AMERICAN BEAUTY ACADEMY

Transcription

1 AMERICAN BEAUTY ACADEMY Training. Creating. Succeeding. Baltimore Campus 2014/15 Catalog 4719 Harford Rd Baltimore, MD Volume 15 Published 10/15/2014

2 Welcome to American Beauty Academy! Corporate Administration President/Owner: James Roy Chief Executive Officer/Owner: Edward Gillespie Chief Operating Officer: Rick Reikob Chief Financial Officer: Kishore Ramanjulu Vice President of Education and Regulatory Affairs: Seth Heiland Vice President of Financial Aid and Compliance: Jennifer Dolermo Corporate Director of High School Admissions and Business Development: Tiffanie Falkenstein Corporate Director of Admissions: Matthew Beggarly Corporate Director of Student Services: Amanda Kelly Corporate Financial Aid Administrator: Bertha LaPointe Campus Administration See: Addendum A True and correct as to content and policy as of 10/15/2014. American Beauty Academy -Edward Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer 1

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Administration 1 Table of Contents 2 General Information 4 Mission Statement 4 School Philosophy 4 School Overview 4 Campus Locations 4 Program Performance 4 School Operating Hours 4 Approvals 5 Accredited By 5 Licensed By 5 Admissions Information 6 Student Orientation 6 A Plan for Success 6 Admissions Requirements 6 Additional Admissions Information 7 Re-Enrollment Policy 7 Americans With Disabilities Act 7 Books, Uniforms & Kits 8 Start Dates and Schedules 8 School Holidays 8 Class Schedule 9 Normal Time to Complete 9 Tuition & Financial Information 10 Tuition 10 Financial Assistance 10 Payments Options for Students 11 Maintaining Eligibility for Financial Assistance 11 Institutional Refund Policy 11 Non-Acceptance of Students by the School 12 Monies Owed at the Time of Withdrawal 12 Collection of Unpaid Balance & Legal Fees 13 Return of Title IV Funds 13 Academic Policies 14 Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy 14 Satisfactory Progress Requirements 14 Grading Policy 14 Probation Period for Unsatisfactory Academic Progress 15 Satisfactory Attendance Policy 15 Advising Services 16 Attendance Policy 16 Make-Up Hours 16 Make-Up Work 16 Leave of Absence Policies and Procedures 16 School Closure Policy 17 Withdrawal Policy 17 Termination 17 Re-Entry Policy 18 Transcript Policy 18 2

4 Maximum Class Size 19 Student Services Policies 20 Career Advising/Placement Assistance 20 Graduation Requirements/Awarding of Diplomas 20 Student Exit Interview 20 Appeal of Policy 20 Grievance/Complaint Procedure Policy 20 School Regulations 22 Student Conduct 22 Drug and Alcohol Policy 22 Information Technology Policy 27 Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy 28 Inclement Weather Policy 28 Change of Contact Information 28 Program Changes/Catalog Disclaimer 29 Family Education Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) 29 Expectations of Students Participating in Clinic Activities 29 Consumer Disclaimer Statement 30 Consumer Information 30 Academic Programs 31 Cosmetology Program Outline 31 Index 38 Addenda Addendum A: Faculty and Staff Addendum B: Catalog Changes VOLUME 15/ Issue 1, Published October, 2014 Copyright 2014 American Beauty Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Design by American Beauty Academy, Inc. With the publication of this catalog all previous volumes become obsolete. American Beauty Academy: A Beautiful Alternative is a registered trademark of American Beauty Academy, Inc. This catalog is a guideline of what ABA, furthermore known in the document as ABA, expects of its students. ABA reserves the right to modify its policies based on changes in accreditation requirements, state or federal laws, or for any other reason at the discretion of ABA s Executive Committee. Changes will be made with the approval of the appropriate state regulatory agency. American Beauty Academy, Inc., a Maryland Corporation, owns and operates American Beauty Academy. The Corporate Offices are located at 200 W. 9 th St, 7 th Floor, Wilmington, DE The telephone number is (302) The web site address is 3

