Policies & Procedures

Tuition Liability

Under New York law, tuition liability is divided by the number of quarters or terms in the program, workshop, or course. Total tuition liability is limited to the quarter or term during which the student withdrew or was terminated, and any previous terms or quarters completed. In accordance with school policy, the academy will earn tuition and fees as follows, based on the week in which the student withdraws or is terminated:

For full-time conservatory programs, workshops, or courses that are divided into terms, the student refund may be more than that stated above if the accrediting agency or the Federal Pro- Rata refund policy results in a greater refund.

Tuition Reimbursement Fund (New York location only)

The Tuition Reimbursement Fund protects the financial interest of students attending non- degree proprietary schools. If a school closes while a student is attending the school, and prior to the completion of the student’s program, then the student may be eligible for a refund of all tuition expenses paid. If the student drops out of school prior to completion and files a complaint against the school with the New York State Education Department, the student may be eligible to receive a tuition refund if the New York State Education Department is able to provide factual support that the student’s complaint is valid and to determine that there was a violation of New York Education Law or the Commissioner’s Regulations as specified in Section 126.17 of the Commissioner’s Regulations. To file a claim to the Tuition Reimbursement Fund, a student must first file a complaint with the New York State Education Department and follow the process outlined in Section 5007 of the New York Education Law.

Contact Information for the Federal Student Aid Office of the Ombudsman

Via on-line assistance: https://studentaid.gov/feedback-center/

Via telephone: 1-877-557-2575

Via mail:

U. S. Department of Education

Office of Federal Student Aid

P.O. Box 1854

Monticello, KY 42633

Digital Film Academy is approved as an eligible institution to provide training by the Department of Labor and Industry. For additional information on eligibility requirements contact your State’s local Employment Office.

Attendance Policies

Definition of Attendance: All courses require attendance as defined by the student’s presence and participation in the weekly online discussions and/or attendance on campus.

Any student who does not provide documented attendance either on the student portal, or onsite for 14 consecutive days may be automatically withdrawn from the program if contact with the student cannot be made to confirm he/she intends to return to class by participating in the required activities.

If contact is made with the student within the 14 days, and the school documents that the student will be returning, an additional seven days may be granted to provide time for the student to post attendance. After 21 consecutive calendar days, students without posted attendance will be withdrawn.

Because of the intensive nature of the programs at Digital Film Academy, absenteeism jeopardizes a student’s ability to successfully complete his or her studies. It is the student’s responsibility to notify a Digital Film Academy Director and/or instructor and make up all work missed if a student finds it necessary to be absent, late, or leave early. Accumulated absenteeism in any one course will affect performance and grades. Absenteeism can result from absence, being tardy, or leaving class early. Instructors record tardiness and people leaving early by rounding to the nearest 15-minute increment.

Excessive absenteeism may result in the student having to repeat the course at his or her own cost.

Attendance Requirements

Students must meet a 67% attendance requirement (75% beginning 5/15/23) to complete individual classes and a cumulative 67% (75% beginning 5/15/23) for graduation. VA students must meet an 85% cumulative attendance requirement for graduation. For online classes, “present” requires an active camera and adequate participation by student. For in-person classes, “present” requires in-person attendance at start and end of class.

Tardiness/Early Departure/Class Cuts

Students are expected to be on time for each class session. Students will be considered tardy if they arrive late to class or leave class early. Four (4) tardies constitutes one absence.

Tracking Attendance

Instructors will take attendance at the start of the class, upon return from each scheduled break, and at the end of the class. Instructors will submit the attendance records daily.

Course Retakes

If a student fails a course, they are required to retake the course, and are charged tuition for the credits/hours retaken.

Withdrawal

Students may withdraw from CompTIA Digital Film Academy at any time. The institution will assess the refund amount based on all governing and accrediting bodies and will follow the policy that is most lenient towards the student.

Leave of Absence

Students must request in writing for an approved leave of absence (LOA). The request must be submitted to the Registrar and approved by the CAO two weeks prior to the start of the LOA request if possible. Emergency circumstances will be considered. Students enrolled in term-based programs may only be approved for an LOA for periods beginning at the start of a term and ending at the end of a term. Mid-term LOA’s cannot be approved. If a student enrolled in a term program cannot complete the term enrolled, the student will be withdrawn, and may apply to re- enroll at the beginning of the next, or future term.

