrol of the parking lots. However, persons parking on district property do so at their own risk. Victor Valley College does not assume any responsibility for loss or damage to vehicles or their contents while parked anywhere on District property.

Parking Enforcement & Regulations

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

Parking violations may include:

• Not displaying a valid parking permit
• Backed into stalls/head-in parking only 
• Not parked in marked parking stall 
• Possession of a lost/stolen permit 
• Unauthorized parking in Disabled parking stalls 
• Improper display of permit
• Unauthorized parking in faculty/staff parking stalls
• Exceeded time at a parking meter
• Unauthorized parking in Red, Green or Yellow zones
• Parking in unauthorized dirt areas

Citations

The VVC Campus Police Department receives its authority to enforce traffic and parking regulations from the California Penal Code, the California Vehicle Code, and provisions established by the California State Legislature. Ignoring a citation will result in immediate legal action in the form of substantial additional penalties and a hold placed on your vehicle registration with the DMV, and a transcript hold at VVC.

• Motorcycles. A motorcycle parked at VVC must display a student parking permit which must be affixed to the motorcycle and clearly visible. A staff permit is required on all motorcycles parked in staff stalls.
• Disabled Persons Parking. Vehicles parked in the blue-lined disabled persons parking stalls are required to properly display a state-issued disabled person’s license placard and a VVC student parking permit.
• Habitual Parking Offenders. Any vehicle that has been issued five (5) or more parking citations that are unpaid is subject to tow-away, per California Vehicle Code 22651.
• Traffic Rules. All California vehicle laws are enforced. Violators are issued citations to the Victorville Traffic Court.

Prohibited Conduct On Campus

In addition to that outlined in the Student Conduct Code, the following behavior is prohibited on college property or at college-sponsored or college-supervised functions:

• Disorderly, lewd, indecent, obscene or offensive conduct (including racist behavior)
• Alcohol or drug use
• Gambling

Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus

Victor Valley College is a drug and alcohol-free campus. This means that the use, possession, or distribution of either illicit drugs or alcohol by students or their guests is prohibited on college property or at any college sponsored activity. Students or their guests who violate these requirements may be suspended or expelled from Victor Valley College. Counseling and referral services are available through the Counseling Department for students who have concerns about alcohol or drugs.

Smoke-Free Campus

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, including smokeless devices such as e-cigarettes and the smoking of marijuana as well as the paraphernalia used for the smoking of marijuana is prohibited at all District sites including in personal vehicles. Reference: VVCD Board Policy 3570.