5 GENERAL INFORMATION Mission Statement The School s principal objective is to provide career-oriented education to students in order to become licensed cosmetologists through a combination of practical and theory-based training. School Philosophy The School strives to continuously improve its operations in order to keep abreast of the ever-changing developments and new techniques in cosmetology and throughout the beauty industry. The School maintains honest and fair relationships with staff, students, patrons, accrediting agencies, departments of education, State Board of Cosmetology, MHEC and with other schools. School Overview American Beauty Academy schools include demonstration and lecture classrooms, a fully equipped student salon floor, student break area, student labs, and faculty/administration offices to assist students in becoming quality professionals capable of meeting the demands of the salon industry. All American Beauty Academy schools meet or exceed the requirements established by our state licensing authorities. Campus Locations Main Campus: American Beauty Academy, Veirs Mill Road, Wheaton, MD Branch Campuses: American Beauty Academy - Wilmington, 200 W. 9 th St, Wilmington, DE American Beauty Academy - Baltimore, 4719 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD, American Beauty Academy - Lancaster, 1166 Park City Center, Lancaster, PA Program Performance Students and prospective students may contact the Maryland Higher Education Commission to obtain information regarding each approved program. Information such as enrollment, completion rates, placement rates, and pass rates on the state licensure exam, as well as other information is available. The Commission can be contacted at: Maryland Higher Education Commission 6 N. Liberty St. 10 th floor Baltimore, MD (410) School Operating Hours Students are to be in attendance in accordance with their Enrollment Agreement. Monday: 8:00am-5:00pm Tuesday: 8:00am-9:00pm Wednesday: 8:00am-9:00pm Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm Friday: 8:00am-9:00pm Saturday: 8:00am-5:00pm The School is closed on Sunday 4

6 Approvals State Board of Cosmetologists 500 N. Calvert Street Room 201 Baltimore, Maryland Accredited By National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences 4401 Ford Avenue, Suite 1300 Alexandria, VA (703) Licensed By Maryland Higher Education Commission 6 N. Liberty St., 10 th floor Baltimore, MD (410) Copies of documents describing the school s accreditation and licensing may be reviewed by current or prospective students by contacting the school s Campus Director. 5

7 ADMISSIONS INFORMATION Student Orientation Student Orientation takes place prior to the beginning of school. This orientation is mandatory for all incoming students and must be attended prior to the start of the program. During orientation, we will discuss our mutual rights and responsibilities. You will have an opportunity to meet with various members of our staff and faculty as well as with fellow future professionals in the cosmetology field. *If you are unable to attend the scheduled orientation, it is imperative that you discuss alternatives with the Director of Admissions at the campus. A Plan for Success We feel that for students to be successful at American Beauty Academy, they need to be prepared for their new journey. Students that have graduated from American Beauty Academy in the past have felt that following the tips listed below helped them to achieve greater success while attending the School. Here are the items that we have found to help you make a sound decision about your training plan at ABA: Prepare financially. How much have you saved up for school? Plan for dependable transportation to and from school. Also, plan for a back-up, in case of emergency. Consider employment that supports the demands of your new training schedule. Plan for dependable child care. Admissions Requirements Admission to American Beauty Academy is on a selective basis. A personal interview and visit to Academy is required of all prospective students. A student must meet the state minimum age requirement to enter school (if applicable) and must submit or complete the following: A copy of state or federal issued photo ID or birth certificate and photo ID. A copy of high school diploma, or its equivalent (GED). American Beauty Academy Baltimore does not offer ATB as of 7/1/2012. Completion of an interview with a member of the local admissions department. Pay the required registration fee; exceptions may be made at the sole discretion of the Campus Director. Complete and sign an Enrollment Agreement. Transfer of Credit or Clock Hours from other schools: The school may accept appropriate credit from other schools for previous education. Students wishing to transfer credits are required to participate in an acceptance interview with an Admissions Representative. If a student is seeking credit for previous training, official transcripts documenting prior training are required prior to the execution of an enrollment agreement. Students may be required to pass a theory and/or a practical entrance examination prior to enrollment. A student may enter the program that he/she established by examination results. The total number of transfer hours awarded may not exceed the total number of hours earned at the previous institution as evidenced on the official transcript from the previous institution Transfer hours that are accepted from a previous institution that are accepted toward the student s educational program are counted as both attempted and completed hours for the purpose of determining when the allowable maximum time frame for completion has been exhausted. A student must complete at least 25% of the scheduled hours of the program. American Beauty Academy may not make any adjustments to recognize a student s prior education once the student has started with American Beauty Academy. Transfer students accepted into the school may be charged a registration fee of $100, or 10%, whichever is less of the total tuition of the program. Tuition for part of the program he/she advanced will be adjusted for the advancement allowed. 6