LOA request must be signed and dated and include an explanation of the request and the student’s plan to resolve the issue, permitting the student’s return to class. An LOA may be granted if appropriate documentation is provided and DFA determines that the student can be scheduled to return and complete their course of study. Acceptable reasons for requesting an LOA include medical situations, personal emergencies, military obligations, or other circumstances beyond the student’s control.

Only one leave of absence is generally granted in a 12-month period; however, a well-documented situation may merit the approval of an additional leave. LOAs cannot exceed a cumulative total of 180 days in a 12-month period. A student who fails to return as scheduled from an approved LOA will be withdrawn effective the day they were scheduled to return and failed to do so. LOA is considered granted when the Change of Status form is completed and signed by student.

LOA requests must coincide with the beginning and end of a term.

Student Readmission

Students who withdraw from the program and decide to return within 6 months, 180 days, may re-enter the program under the same terms of their previous enrollment agreement. Students who choose to re-enter the program more than 6 months following a withdrawal will receive a new enrollment agreement with the estimated tuition and fees based on the prevailing tuition and fee schedule at the time of re-entry.

Students who have been dismissed for lack of satisfactory progress may apply to be readmitted into the same curriculum, as the class schedule permits, after 6 months. Such a student will be enrolled for a probationary term upon reentry. This procedure applies only to dismissals caused by lack of satisfactory progress and when the student is reentering the same curriculum.

Students dismissed by the school for any reason other than lack of satisfactory academic progress may also apply to be readmitted into the same curriculum, as the class schedule permits, after 6 months.

The time frame for re-admittance will be commensurate with the reason for dismissal.

Re-Admission After Termination For Conduct Policy Violation

Each case is examined individually including a meeting with the student and a written Incident Report. Depending on the severity of the offense(s) and the response from the student re-admission can occur in two terms, one year or termination can be deemed permanent.

Grading System

Students are assessed primarily through graded homework assignments, reports, quizzes, answers to discussion questions and a course project using standardized rubrics. Attendance, participation, and successful completion of class exercises and assignments are also included in the final assessment.

Please see each course syllabus for details.

Final grades are reported at the completion of each 15-week term. At the conclusion of each semester DFA reports final grades to each student. The following grading system is used, and final grades are calculated from the percentages earned in each course in accordance with the chart provided below.

The definitions and process for the assignment of non-letter grades are as follows:

Course Repetitions

Grades earned, as a regular student or during the continuation period as a non- regular student, for courses originally failed, will be substituted for the previous course failures in the calculation of the student’s GPA. Credit is given for the highest grade earned. Repeated courses will appear on the student’s transcript. The first attempt will also be shown, but the student’s CGPA will be recomputed to count the highest grade only. Students are charged tuition at the same rate as the other courses in their current program for repeated courses.

Course Withdrawal

DFA delivers courses in a specific schedule. Individual course withdrawals are uncommon and require assessment and approval by the CAO. A course withdrawal will not be considered if more than 50% of the course has elapsed. Tuition may be affected by withdrawn courses.

Audited Courses

Audited courses are not graded nor are the course hours or credits earned.

Late Assignment Submissions

Assignments submitted late will be graded according to the following schedule:

• 1-7 days late – one letter grade will be deducted (B+ max grade)
• 8-14 days late – two letter grades will be deducted (C+ max grade)
• Beyond 14 days late – max grade C

*Schedule of late deduction is suspended for student on an academic correction plan.

Grade Appeals

A student who believes he or she has been improperly graded must first discuss the matter with the instructor. If the student is not satisfied with the instructor’s explanation, the student, no later than ten days after his or her discussion with the instructor, may submit a written appeal to the CAO, with a copy of the appeal also sent to the instructor. Within ten calendar days, the CAO will assess the grade. Should the CAO believe the instructor’s grade inaccurately reflects the student’s work, the CAO, with the help of applicable professionals may revise the grade. Once a student submits a written appeal, this document and all subsequent actions on this appeal are recorded in written form for deposit in a department or college file.

