Standard of Progress
Minimum Pass grade is C (2.0, or 70 percent)

A = 4.0 (90-100 percent)
B = 3.0 (80-89 percent)
C = 2.0 (70-79 percent)
D = 1.0 (69 percent or below; failure)
I = Incomplete
W = Withdrew

Minimum satisfactory grade is 2.0 or 70 percent. Should a student fall below a GPA of 2.0 for any one marking period, they will be put on probation. The student has until the next marking period to improve their GPA or be dismissed. A marking period is every 90 hours of classtime for the 720-hour and 360-hour programs. For all other courses (8-, 30-, 36- and 72-hour courses) the marking periods will be at the 25 percent and 50 percent periods and the conclusion of the class (end-term). A class hour is 50 minutes in length with a 10-minute break. The number of students in a typical class is eight. The maximum number of students in a classroom or laboratory setting of instruction is twelve.

The education objective level of occupation for which the student will qualify once training is completed is basic for Basic Jewelry Making, Design/Rendering and Bead Stringing courses. The level of occupation is entry level for all comprehensive courses, as well as Jewelry Repair, Diamond Setting I and II and Wax Modeling/Casting/Molds.

The school's satisfactory progress policy, as it pertains to incompletes, is that a student has 90 days to complete their course before an incomplete grade reverts to a failure. Withdrawals are permitted through the first four weeks of class and will have no effect on the student's GPA. Withdrawals after the fourth week will result in a failure for the course. In regard to repetitions, a student may repeat a course as many times as they wish and the highest grade will be factored into the GPA.

The maximum time frame to complete any curriculum shall not exceed 1.5 times the normal duration or number of clock hours required for completion. If a student fails to meet the minimum grade point average or fails to complete the training within the maximum time frame, the student must be dismissed unless conditions exist which, in the opinion of the Director, warrants placing the student on probation. These conditions must first be expressed by the student during a formal appeal process. This process calls for the student to submit, in writing, reason(s) why they should be considered for reinstatement. If a student is placed on probation, they will be on probation until the course is completed, and no additional extensions to the duration of the curriculum will be granted. In addition, the student must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or 70 percent for each marking period thereafter or they will be dropped from the program permanently.

Refund Policy
Any refund due a student shall be paid by the school within 45 days of the date on which the student withdraws or is terminated from the program. The termination date for refund is the last date of the actual attendance by the student. The amount of refund due a student is determined by the last day of attendance for the quarter.

A student who wishes to withdraw from class must submit a written statement to that effect. Date and time must be stamped on the statement, by the Director. The failure of a student to notify the Director in writing of withdrawal may delay a refund of tuition due pursuant to section 5002 of the Education Law.

School Holidays

Attendance
Studio Jewelers, Ltd. maintains attendance records, and students must complete their class work within the time specified in the course description. A 720-hour curriculum allows the student a maximum of five absences, while a 360 hour curriculum allows the student a maximum of three absences. All 72-hour courses allow two absences, and a 36-hour and 30-hour course allow one absence. An 8-hour course allows no absences. Punctuality is mandatory, lateness is considered a 1/4 day absence.

Excessive absences can result in dismissal from the school. A student is considered tardy when arriving 10 minutes after class begins; 5 tardies lead to probation; 10 tardies can lead to termination. For a 72-hour course, 3 tardies lead to probation, 5 tardies can lead to termination. In a 36-hour and 30-hour course, 2 tardies lead to probation, 4 tardies can lead to termination. For an 8-hour course, 2 tardies lead to probation, 3 tardies can lead to termination. Make-ups are given at the discretion of the Director, depending upon availability of class time and instructors' schedules.

When a student is placed on probation, the student will meet with the Director of the school. The student will be informed they are on probation because of continued lateness and a written statement to that effect will be placed in the student's file. The statement will be signed by both the Director and the student, and the student will receive a copy of the statement. In effect, the probation is a warning. Should lateness continue, the student will be terminated. The exact termination depends on the curriculum or course as explained in the attendance policy.