8 A permanent record is maintained in the student s academic folder documenting this information; all transfer of credits must be approved by the Campus Director. American Beauty Academy does not guarantee the transferability of its credits to any other institutions, nor is there a guarantee that such transfer credit will be granted from another institution. Additional Admissions Information American Beauty Academy does not recruit students from other schools offering similar programs of study. American Beauty Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator and does not discriminate against persons due to age, race, color, creed, sex, religion, sexual orientation, disability or ethnic origin. American Beauty Academy schools maintain educational records in accordance with all applicable federal, state and accreditation requirements. For record retention length, please visit with the Campus Director at the local campus. In addition to satisfying the requirements listed in the admissions criteria above, an applicant to American Beauty Academy must demonstrate the ability, character, readiness and commitment to work effectively in the occupation(s) for which the program provides training. All applicants must also have a command of the English language, both in written and verbal format. In determining whether to grant or deny admission, American Beauty Academy will consider information about the applicant s prior post-secondary education experiences, employment record and any criminal record. An applicant may be asked to provide and sign authorizations allowing the Academy to obtain information from other educational institutions, employers and law enforcement agencies. Any prior criminal offenses will be evaluated with respect to time, circumstances, seriousness and relationship to the academic program for which admission is requested. If an applicant with a criminal record is admitted to American Beauty Academy, there is no guarantee that the criminal record will not be an impediment to the applicant s ability to obtain employment/licensure and pursue a successful career. American Beauty Academy (also the Academy, ABA) reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant, on the basis of background, record or conflicting statements during the admission or orientation process. Re-Enrollment Policy Students wishing to be readmitted after withdrawing need to consult with the Director of Education or Campus Director, and are subject to the approval of the Campus Re-Enrollment Committee. Students accepted for re-enrollment within 6 months of withdraw will not be charged an additional registration fee. For information regarding Reinstatement, or Re-Entry, please see: Re-Entry Policy. Americans with Disabilities Act The School does not discriminate in admission or access to our program on the basis of age, race, color, sex, disability, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic or national origin. If you would like to request academic adjustment or auxiliary aids, please contact the Campus Director. You may request academic adjustments or auxiliary aids at any time. The Campus Director is responsible for coordinating compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of Applicants, who are persons with disabilities, as defined in paragraph 104.3(j) of the regulation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, may apply for admittance into the program. The School will work with the applicant or student to determine whether reasonable accommodations can be effective and/or are available. Any qualified individual with a disability requesting an accommodation or auxiliary aid or service should follow this procedure: 1) Notify the Campus Director in writing of the type of accommodation needed, date needed, documentation of the nature and extent of the disability, and of the need for the accommodation or auxiliary aid. The request should be made at least four weeks in advance of the date needed. You may contact the Campus Director by telephone at: ) The Campus Director will respond within two weeks of receiving the request. 7

9 3) If you would like to appeal the decision regarding your request, please contact the Chief Operating Officer, Rick Reikob, via at Appeals must be submitted within one week of the date of the Campus Director s response. Books, Uniforms & Kits Cosmetology: Books and uniforms are included in the price of tuition. Kits may be purchased from the American Beauty Academy bookstore, or on the Open Market. The estimated cost of kits is: $1,150. Additionally, students will be required, prior to the first day of class, to purchase closed-toe, professional shoes or sneakers, notebook, pen and pencil. The estimated cost of these items ranges from $ There are also necessary supplies that a student may need to purchase during their training program at ABA that are not included. Start Dates and Schedules The following start dates and schedules are subject to change at the discretion of American Beauty Academy January 14 February 11 March 11 April 8 May 13 June 10 July 10 August 8 September 9 October 7 November 4 December January 7 February 4 March 4 April 8 May 6 June 10 July 8 August 12 September 9 October 7 November 4 December 9 School Holidays Classes are not in session on the following holidays; however, the school may be open to accommodate make-up time. Check with the Campus Director for details. 8

10 2014 Holiday Schedule January 20, 2014 February 3, 2014 April 14 and 15 May 26, 2014 July 4, 2014 September 1, 2014 October 27, 2014 November 27 28, 2014 December 22-27, 2014 December 31, Holiday Schedule January 1, 2015 January 19, 2015 February 17, 2015 May 25, 2015 July 3 and July 4, 2015 September 7, 2015 October 19, 2015 November 26 and 27, 2015 December 24, 2015 to January 3, 2016 MLK Day Faculty In-service Faculty In-service Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Faculty In-service Thanksgiving Break Winter Break New Year s Eve New Year s Day Martin Luther King Day Faculty In-service Memorial Day Independence Day Observed and Independence Day Labor Day Faculty In-service Thanksgiving Break Holiday Break* Class Schedule The Cosmetology program consists of 1500 hours of instruction including haircutting, hair-coloring, makeup, nail technology and more. Cosmetology Schedule Normal Time to Complete Days Times Full Time - 30 hours per week 50 Weeks M, T, W, TH, F 8:30-3:00 Part Time - 20 hours per week 75 Weeks T, W, F, Sa 5:00-9:00/ 8:30-5:00 Normal Time to Complete Students should have a reasonable expectation of the time it should take to complete a program in order to plan accordingly. Program lengths for full time and part time schedules are stated in weeks and include estimated days the school is closed for holidays, teacher training, special events, inclement weather and a limited number of days scheduled to allow students to make up missed hours as necessary for state licensing purposes. When calculating and disclosing normal time to complete and On Time Completion Rates, the number of days scheduled to make up absence is limited to 10% of scheduled hours. For example, if a student is scheduled to attend class 6 hours per day and is enrolled in a 1500 hour program, the number of days scheduled to make up absence would be determined by dividing 150 (10% of the hours in the program) by 6 (number of hours scheduled per day), or 21 days. Students are permitted to make up additional absences in order to graduate, as long as they do not exceed the maximum time frame as described in the school s satisfactory progress policy, but they would not be counted as graduating within normal time for purposes of the calculation and disclosure of On Time Completion Rates. 9

