Policies and Procedures
Attendance Policy
Since our program is so concentrated unexcused absences cannot be tolerated, however we do understand that there are times when students need to be absent from class for family emergencies or healthe reasons. Each student is allowed 3 absences. The student is required to make-up any work that he/she missed as a result of being absent. Unexcused absences for more than 3 days will constitute grounds for dismissal. If a student is absent for more than three days the case will first be reviewed by a committee consisting of members of the faculty and the governing board to determine if the absences were avoidable. A decision as to whether the student should be expelled will be determined on a case by case situation based on the circumstances of the absences.
Probation/Suspension/Dismissal
A written notice of action will be given to any student removed from school enrollment for any reason within 48hrs of the effective date of action. A copy of the notice will become part of the student's record. Students will be subject to immediate dismissal for the following reasons: use of alcohol or drugs on school grounds, conduct that interferes with other students and/or the class in the learning process, excessive absences or not making passing grades, failure to pay tuition and fees as agreed and violation of any safety rules.
Complaint Procedure
If a student has a complaint to register it should be addressed to any member of faculty or advisory board that the student is comfortable with. The complaint can be either verbal or written. When it is received the faculty or advisory board will conduct an investigation into the matter. If the investigating committee finds merit in the complaint appropriate action will than be taken by the board.
Refund Policy
- Each Student must be notified of acceptance/rejection in writing. (141.271 Subd.1)
- If a student is rejected, all tuition, fees and other charges shall be refunded. (141.271 Subd.1)
- Resident schools (141.271 Subd.2)
a.) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, if a student gives written notice of cancellation within five business days of the execution of the contract (for schools using written contracts) or day on which the student is accepted (for schools not using written contracts), then a complete refund is given regardless whether the program has started. (141.271 Subd.2)
b.) If a student gives written notice of cancellation after five business days of the execution of the contract (for schools using written contracts) or day on which the student is accepted (for schools not using written contracts), but before start of program, student is assessed 15% of tuition fees and other charges (15% not to exceed $50). (141.271 Subd.2b)
c.) If a student gives written notice of cancellation after the start of the program but before completion of 75% of the period of instruction, student is assessed pro rata portion of tuition, fees and all other charges plus 25% of the total program (25% not to exceed $100). (141.271 Subd.4)
- Distance education schools. (141.271 Subd.5)
a.) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, if a student gives written notice of cancellation within five business days of the execution fo the contract (for schools using written contracts) or day on which the student is accepted (for schools not using written contracts), then a complete refund is given regardless whether the program has started.
b.) If a student gives written notice of cancellation after five business days of the execution of the contract (for schools using written contracts) or date of acceptance (for schools not using written contracts), but before the first lesson has been serviced by the school, student is assessed 15% of tuition, fees and other charges (15% not to exceed $50).
c.) If a student gives written notice of cancellation after the first lesson is completed, but before 75% of the program is completed, student is assessed pro rata portion of tuitions, fees and other charges plus 25% of the total program (25% not to exceed $75).
- Combination distance education-residence. (141.271 Subd.7)
a.) If a student is classified as a resident during the cancellation period, "resident school" procedures apply.
b.) If a student is classified as a distance education student during the cancellation period, "distance education school" procedures apply.
- Equipment and supplies, if stated separately. (141.271 Subd.7)
- Time of refund. (141.271 Subd.8)
a.) Notice of cancellation shall be acknowledged in writing within 10 days of receipt of such notice.
b.) Refunds need to be forwarded to student within 30 business days of receipt of such notice.
- Refund policy cannot be linked to student conduct policies. (141.271 Subd.9)
- Date of cancellation must be clarified. (141.271 Subd.10)
- Date of execution must be clarified. (141.271 Subd.11)
- Promissory instruments not to be negotiated prior to completion of 50% of the course. (141.271 Subd.12)
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108
Refund Policy for Veterans Attending This School While Receiving Government Benefits
In the event that a veteran or a veteran's beneficiary enrolls under the provisions of Title 38, US Code and/or Title 10 US Code and discontinues training before completion of the program, the school will retain ten dollars ($10) as a bona fide registration cost. All other advance payment of tution, fees and other charges will be refunded to the trainee on a pro-rata basis computed to the date of discontinuance of training.
Grading Procedure
Our grading procedure is as follows: Performance will be evaluated using written quizzes and exams for classroom work, and proficiency will be the basis of evaluation in labs, confined water and open water sessions. Points earned for correct solutions on the exams will be accumulated throughout the course. The total points earned will be divided by the total points possible resulting in a percent associated with academics. The instructor will give each student a grade by percent for the skills demonstrated by the student in the labs and open water work each day. The grade for each day's work in the lab and water will be based on the instructor's judgement of the level of skill demonstrated with a zero for not completing the skill to 100% for a perfect performance. These daily percents will be averaged for a final percent based on diving skills. The total percent on the academic tests, and the final percent earned in skills will be averaged to provide a final percent. A final letter grade will then be assigned according to the following schedule.
100-92% =A
91-87% =B
86-80% =C
79-75% =D
74-0% =F
Description of Scholastic Requirements and Satisfactory Progress
Passing all academic tests and receiving satisfactory scores from the instructor constitutes satisfactory profress in all courses. If the student should fail a written exam the student must make an appointment with his/her instructor to retake the test on that subject until a passing score is attained. If the student cannot complete an underwater skill satisfactorily he/she must make an appointment with the instructor for more practice until a satisfactory performance is attained. Students who fail to make arrangements for repeating a test or improving performance skills within 7 days or who fail a test more than 4 times will be academically dismissed. Students who are academically dismissed may be readmitted only when they have demonstrated that the reason for the academic dismissal has been resolved and the student is likely to successfully complete the program.