Termination
Misconduct, unsatisfactory work progress, or poor attendance are grounds for termination by Studio Jewelers, Ltd. prior to completion of the course. Misconduct is considered any behavior that interferes with the learning process in the class. Conduct considered unacceptable: using or possessing intoxicants or illegal drugs on school premises; possessing weapons; theft; disruptive behavior or refusal to follow instructors' or administrative directions.

Individuals requesting reinstatement must submit a letter addressed to the Director stating why they should be considered for reinstatement. A final decision will be rendered in two weeks and notification will be sent via US mail.

Student Complaint/Grievance Procedure
Schools accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of the Career College Association must have a procedure and operational plan for handling student complaints. If a student does not feel that the school has adequately addressed a complaint or concern, the student may consider contacting the Accrediting Commission. All complaints considered by the Commission must be in written form, with permission from the complainant(s) for the Commission to forward a copy of the complaint to the school for a response. The complainant(s) will be kept informed as to the status of the complaint as well as the final resolution by the Commission. Please direct all inquiries to:
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201. Tel: (703) 247-4212 www.accsc.org

Complaint Procedure
All complaints by students should be first brought to the attention of their teacher for resolution. If satisfaction cannote be reached by parties concerned, it should then be brought to the attention of the Director. Complaint policy and procedures can be found in the Student Disclosures Material entitled "What You Should Know About Licensed Private Schools and Registered Business Schools in New York State." This pamphlet is attached to your signed enrollment agreement. Also available on request and attached to your signed enrollment agreement is a copy of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) "Student Complaint/Grievance Procedure" (see above). A copy of the Commission's complaint form may be obtained by contacting Robert Streppone, Director, Studio Jewelers, Ltd.

Refund Schedule
(720-hour and 360-hour Comprehensive Jewelry Training curriculum. Full-time as well as any course in 1st or 2nd quarter.)

(360-hour Comprehensive Jewelry Training curriculum. Part time)

Cancellation Policy
Applicants who have not visited the school prior to enrollment will have the opportunity to withdraw without penalty within three business days following either the regularly scheduled orientation procedures or following a tour of the school facilities and inspection of equipment where training and services are provided. All monies paid by an applicant must be refunded if requested within three days after signing an enrollment agreement and making an initial payment. An applicant requesting cancellation more than three days after signing an enrollment agreement and making an initial payment, but prior to entering the school is entitled to a refund of all monies paid minus a registration fee of 15% of the contract price of the program, but in no event may the school retain more than $150.

Job Placement
The school cannot guarantee employment, but will provide its graduates with assistance and job leads upon graduation.

Housing
Studio Jewelers does not arrange housing for students; however we do supply information upon request pertaining to hotels and dormitories in the area.

Counseling
An ATB (Ability to Benefit) student enrolled in our Comprehensive Jewelry Training programs is entitled to psychological counseling, if needed, by a licensed therapist. Studio Jewelers will provide a list of free community counseling services, upon request for such psychological counsel.

The Tuition Reimbursement Fund is designed to protect the financial interest of students attending schools. If a school closes while you are in attendance prior to the completion of your education program, then you may be eligible for a refund of all tuition expenses which you have paid. If you drop out of school prior to completion and you file a complaint against the school with the State Education Department, you may be eligible to receive a tuition refund if the State Education Department is able to provide a factual support that your complaint is valid and to determine that there was a violation of Education Law or the Commissioner's Regulations as specified in Section 126.1. To file a claim to the Tuition Reimbursement Fund, you must first file a complaint with the Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision, New York State Education Department, 116 West 32 Street, New York, NY 10001 or telephone (212) 643-4760. The staff of the State Education Department will assist you in the preparation of a tuition reimbursement form.

Federal Return of Title IV Funds Policy
If a recipient of SFA grant or loan funds, (Title IV funds) withdraws from a school after beginning attendance, the amount of SFA grant or loan assistance earned by the student must be determined. If the amount to the student is greater than the amount the student earned, unearned funds must be returned. If the amount disbursed to the student is less than the amount the student earned, and for which the student is otherwise eligible, he or she is eligible to receive a post-withdrawal disbursement of the earned aid that was not received.

Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to students who qualify.

Other programs: Information regarding other comparable education programs with regard to tuition fees and program lengths are available from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) at the following address:
ACCSC, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201.
Tel: (703) 247-4212 www.accsc.org