11 TUITION & FINANCIAL INFORMATION Tuition Cosmetology Program Cost Tuition $17,400 Registration Fee $100 Total Cost $17,500 *Registration Fee of $100 is payable at the time of enrollment. Financial Assistance American Beauty Academy is approved for participation in a variety of federal student-aid programs. Students seeking financial assistance through any of these programs must complete all required forms and establish their eligibility for such programs. Students may be eligible for one or more of the financial aid programs described below. Eligibility for such programs will be determined with the assistance of the Financial Aid Director or Financial Aid Advisor at each campus. Financial Aid funds must be used for educational purposes only. No funds will be given to a student for living costs until the student s obligations to the School for tuition, fees, books, and extended contract time (if applicable) have been paid. There are two types of federal student aid available to American Beauty Academy students who qualify: Grants Financial aid that doesn t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund). Loans Allow you to borrow money for your education which must be repaid, with interest, back to the Federal Government. Federal Pell Grant (PELL) Pell grants are the foundation of federal student financial assistance to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added. These grants are generally awarded to undergraduate students and the award amounts can change yearly. The maximum award for the award year is $5,730. Unlike loans, grants are not repaid unless, for example, you withdraw from school prior to the planned program completion date. All federal grants are awarded to students with financial need. The amount of your Federal Pell Grant depends on your cost of attendance, expected family contribution, enrollment status (full or part time), and whether you attend for a full academic year or less. Ace Grant Prospective students should request information and an application for the Ace Grant Program by contacting the Financial Aid department at the school. Tolbert Grant The award amount of a Tolbert Grant may be up to $500. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students. To be eligible, student and parents (if you are a dependent student) must be Maryland residents. You must enroll at an approved Maryland private career school. You must enroll for at least 18 clock hours per week. Direct Stafford Loan (subsidized) A student can borrow this type of loan to cover some or all of their school expenses. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while you re in school at least half-time. The amount of the loan cannot exceed a student s financial need. The fixed interest rate for all loans first disbursed between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015 is 4.66 percent. 10

12 Direct Stafford Loan (unsubsidized) A student can borrow this type of loan to cover some or all of their school expenses. The U.S. Department of Education does not pay interest on unsubsidized loans. A student is responsible for paying the interest that accrues on the loan from the time the loan is disbursed until it s paid in full. The fixed interest rate of 4.66 percent can be paid while attending school, during a period of deferment or forbearance, or it can be accrued and the interest added to the principle amount of the loan. Direct PLUS Loan (unsubsidized) Parents of dependent students can borrow from the PLUS Loan program. The terms and conditions of this type of loan include a requirement that the applicant have a favorable credit history, a repayment period that begins on the date of the last disbursement of the loan, and a fixed interest rate of 7.21 percent for the Direct Loan. Tuition Payment Plan A financial agreement may be put in place under the authority of the Campus Director in conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer. Tuition Payment Plans are available to those students who do not qualify for financial aid, as follows: Tuition is to be paid in equal installments over the course of the program for which the student has enrolled. Tuition must be paid in full by the original contracted end date as found on the enrollment agreement. There will be a $25 fee for returned checks. Students who do not make regular, on-time payments are subject to termination at the sole discretion of the Campus Director. Payment Options Available for Students Students may choose to pay tuition and/or associated fees by: Cash Check Credit Card 3 rd Party Financing (for those who qualify) Utilization of funding options, as described above, provided that they are qualified for such options. Maintaining Eligibility for Financial Assistance In order for a student to continue financial assistance eligibility, a student must maintain satisfactory progress. (Refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy). Any student not maintaining satisfactory progress may be ineligible to receive future disbursements of financial assistance. In order for the student to have financial assistance reinstated, the student s financial assistance and ABA account, along with the maximum time frame, will be evaluated to determine the student s ability to complete the program within the recommended scheduled allotments. When the student has met both the academic and attendance requirements, the student will be removed from the Unsatisfactory Progress status and financial assistance eligibility will be reinstated for the remaining period of time in the program. A student must complete the program of study in a period of time not to exceed those outlined in the following schedules or maximum time frame. School holidays will not be considered in the calculation of cumulative attendance. Course incompletes do not count towards satisfactory progress standards. Institutions that enter into an agreement with a potential student, student, or parent of a student regarding a Title IV, or HEA loan are required to inform the student or parent that the loan will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system. Institutional Refund Policy The institution s refund policy follows and complies with the Maryland Higher Education Commission state-mandated refund policy. 1. A registration fee is charged for all programs (which may not exceed 10% or $100.00, whichever is less of the total contract price of the program). The registration fee is fully refundable if the student requests cancellation within seven calendars days after signing the enrollment agreement and has not started training. 11