Proctored Exams

The majority of exams given are completed during the residential sessions or through the online learning portal. However, on occasion, a student may be required to complete a proctored exam. A proctored exam must be overseen by an individual (called a proctor) who monitors the student while he or she is taking an exam. Students are responsible to make arrangements to locate a proctor and an appropriate location for the exam. Students will be required to show a valid ID (Student ID Card or Government Issued Photo ID Card) if the student is unknown to the proctor and to know the instructor’s name, the course name and which exam or activity they need to complete. Students will need to obtain and complete the necessary paperwork.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) ensures that all students are progressing through their program of study both academically and in a timely manner. To be considered making satisfactory progress toward a degree or certificate, a student must both maintain a specified 2.0 cumulative grade point averages, a 70% attendance rate, and a specified 67% completion rate.

The attendance rate is calculated by the number of instructional hours attended divided by the number of instructional hours offered. The completion rate is calculated by the number of credit hours earned divided by the number of credit hours attended.

Evaluation of Satisfactory Academic Progress

To determine satisfactory progress, a student’s cumulative grade point average and attendance rate and completion rate will be evaluated at the midpoint and end of every term/ payment period. A student’s completion rate is evaluated at the conclusion of every term/ payment period. after grades are posted, approximately 10 days after the end of the term.

Students who do not meet the minimum cumulative grade point average or the minimum attendance rate at the midpoint evaluation shall be provided a written notice of warning.

Students who have been provided a written notice of warning at the midpoint evaluation and who do not meet the minimum cumulative grade point average or the minimum attendance rate or completion rate at the conclusion of each term shall be placed on probation.

The maximum period of probation shall be the conclusion of the next consecutive term after the student has been placed on probation.

Schools shall offer academic counseling and remediation for all students placed on probation (and retain documentation for these services in the student’s file).

Students who have been placed on probation and who do not meet the minimum cumulative grade point average or the minimum attendance rate or the minimum completion rate at the conclusion of the probation period shall be withdrawn from the program.

Dismissal due to unsatisfactory performance following a probation cannot be appealed.

Prior to withdrawal, and at the school’s discretion, students may be afforded no more than thirty days to make up assignments or instructional hours to achieve satisfactory academic standing as required by this section.

Students are expected to complete the requirements for their program in the scheduled time frame, but in no case may the hours/credits attempted exceed 1.5 times the hours/credits required to complete the program.

All periods of enrollment count toward Satisfactory Academic Progress, including periods when a student does not receive financial aid.

Procedure for re-establishing Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

A student who is placed on Academic Warning and re-establishes SAP at the end of the Academic Warning period will be notified and removed from Academic Warning. A student who is placed on Probation and re-establishes SAP at the end of the Probation period will be notified and removed from Probation.

The effect on SAP for repeated courses

The higher of the two grades earned for a repeated course will be used in calculating the CGPA. The credits attempted for both courses are included in the calculation of the completion rate.

The effect on SAP for non-punitive grades and non-credit or remedial courses

DFA does not offer remedial courses. The grade assignment of AU is a non-punitive grade that does not impact CGPA or completion rate calculations.

The effect on SAP when a student seeks to earn an additional credential

If a student seeks an additional credential, the hours/credits and grades attempted in the original credential that apply to the new credential are included in the determination of a student’s satisfactory academic progress, for completion rate.

The effect on SAP for Extended-Enrollment Status

The Academy does not offer extended-enrollment status for SAP.

The effect on SAP when student changes programs or is re-admitted to the same program.

If a student is re-admitted into the Digital Film Academy or changes program of study, the hours/ credits and grades that are applicable to the student’s current program of study will be included in the CGPA and in hours/credits attempted for determining the student’s satisfactory academic progress and the appropriate evaluation level for the student.

The effect on SAP for Transfer Credits

Transfer credits are not included in the CGPA but are included as both attempted and earned in the completion rate.

Re-Enrollment: Students who are dismissed from the program due to failure to maintain SAP may choose to petition the institution for consideration of re- enrollment after 6 months. Readmission is not guaranteed. See Student Readmission policy.

Program Transfers: Students may transfer to a different program, and all courses completed with a passing grade which apply to the new program, will be transferred. The student will be charged a pro-rated amount of tuition for the courses attempted in the first program, and for the remaining courses remaining to be attended in the new program.

Transfer Credit:

All transfer credit requests will be evaluated by the Admissions Department and receive final approval form The Chief Academic.

Only General Education courses that are completed at an accredited postsecondary institution which are substantially the same in both value and content to a course required at DFA and for which a grade of C (75%) or higher was earned, will be accepted for transfer.

