Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights

  • Students have a right to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and all access to institutional programs and activities. The District, and each individual who represents the District, shall provide access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, race, color, medical condition, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or because he or she is perceived to have one or more of the listed characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. (COD Non-Discrimination Policy)

  • The District shall be free of sexual harassment and all forms of sexual intimidation and exploitation. It shall also be free of other unlawful harassment, including that which is based on any of the following statuses: race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, or sexual orientation of any person, or because he or she is perceived to have one or more of the listed characteristics. (BP3430)

  • Students have the right to participate effectively in district and college governance, and the opportunity to express their opinions at the campus level and to ensure that these opinions are given every reasonable consideration (ED Code 70901)

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 guarantees individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a services, programs or activities conducted by the College or under College sponsorship. To support these rights, it is the responsibility of the College to provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication with individuals with hearing or visual impairments. Contact Disabled Students Programs and Services for more information.

  • College of the Desert student education records are maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and the California Education Code, Sections 76200 et seq and Title 5, Sections 54600, et seq., U.S. Patriot Act; Civil Code 1798.85. (COD FERPA)

  • All currently enrolled or former students have a right to inspect and review all student records relating to them.(AP5040)

  • The exercise of rights of free expression protected by state and federal constitutions and Education Code 76120. (AP5530)

  • Students have a right to a prompt and equitable means to address violations of the Desert Community College District Standards of Student Conduct. (AP5520)

  • Students have due process rights guaranteed them by state and federal constitutional protections. (AP5520)

Student Responsibilities

When a student enters Col​lege of the Desert, they are expected to follow the Student Conduct Standards.​