13 2. If the School closes or discontinues a course or program, the school shall refund to each currently enrolled student monies paid by the student for tuition and fees and monies for which the student is liable for tuition and fees. 3. Seven Day Cancellation Period: All fees paid by a student shall be refunded if the student or legal guardian cancels the contract and requests his/her money back in writing, within seven business days of signing the contract regardless of whether the student has actually started training. If a student withdraws after the 7-day cancellation period and after instruction begins refunds shall be based on the total contract price of the course or program and shall include all fees, except the registration fee. Refunds shall be made within 45 days of cancellation or withdrawal officially or unofficially. Attendance is monitored daily. The effective date of the termination for refund purposes will be the earliest of the following: The last date of attendance if the student is terminated by the school; The postmark date on written notification or the date said information is delivered to the school in person; Ten school days following the last date of attendance; The date the student notifies the school that they will not be returning from an approved Leave of Absence or the date the student fails to return from the leave of absence; 4. The date of withdrawal determination shall be the earlier of the scheduled date of return from the leave of absence or the date the student notifies the institution that he/she will not be returning. 5. If tuition is collected in advance of entrance, and if, after expiration of the 7 day cancellation privilege, the student does not enter the school, not more than $100 shall be retained by the school. 6. The minimum refund that a school shall pay a student who withdraws or is terminated after the 7-day cancellation period has expired and after instructional begun, is as follows which is based on scheduled hours at last date of attendance. Proportion of Total Course of Program Taught by Date of Withdrawal PERCENTAGE LENGTH COMPLETED TO TOTAL LENGTH TUITION REFUNDED OF PROGRAM Less than 10% 90% 10% to up to but not including 20% 80% 20% to up to but not including 30% 60% 30% to up to but not including 40% 40% 40% to up to but not including 50% 20% 50% and over 0% Non-Acceptance of Students by the School If an applicant is not accepted by the school, he/she is entitled to a refund of all monies paid. Monies Owed at the Time of Withdraw If the amount of earned tuition plus all fees exceeds the amount paid minus any required refunds, the student must pay the difference at once. If the student is unable to pay the balance in full, a payment plan may be worked out with the Financial Aid Office. 12

14 Collection of Unpaid Balance & Legal Fees All delinquent accounts will be turned over to a collection agency after a period of 30 days. A student who fails to make necessary payment arrangements to cover an unpaid balance will incur both collection and legal fees, as incurred by American Beauty Academy, in the process of collecting unpaid balances of tuition, fees and/or payments. Return of Title IV Funds Financial Aid eligibility: For a student withdrawing from or discontinuing the program prior to completing more than 60% of any payment period, eligibility of the student and/or his/her parent(s) for Federal Aid will be recalculated based on the percentage of payment period completed. The unearned portion of the Federal Aid will be refunded. The eligibility for Federal Aid is calculated as follows: Number of scheduled hours completed by the student in the payment period Total number of scheduled hours in the payment period Payment Periods are defined as 0-450, , , and scheduled hours for the Cosmetology program, and 0-450, , and for the Barbering program. Total number of scheduled hours in a payment period excludes scheduled breaks of more than five days. Unearned Federal Aid will be returned in the following priority order: Federal Stafford Loans (Unsubsidized), Federal Stafford Loans (Subsidized), Federal PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grant, Following the return of Federal Title IV Funds, the next priorities for refunds are: Other Federal, State, Private, or Institutional Aid, and Student Payments. All refunds will follow required guidelines. Please note that students are responsible for any balances owed to American Beauty Academy as a result of the return of Federal Aid. 13