Transfer credits will be evaluated upon the student’s request provided receipt of an official transcript and course descriptions. There is no fee for evaluating transfer credits.

At least 75% of the credits or hours required for completion of a program must be earned at DFA for a certificate or degree to be issued.

Coursework completed at a foreign institutional must be evaluated by an educational evaluation agency in the U.S. to determine its U.S. equivalency at the student’s expense.

The Digital Film Academy does not accept experiential/equivalent credit.

Graduation Policy

In order to graduate, students must have:

• a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above,
• a cumulative attendance of 75% or above,
• earned a passing grade in all required courses, and
• met all financial obligations to the school.

A non-graduating completer is defined as a student who has completed the requisite courses for the program in which they have enrolled, but whose CGPA does not meet the minimum CGPA required for graduation.

Extenuating Circumstances Policy

Extenuating circumstances are verified cases of illness, accident, or other circumstances beyond a student’s control. Students may request a formal exception or waiver to DFA’s procedures based on extenuating circumstances by emailing [email protected] and explaining the circumstances and attaching any relevant documentation corroborating the student’s explanation. A request for an exception due to extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by Chief Academic Officer who will make a determination on a case-by-case basis as to whether to grant the student the exception. Approval of a student’s request is not guaranteed.

General reasons why students may request an exception include, but are not limited to: dropping with a W for the term, withdrawal after the deadline, or a grade change.

Job Placement Assistance, Career Services, and Other Student Services

Learning Resource System

DFA uses Populi to provide students access to schedules, assignments, grades, and other course materials. Populi also allows instructors to review assignments, submit grades and attendance, communicate with students, and deliver lesson materials.

Student Support Services

DFA provides an array of support services to assist students while they are students at DFA and after they graduate. DFA trains students on how to use its learning resource system and has a CompTIA Digital Film Academy Helpdesk Form that students can complete to receive assistance with many needs. DFA also offers career services assistance and maintains a job board for current and former students to assist them in seeking employment in their chosen field after graduation. DFA further provides a library of media equipment for current and former students to borrow for their own projects.

Policy for Job Placement Assistance

CompTIA Digital Film Academy (DFA) provides career services and job placement assistance to enrolled students and school graduates. DFA does not guarantee placement or employment to its applicants, students, or graduates. DFA instructors and staff are advised to ensure that no such guarantee is ever made or implied in any advertising, brochures, and statements to applicants, students, and graduates.

Resume Review and Assistance

Resume and portfolio building topics and activities are built into DFA’s program curriculum. DFA does not write or provide any prewritten resumes for students or school graduates.

Tutoring

Students who need extra assistance because of academic difficulties may arrange for tutoring through their instructor. Tutoring is available by appointment only, at no cost to students.

Student Conduct Policy

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and to act, speak, and demonstrate respect to others while enrolled at CompTIA Digital Film Academy (DFA). Students are required to be aware of and abide by the following rules of conduct:

• Theft of company property or property of any DFA staff or fellow students may result in immediate termination from the program.
• Willful destruction of company property or property of DFA staff or fellow students may result in immediate termination from the program.
• No alcohol or illegal drug consumption is allowed before or during classroom hours. Students who appear to be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol will be immediately terminated from the program. No possession, use, sale, or distribution of alcohol or illegal drugs on the school premises is permitted.
• Threatening, intimidating, or physically harming any DFA staff, affiliate, or fellow student will result in immediate termination from the program.
• Disorderly conduct is forbidden at DFA. This includes, but is not limited to, inappropriate, disrespectful, insulting and/or obscene language and lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct. Any discriminating or derogatory remarks or behavior against DFA staff or another student in reference to religion, culture, race, sex, or sexual orientation are grounds for immediate termination from the program.
• Be friendly and respectful to your instructor, fellow participants, and DFA staff members. Students should conduct themselves in a professional manner. Students who are deemed disruptive, argumentative, or otherwise unprofessional may face disciplinary action, up to and including termination from the program.
• Willful violation of safety rules and/or safety procedures that places students and/or DFA staff in danger will result in immediate termination from the program.
• Inappropriate or unauthorized use of school technology is prohibited. Under no circumstances should a student enter websites with obscene or pornographic content. Internet usage is monitored internally and entering a website forbidden by this policy may result in immediate termination from the program.
• DFA does not condone cheating in any form or the use of outside study materials. Students enrolled in the program will be provided approved study materials. Materials that are not approved by CompTIA or DFA may not be correct or legal.
• DFA strictly prohibits the piracy of software and the violation of piracy and copyright laws. DFA reserves the right to dismiss students from the program who are found to be using the institution’s equipment to illegally copy software or other copyrighted materials for their own gain. No student should attempt to copy, make available, or distribute copies of copyrighted material.
• Students enrolled in online programming must keep their webcam on and remain in front of it during all program sessions. Students who do not turn their webcams on will be considered absent for the day.

