Policies and Procedures

Enrollment Requirements:  Student must read, write and speak English, or provide a translator.  All students must provide proof that they are 17 years of age.  All students must have a High School Diploma, or GED. Students must furnish photo-copies of their High School Diploma, GED, or High School Transcript showing graduation prior to admission into the school.  They must be of good health and be current with their Tetnus vaccinations (either proof or waiver must be signed.)  Students should have an interest in the safety of animals.  They must provide their own living and transportation.  They must provide deposit fee for application and Tuition for Classes.

Equal Opportunity:  We accept students regardless of sex, race, or religion.  We do require a minimum of 17 years of age.  The only provision that we require is they must have the ability to read, write, and speak English or provide an interpreter.  The same provision will be made for a non-hearing student, who would be responsible for providing a sign language interpreter.

Student Orientation:  The first day of class, all students must attend orientation to review the rules and expectations of the school.  We will provide each student a grooming jacket which they will be expected to wear, equipment and books along with a workbook for class study. 

Credit for Prior Training:  If a student wishes to receive credit for previous instruction, a list of the courses and clock-hours for student credit will be calculated on a pro-rated basis.  It is the student's responsibility to provide the school with satisfactory documentation of previous instruction.  No credit will be given more than fourteen days after the date this Agreement is signed.

Job Placement Assistance:  Students will be furnished with a list of possible employers.  The school will assist in scheduling intervie w w here positions are available.

Standard Tuition Charges:  A $100.00 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve class space. An additional $1,590.30 is due when you pick up your equipment, or on the first day of class. The full balance, $3000.00 for tuition, is due by the first day of class unless other arrangements have been made. The total course fee is $ 4865.70 . This includes tuition, lab fees, books, equipment, and deposit.

Cancellation Policy:  A full refund will be made to any student who cancels the enrollment within 72 hours (until midnight of the third day excluding Saturday, Sundays and legal holidays) after the enrollment contract is signed, and a tour of the facilities and equipment is made by the prospective student.

Refund Policy:  The school's refund policy is stated on page 17 and is form DPSVE-023R89.

Graduation Requirements:  A 75% average is required in all categories (written tests, grooming ability and attitude) to receive a graduation diploma.  Students will be graded as follows:  Each area of study will encompass one third of the grade.  The final grade will be based on knowledge, correct bathing methods, proper points for clipping, handling ability and proper finish grooming of each breed.  Weekly tests will be given.

Student Conduct:  Conduct which is in anyway disruptive to the classroom or unsafe to the handling of animals is reason for dismissal from school.  This is to insure that all students have an environment conducive to learning and in which to work.  Each student is expected to be attentive to the instructor, to ask questions when in doubt and must show a desire to learn and accomplish their assignment for each day. Any drug or alcohol abuse, disorderly conduct or violation of school rules will be cause for immediate dismissal.

Student Complaints:  Students must inform the instructor and arrange for a private interview to discuss complaints.  Unresolved grievances may be taken to the Texas Workforce Commission, Proprietary Schools Section, 101 East 15th Street , Austin , TX   78778-0001 .

Appeal of Grades:  A written objection must be submitted to the Director within one week of any disputed grade.

Re-admission:  If for any valid reason the student is unable to complete the course, they can be re-admitted to finish the course providing they make previous arrangements with the Instructor or Director of the school.

Attendance:  Each student will be allowed 5 sick days, with a written Doctors excuse.  If a student is unable to come to class, they must call in before 8:00 am .  Tardiness will be unacceptable behavior.  Class is held from 8:00 am to 4:30 PM , Monday through Friday.  Each student must complete the 480 hours required.

Follow up services:  We will encourage graduated students to refer to our school for information and support.  A follow up letter will be sent to each employer regarding student on the job performance.

Termination and student responsibility:  The school will not allow any substance abuse (illegal drugs or alcohol.)  Student must further agree to abide by school regulations and conditions of school policy, and it must be understood that excessive tardiness, absence, and or any insubordination will result in immediate dismissal.  Any dismissal for the above reasons will not release the student of their tuition responsibility or the school from the refund policy.  Students terminated for unsatisfactory progress cannot be re-admitted until a minimum of one grading period has passed.

Start Date:  The School will begin instruction of the student on an agreed upon day in the month in which the student pays the total tuition and fees specified in this catalog.

Ending Date:  Assuming no absences or other extenuating circumstances have occurred, students will complete the program approximately 12 weeks after their start date.