15 ACADEMIC POLICIES Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy Standards of Progress are measured at periodic intervals throughout all American Beauty Academy Programs, in keeping with guidelines set by federal, state and accreditation guidelines. The policy applies to every student enrolled in a NACCAS-approved program. Academic progress reviews are conducted by American Beauty Academy administration for each attending student at each scheduled evaluation checkpoint and will be reported to each student in writing. It is the responsibility of each student to maintain the academic standards, which are defined as the following: minimum of 80% attendance average and an overall minimum GPA of 75%, which is derived from theory and practical evaluations administered prior to each scheduled interval, as defined below: Cosmetology Program: 450 Hours, 900 Hours, 1200 Hours, 1500 Hours (scheduled) * The Satisfactory Academic Policy is applied to all students reenrolled in a specific program and scheduled to occur at the scheduled payment periods above for both part time and full time schedules for all programs offered at American Beauty Academy ** Transfer hours from another institution that are accepted toward the students educational program are counted as both attempted and completed hours for the purpose of determining when the allowable maximum time frame for completion has been exhausted. SAP evaluation periods are based on actual contracted hours at the institution. Satisfactory Progress Requirements Cosmetology Program Evaluation Checkpoint Minimum Passing Grade Minimum Attendance 450 Scheduled Hours 75/A 360 Actual Hours = 80% 900 Scheduled Hours 75/A 720 Actual Hours = 80% 1200 Scheduled Hours 75/A 960 Actual Hours = 80% 1500 Scheduled Hours 75/A 1200 Actual Hours = 80% Grading Policy Theory Excellent Above Average Average 0-74 Unacceptable Practical/Laboratory/Service A = Acceptable 0-74 U = Unacceptable I *I = Incomplete *I=Incomplete: Determined by a number of required steps in each skill area and the scheduled number of work assignments in each skill. Students must satisfactorily complete the scheduled work assignments in each skill in the required timeframe established by the School. For more information, see Grading Policy in the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy below. All students receive a numeric grade in theory and a numeric grade on practical evaluations. All practical evaluations must be 75% or higher to be considered acceptable (A Acceptable or U Unacceptable). Students are also evaluated through written testing in theory and by their ability to successfully perform practical laboratory work and assignments. Grades will be recorded on a permanent record card. Students receive a progress report each month from the school. An overall grade point average, derived from both theory testing and practical laboratory work and assignments, of 75% is required in order to meet academic 14

16 progress and graduation requirements. The students are only eligible to retake a test or evaluation one time. Failure by the student to take a test or evaluation will result in a score of 0%, which will negatively affect the students overall grade point average. The following represents the equivalencies of the grades assigned: Determined by a required number of steps in each skill area and the scheduled number of work assignments in each skill, students must satisfactorily complete the scheduled work assignments in each skill in the required elapsed time. Students who meet the minimum requirements for attendance and academic performance are considered to be making satisfactory academic progress until the next scheduled evaluation. Students that withdraw and re-enroll will return under the same SAP status as when they left, regardless of how long he/she had been out of school. Students are required to complete the program within 125% of their scheduled contracted hours. Course incompletes and noncredit remedial courses are not applicable and have no effect on SAP standards. Clock hours accepted from another institution toward the student s educational program are counted as attempted and completed for the purpose of determining when the allowable maximum time-frame has been exhausted. SAP evaluation periods are based on actual contracted hours at the institution. Reasonable provisions regarding temporary interruptions or Leave of Absences may be considered within the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. A leave of absence will extend the student s contract period and maximum time frame by the same number of days in the leave of absence. A leave of absence may be granted in incidents of illness, accident, maternity or family problems. Probation Period for Unsatisfactory Academic Progress If a student fails to meet the academic standards by an evaluation point, he or she will be placed on Financial Aid Warning until the end of the next evaluation point. During this time, the student is required to make up all necessary hours/academics in order to re-establish Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students on Financial Aid Warning may continue to receive Title IV funds during this period. If a student meets the required Satisfactory Academic Progress hours/academics at the end of the next evaluation point he or she will no longer be on Financial Aid Warning. If a student fails to meet any of the following conditions, a minimum attendance rate of 80% and a minimum 75% overall GPA by the end of the next evaluation period, the student will be dismissed from the program and will be no longer eligible to receive Title IV funds unless they appeal the SAP determination. The appeal must include: Plan for re-establishing satisfactory academic progress. Extenuating circumstances that affected the student s ability to maintain satisfactory academic progress such as death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student or other allowable special circumstances and what has changed in the student s situation that will allow the achievement of satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation point. If a student meets the above requirements of the appeal process and the school has established one of the two following conditions than the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation. The school must either determine that satisfactory academic progress can be met by the end of the subsequent evaluation period or develop an academic plan, that if followed, will ensure that the student is able to meet the school s satisfactory academic progress requirements by a specific point within the maximum timeframe established for the individual student. The student may continue to receive Title IV funds during this probationary period. Copies of appeals and evaluations are kept in the student s educational file. Students may request access to satisfactory academic progress evaluation results by contacting the Campus Director or Director of Education. Students must appeal for probationary status within 10 days of the negative determination and the school is allowed a 30 day period for evaluation of the appeal documents in order to provide approval or denial of the appeal. If the student prevails upon appeal, the SAP determination will be reversed and federal financial aid will be re-instated, if applicable. Satisfactory Attendance Policy In order to attain satisfactory attendance, students must attend class regularly. Under the laws of the state of Maryland, a cosmetology student must accumulate 1,500 hours and achieve a cumulative attendance rate of 80% or better in order to graduate. 15