Student Probation, Suspension, or Expulsion

CompTIA Digital Film Academy (DFA) reserves the right to dismiss students for activities detrimental to themselves, other students, instructors, and the school. DFA does not put students on probation or suspension if they do not act in accordance with institutional conduct policies. Individuals who fail to comply with the program policies may be terminated from the program. Individuals who have previously been terminated from the program for Student Conduct Policy violations are ineligible for re-enrollment in the program.

Disciplinary Actions

Whenever it has been determined that good cause exists for student discipline, CompTIA Digital Film Academy (DFA) shall notify the student in writing. DFA will review the incident details and shall have the right to dismiss the charge(s) of misconduct or recommend appropriate disciplinary action. The Chief Executive Officer or designee shall review the recommended disciplinary action and then either affirm, modify, or dismiss the disciplinary action.

Disciplinary actions may include:

1. Written warning
2. Removal by the instructor – Removal from the class for good cause, for the remainder of the day’s class. The instructor’s decision is final and may not be appealed.
3. Termination of enrollment (expulsion) at DFA, with or without the possibility of readmission.
4. Criminal prosecution – DFA will refer to the local authorities for prosecution any criminal activity that occurs on DFA premises. This is in addition to any other disciplinary action taken.

Students who are dismissed for misconduct may file an appeal using the procedures outlined in the Grievance Policy.

Conditions for Discipline/Termination

Additionally, the following occurrences shall also be grounds for discipline, up to and including, termination of enrollment:

1. Non-payment of tuition
2. Failure to complete the program
3. Lack of attendance
4. Missed assignments
5. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress
6. Violation of school policy and procedures

Academic Honesty in Online Courses Policy

CompTIA Digital Film Academy (DFA) is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards possible related to student academic performance in our online classes.

DFA students are given access to Populi, our Learning Management System platform, and they are expected to keep their username and password confidential, never allowing or providing others your credentials or account information. Sharing access or passwords to Populi is considered a breach of security and academic integrity and would result in the student being removed from class. When a student logs in to Populi, or any other learning platform, there is an inherent understanding and agreement that the course work and/or course activities are to be completed by individual, without the assistance of others, unless advised otherwise. Allowing others to complete course assignments or use another individual’s intellectual property is considered cheating is subject to receiving a “Fail”, and additionally can result in formal disciplinary action.

Definition of Academic Dishonesty

DFA values integrity, honor, and respect in all endeavors, both personally and professionally. Thus, the instructors at DFA wish to help our students maintain the highest academic standards of honesty; therefore, it is expected that a student’s academic work be of their own making. In spite of the increased use of collaborative learning and other forms of group work, it is important that students remain accountable for their own work, whether it be for their individual work or their portion of a group assignments. We recognize that the vast majority of students maintain highly ethical work standards; however, failure to abide by this standard of conduct is considered to be academic dishonesty.

Types of Academic Dishonesty

• Copying from others on a quiz, test, examination, or assignment (“cheating”);
• Allowing another student to copy one’s work on a quiz, test, exam, or assignment;
• Having others take any exam instead of taking the exam oneself;
• Buying or using assignments from an internet source or other company or taking any work of another, even with permission, and presenting the work as one’s own;
• Excessive revising or editing by another that substantially alters the student’s final work;
• Giving other students information that allows the student an undeserved advantage on an exam, such as prepping a student for a test in another section of the same class;
• Taking and using the words, work, or ideas of others and presenting any of these as one’s own work is plagiarism. Plagiarism may either be deliberate or unintentional, but it must be avoided at all costs.

To avoid plagiarizing, one must:

• Submit only one’s own work;
• Appropriately cite sources used;
• Appropriately paraphrase or summarize another’s ideas or language and acknowledge the source according to set academic standards;
• Document any use of a format, method, or approach originated by others; If a student is unclear as to what constitutes academic dishonesty, they should consult the instructor.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

CompTIA Digital Film Academy is compliant with Title IV requirements, state-specific policies as well as any unique requirements set forth by COE. The institution will compare all policies in each instance of cancellation or withdrawal/dismissal and will follow the policy that is more lenient towards the student.

Georgia State Policy

Students have the right to cancel their enrollment and obtain a refund by providing written notice to the Executive Director of Financial Aid The effective date of termination is either the postmarked date, if applied for by U.S. Postal Service, or the date established by the signature of the Finance Department. Verbal or phone requests will not be honored.

Students have the right to a full refund of all charges (except for the application fee, registration fee and other non-refundable charges as indicated on the Tuition and Fees chart) if they cancel the agreement prior to, or on, the first day of instruction. Students dropping a course after classes have begun, but, before 50% of instruction will receive a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of the tuition and other refundable charges. Students who drop a class after 50% of instruction of the class will not be eligible for any tuition refund. Books, textbooks and other materials purchased for the student are the property of that student. DFA will neither accept return of the purchased materials, nor make refunds for services.

For the purpose of determining the date of a student’s withdrawal, a student shall be deemed to have withdrawn from a program of instruction when any of the following occurs:

1. The student notifies the school of the student’s withdrawal or as of the date of the student’s withdrawal, whichever is later.
2. The school terminates the student’s enrollment for failure to maintain satisfactory progress, failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the school, failure to participate in academic activities for 14 consecutive calendar days, and/ or failure to meet financial obligations to the school.
3. The student fails to return from a leave of absence.

 

Refund Chart based on student’s last day of documented attendance:

There is no refund after the ninth week beginning with week ten or more than 60% of instruction.

No refunds may be disbursed to a student until the Financial Aid Program has been paid. DFA is obligated to repay the following funds from Federal Title IV Sources: Unsubsidized Direct Loan, Subsidized Direct Loan, Pell Grant, and SEOG. Refunds will be determined by the percentage of tuition contributed by that source. The exact terms and conditions are set forth in the enrollment agreement.

For student receiving financial aid, any tuition refund will be made first to the Federal Title IV Programs in which DFA participates, up to the net amount disbursed from each source:

• Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan
• Federal Subsidized Direct Loan
• Federal Pell Grant
• FSEOG

Students will receive a full refund of any course that has been cancelled by DFA. All refunds will be paid within 45 days of cancellation or withdrawal. Any Federal Student Aid disbursed to the student for which the student is determined to be ineligible will need to be returned.

COE Cancellation and Refund Policy

1. Refunds for Classes Canceled by the Institution. If tuition and fees are collected in advance of the start date of a program and the institution cancels the class, 100% of the tuition and fees collected must be refunded. The refund shall be made within 45 days of the planned start date.
2. Refunds for Students Who Withdraw on or Before the First Day of Class. If tuition and fees are collected in advance of the start date of classes and the student does not begin classes or withdraws on the first day of classes, no more than $100 of the tuition and fees may be retained by the institution. Appropriate refunds for a student who does not begin classes shall be made within 45 days of the class start date.
3. Refunds for Students Enrolled Prior to Visiting the Institution. Students enrolled in on ground programs who have not visited the school facility prior to enrollment will have the opportunity to withdraw without penalty within three days following either attendance at a regularly scheduled orientation or following a tour of the facilities and inspection of the equipment.
4. Refunds for Students Enrolled in Professional Development, Continuing Education, or Limited Contract Instruction. Institutions engaging in programs which are short-term must have a written policy or contract statement regarding whether or not fees and instructional charges are refundable.
5. Refunds for Withdrawal After Class Commences.
   1. Refund Policy for Programs Obligating Students for Periods of 12 Months or Less. The refund policy for students attending non-public institutions who incur a financial obligation for a period of 12 months or less shall be as follows:
      1. During the first 10% of the period of financial obligation, the institution shall refund at least 90% of the tuition.
      2. After the first 10% of the period of financial obligation and until the end of the first 25% of the period of obligation, the institution shall refund at least 50% of the tuition.
      3. After the first 25% of the period of financial obligation and until the end of the first 50% of the period of obligation, the institution shall refund at least 25% of the tuition.
      4. After the first 50% of the period of financial obligation, the institution may retain all of the tuition.
   2. Refund Policy for Programs Obligating Students for Periods Beyond Twelve Months.
   1. Institutions with programs longer than 12 months that financially obligate the student for any period of time beyond 12 months shall release the student of the obligation to pay beyond the 12 months if the student withdraws during the first 12 months. The calculation of the refund for the unused portion of the first 12 months shall be based on section (a) above.
   2. If the student withdraws during any subsequent period following the first 12 months, the student’s refund for the unused portion of the tuition applicable to the period of withdrawal shall be based on section (a) above.