17 Minimum attendance requirements state that a student must be present no less than 80% of his/her scheduled hours each month and that students proceed through the program at a pace leading to completion of the program in a specified time frame. To achieve the minimum required 80% rate of attendance, a cosmetology student can make up no more than 300 clock hours. Cosmetology students who miss more than 300 clock hours or 20% of their contracted hours if the student is contracted to complete less than 1500 hours at the school will be withdrawn. Students are placed on attendance probation monthly if their monthly attendance or cumulative attendance rate is below 80%. More than one month of being on attendance probation may result in the student being withdrawn. Advising Services Advising sessions for all students are held at specified intervals of the program in concurrence with evaluation periods. Students are advised in writing whether they are making satisfactory or unsatisfactory progress. The School will record on an approved individual students permanent record form each student s daily attendance and record of academic achievement. This will be done at least at every evaluation checkpoint. The School maintains permanent records for as long as the school exists. Attendance Policy To be eligible for graduation, students in the Cosmetology program must complete 1500 hours of instruction. Each instructor maintains an attendance roster in order to track student attendance daily. Student attendance will be evaluated and reported to students in writing. Regular class attendance for all scheduled hours is vital to academic success. Lateness to class, as well as early departure may be disruptive to the learning environment of others and will affect a student s attendance record. The school is permitted to deny entry to students arriving later than the contracted start time of class. Each American Beauty Academy Campus will have a tardiness policy that outlines how a student may enter class if they have arrived later than the contracted start of class as outlined within the school catalog. This policy will be reviewed in the new student orientation; will be publically displayed in a conspicuous space and also available by request from the Campus Director. Lateness to class and early departure from class will affect the recorded hours present. For attendance purposes, late arrivals and early departures constitute hours missed for attendance purposes. Make-Up Hours Students who miss class must make-up all missed hours. Scheduling of make-up hours requires prior approval of the Director of Education (or Campus Director, in their absence). Students must request to make up hours by stating the days and hours which they wish to attend. In cases where the Student to Instructor ratio would be disrupted, approval for make-up hours will not be granted. In the Cosmetology program, students may make up no more than 20%. Students who are absent from any program, for any reason, for a period of 10 consecutive class days, will be dismissed from the program. Make-Up Work All students are required to complete all missed work. Missed assignments/tests due to absence are to be completed on the first day that the student returns. Failure to make up exams will result in a grade of 0% and this grade will be added to the student s grade point average. Whenever possible, students are encouraged to make arrangements to complete any projected missed assignments/tests prior to absence. It is the responsibility of the student to understand clearly this Make-Up Work policy, and act accordingly. Leave of Absence Policy and Procedures A student may request and be granted a leave of absence if, in the judgment of the School, there are circumstances justifying a temporary break in the student s program. A LOA will extend the student s contract period and maximum time frame by the same number of days in the leave of absence. 16

18 The leave of absence will not be granted if the student has not been enrolled for at least 30 days prior to the first requested day of the LOA and may not exceed 180 days during the length of the program. Written requests must be made to the Director of Education and will not be granted for any period of less than 7 consecutive days. The leave of absence must state the specific reason(s) for the leave and the expected date of return from the leave, and it must be signed and dated by the student. If, because of an emergency, the student is unable to make the request in person, the student or close relative may call the Director of Education or the Campus Director to request the leave and explain the nature of the emergency. However, when the student or relative is able, he/she must provide a written request for the leave of absence. The leave of absence will receive initial approval from the Director of Education if the reason is deemed sufficient and if there is a reasonable expectation that the student will return. At that time the Director of Education/Academic Registrar will complete the LOA form, have the student sign the form and attach the required documentation. Approved documentation: Written letter of request from the student, Death Certificate, Obituary containing the relatives information, eviction notice, medical documentation requiring student/child not attend school. Any other documentation must be approved by the Campus Director. The amount of time on a leave of absence may impact when the student is required to begin repaying the federal student loan. A student who has obtained a federal student loan must see or speak to the Director of Financial Aid before receiving approval for the leave of absence. School Closure Policy If a school closes permanently and ceases to offer instruction after students have enrolled, and instruction has begun, the school must make arrangements for students. In the case of closure at American Beauty Academy, a pro-rata refund of tuition is made according to the Refund Calculation Policy. A list of all students who were enrolled at the time of the school s closure, including the amount of the pro-rate refund calculation will be submitted to the school s accreditor, NACCAS. Withdrawal Policy A student can voluntarily withdraw from the school. Students who plan to withdraw from the school are strongly urged to meet with the Director of Financial Aid to complete their official exit, although this is not required. Students who voluntarily withdraw may re-enter the same program only if the Re-Enrollment Committee approves, and if 30 days has elapsed. All days in active status prior to the withdraw count in the calculation of maximum program length (see the discussion under Satisfactory Academic Progress in a previous section). A withdrawal refund calculation will be performed, and the student will be charged according to the last date of attendance as recorded by the instructor. If a student withdraws before completing the course he/she is currently taking, a grade of F will be recorded for that course. If the student later re-enters the program from which he/she withdrew, the student will be permitted to retake the course he/she began prior to the withdrawal and to earn a grade that will replace the F in his/her permanent record. Termination Termination may occur in the following cases (but is not limited to): Unresolved Attendance Probation, Unresolved Academic Probation, Violation of Drug & Alcohol Policy, Student Conduct Violations, Unfulfilled Financial Obligations, Excessive Absenteeism: If a student misses classes without notifying the school, American Beauty Academy will contact the student. If after 10 consecutive calendar days (exclusive of school holidays), all attempts to contact the student fail, the student will be terminated from school. School Holidays are listed in the section entitled Student Calendar, earlier in this catalog. The School s Campus Director may choose to terminate a student for excessive absenteeism if and when it is determined that a student will no longer be able to complete their program in the 17

19 maximum time allotted, 125%. This is solely at the discretion of the Campus Director, and may be appealed in writing, via the Appeal Policy procedures. Terminated students will be notified in writing and may appeal to the Campus Director within five business days of the dismissal. Re-Entry Policy Re-entry is described as a previous ABA student (regardless the length of time). By definition, the following students might seek re-entry into a program: Student who withdrew from a program by choice by writing a letter of withdraw Student who was dismissed by ABA from a program Attendance Not meeting attendance requirements Academics GPA of less than 75% at SAP Who is Eligible? Withdrew or dropped for a minimum of 30 days (students MUST be out a minimum of 30 days) Any student wanting to re-enter ABA must attend a re-entry meeting with the re-entry committee and be approved by the campus director if he/she is not present at the meeting. The campus director will ensure the Financial Aid department has reviewed the file prior to the re-entry meeting. Students re-entering a program after 1 or more years may be required to complete practical and/or written evaluations to determine the number of hours credited and coursework needed; a review of certain sessions of a course or retake an entire course, if the Director determines that a repetition of the coursework is necessary for the successful completion of the program. Expelled a student dismissed by ABA for behavioral issues (only eligible for re-entry under special circumstance). Attendance: A student must be able to meet the 80% attendance requirement by the next satisfactory academic progress checkpoint. If the student is returning in a status of financial aid warning The Re-Entry Process Students must submit a letter requesting re-entry into the program. The letter should address the circumstances surrounding the students withdraw/drop from the program as well as what has changed that will allow the student to be successful if permitted to re-enter the program. Upon receipt of the request to re-enter the student will be contacted by the education department and scheduled for a re-entry meeting (the campus director may approve the appointment to be scheduled prior to receipt of the request if the request is brought to the meeting). Make note: Any student reentering American Beauty Academy must attend a re-entry meeting. Students are responsible for any charges incurred for review sessions or retakes. Students approved for re-entry will be given a re-entry date. If a student does not re-enter on the date specified, the Director of Education must be consulted for approval of an alternative date. A student who withdrew/dropped on FA SAP warning will return on FA SAP warning and MUST pass their first SAP check point upon re-entry. (Any student who withdrew prior to July 1, 2011 will return in Satisfactory Academic Progress regardless of prior probations. Any student who withdrew after July 1, 2011 for whom it has been determined to have failed two consecutive SAPs will not be eligible to return). If a student is approved for re-entry a new enrollment agreement must be signed documenting any new charges and/or changes to the original enrollment agreement and Payment Plan if required. The student will be subject to the terms of the new documents. A student who has been out over six months will be charged a new registration fee of $ The registration fee, whether the $100 total, or a $50 deposit, must be collected in order for the student to start. The student must return all required documents by the specified date along with any payment or fees due in order to 18

20 reserve the seat and be permitted to resume classes. Failure to enroll by submitting the required documents and payment by the specified date will result in the seat being offered to another student. Transcript Policy The transcript will reflect the grades for each course and a cumulative grade point average for the program. However, the original failing grade for a course that a student successfully repeated will be excluded from the calculations of the cumulative grade point average. Students who have fulfilled their financial obligations to the school will be provided with an original copy of the official transcript, free of charge. Official transcripts will not be provided on behalf of any student who has not fulfilled all financial obligations to the school. Requests for official transcripts from other schools or organizations must be accompanied by a signed release from the student. The cost of an official transcript is $10.00, per copy. Requests must be made in writing to the campus Academic Registrar, and may take up to 14 calendar days to process. Unofficial copies may be requested without charge, but may take up to 7 calendar days to process. Maximum Class Size No Cosmetology class will exceed the maximum student/teacher ratio of 25:1. 19