Other Policies

Delinquent Tuition Collection

CompTIA Digital Film Academy will take the following actions on delinquent accounts:

1. Student will be placed on a financial hold. The financial hold will prevent the student from registering for future programs, obtaining transcripts, and receiving the accredited certification or degree.
2. Placement of student account with a licensed collection agency. Collection agencies may assess collection fees on the student account.
3. Assessment of litigation and court costs.
4. Student’s delinquency will be reported to a national credit bureau.

 

 

Disability Accommodations Policy

DFA is committed to providing a learning environment that does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). DFA provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities to be able to access DFA’s programs and activities.

Students seeking disability accommodations should contact the Registrar at [email protected] to engage in the interactive process. Upon request, DFA will initiate an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations on a case by case basis. Students are required to provide supporting documentation related to their requests. A student may make a request for accommodations at any time, but approved accommodations are not applied retroactively, and students are encouraged to make requests as soon as possible to allow time for the interactive process.

For more information on DFA’s disability services, please refer to DFA’s Disability Accommodations Policy.

Non-discrimination Policy

CompTIA Digital Film Academy (DFA) prohibits discrimination in employment, admissions or educational opportunity in any institution program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, genetic information, veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws or institutional policy. Questions or reports about discrimination can be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at [email protected].

Title IX Information

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), DFA does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities. Any inquiries about the application of Title IX may be referred to DFA’s Title IX Coordinator.

DFA prohibits Sexual Harassment as defined by Title IX, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, as well as other sex discrimination and sexual misconduct.

To report an incident of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct, any member of the DFA community may contact the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator will provide individuals with information about supportive measures and DFA’s grievance procedures.

Transfer of Credits to Other Institutions

A student may wish to transfer coursework from DFA to another institution. Each institution has its own policy for accepting transfer credits. DFA does not guarantee the transferability of any credits earned at DFA to any other institution. Students may submit transcript requests pursuant to the procedures outlined in the Transcripts section of this catalog for other institutions to evaluate whether the student’s credits at DFA is eligible for transfer.

Transcripts

In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), records may not be released to a third party (i.e., potential employer, current employer, or another school) without the prior written authorization of the student. Official transcripts cannot be emailed and must be submitted to the receiver in a sealed envelope. Request for Official Transcripts are made withing DFA’s Student Information System, Populi, or directly with the registrar ([email protected]). You may only email your request if you have the ability to scan your signatures.

• Transcript will not be sent until all holds or financial obligations to DFA are paid, including fines or fees.
• Only coursework taken or awarded credit at DFA are included on the transcript. Copies of transcripts from other colleges will not be provided.
• Transcripts include Work in Progress for students enrolled in the current Term.
• Progress records are maintained for a minimum of 3 years and include grades, transcripts, and programs completed.
• Transcript requests will be processed in 7-14 days. All requests must include:
  1. Your complete name (name you attended school under and any maiden name).
  2. Your dates of attendance.
  3. Your date of birth.
  4. The name and address of the official transcript destination.
  5. Your address and a phone number where you can be reached.
  6. Number of official copies of transcript being requested.
  7. Your signature.

Official transcripts sent by DFA directly to other colleges, universities, educational entities, or potential employers are free of charge. Official transcripts issued directly to the student are available for $5 per copy.

Confidentiality of Student Records

CompTIA Digital Film Academy (DFA) complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) by protecting the confidentiality of personally identifiable educational records of students and former students.

The student has the following rights: the right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access; the right to request an amendment of their education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading; the right to consent to disclosures of personal identifiable information (PII) contained in their education records except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent; and the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by DFA to comply with the requirements of FERPA. A health and safety exception permit the disclosure of PII from a student’s record to appropriate parties if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals from an immediate threat.