Academic Policy For All Students

Advanced Placement

Students may obtain advanced placement credit based on an interview, a review of the student's portfolio, and/or a test administered by the Photographic Center Northwest.

Assignments

Students should expect to spend at least 2 to 3 hours in outside work for each hour in class.

Attendance

All students must attend the first day of class, unless the Registrar or Director of Education has approved the absence. If a student fails to attend three classes during the session, or if a student is tardy (more than ten minutes late) for three classes, the student's grade will drop one increment (for example, from B+ to B). If the student fails to attend more than three classes or is tardy for more than three classes, the instructor may exercise his or her right to permanently drop the student from the class. Should a student be dropped from a class due to nonattendance, a grade of X will be assigned and the regular tuition refund policy will apply.

Cancellation of Classes

The Photographic Center Northwest reserves the right to cancel a class, for example if the number of students enrolled is deemed insufficient.

Credit for Classes

Credit for classes is based on the number of hours a week the class is in session; one credit for each class hour. Tuition is charged on a per credit basis. Those classes that include extensive lab work during class, e.g. Black and White 1, Introduction to Color and advanced color classes, have an extra hour of class time for which tuition is not charged and credit is not awarded.

Grade Changes

In all circumstances, only the instructor may make grade changes, by sending a memo to the Registrar that describes an instructor error that justifies the grade change.

Grading

The Photographic Center Northwest uses a four-point grading scale, as indicated below:

Non-Academic Dismissal

All non-academic dismissals are decided by the school administration and a committee of faculty members. Such dismissals may result from infractions of school regulations or violations of local or state law. The school may dismiss a student who disrupts the normal conduct of classes and school activity. The student has a right to appeal the decision and/or appeal for readmittance as described in the Student Grievance Procedure of this document. Readmission will be based on the student satisfying the same requirements as a student applying to the Certificate Program (see Academic Policy For Certificate Students ) and student ability to demonstrate resolution of the problem that led to dismissal.

Required Equipment and Supplies

In most courses, students are required to have access to a 35mm camera with normal lens, a tripod, and a portable flash unit. Students should be prepared to bring equipment to each class session. The Photographic Center Northwest does not provide basic camera equipment required for class. Many classes also require purchase of equipment or supplies in order to participate in the class or to complete assignments. For example, students must purchase their own paper and film. The cost of supplies and quantity used will vary widely depending on the course. The Center does not assume responsibility for a student's equipment if damaged, lost, or stolen.

Student Eligibility and Ability to Benefit

There are no prerequisites for our entry-level classes and we do not administer tests to predict a student's ability to benefit from our classes. We find that the best test of a student's photographic ability is to enroll in a beginning class.

Student Grievance Procedure

If a student has a grievance with a faculty or staff member of the Photographic Center Northwest, the student is encouraged to first attempt to reconcile the grievance with that individual. If reconciliation is not possible at this level, the student may take his or her concern to the Director of Education. If the grievance is still not resolved, the student may request that the Board of Trustees appoint a review committee.

Student Records

As required by federal legislation, the Photographic Center Northwest has a policy on the rights of students to privacy of their educational records and access to the information on file. Students have the right to review the records, files, and data maintained for his or her educational benefit, and also a right to challenge those records. Student records at the Photographic Center Northwest are kept in the office of the Registrar.

Directory Information

The following directory information may be revealed by the Photographic Center Northwest to any inquirer, unless the student requests in writing within ten days of starting classes that the Photographic Center Northwest should withhold such information:

1. Name
2. Dates of Attendance
3. Completion Status

Disclosure of Personal Information without Request

The Photographic Center Northwest will not disclose personally identifiable information from the student's record without his or her written consent unless the disclosure is:

• To federal or state authorities.
• To accrediting organizations in order to carry out their accrediting functions.
• To comply with a judicial order or subpoena if the Photographic Center Northwest makes a reasonable effort to notify the student of the order or subpoena prior to release of the information.
• To officials of another school to which the student has applied.
• To organizations conducting studies involving testing, student aid programs or instruction where personally identifiable information will not be passed along.
• To protect the health or safety of a student or other persons.
• To organizations or agencies who sponsor the student at the school by paying the full cost of training directly to the school.
  Students who wish to inspect their records must send a written request to the Center's Director of Education five days in advance. Students also have a right to challenge the accuracy of the records.

Transcripts

Students may obtain official Photographic Center Northwest transcripts of their academic record by submitting a written request to the Registrar. There is a $10.00 fee for up to 5 official copies. No official transcript will be released for students with financial obligations to the Photographic Center Northwest.

Quarterly Schedule

Registration dates and procedures are stated in the online registration page of our website. quarterly schedule of the Photographic Center Northwest. Each quarter, classes, workshops and related information are posted online. Printed copies of this information are also made available at the front desk.

Withdrawal from School

Student withdrawal will be deemed to have occurred as of the date the student notifies the Registrar of the withdrawal. A pro-rated refund will be issued, according to PCNW refund policies, to those students who withdraw prior to the sixth week of the quarter. A grade of W will be issued if withdrawal occurs before the ninth week of the quarter. If withdrawal is after the eighth week, the grade will be HW (Hardship Withdrawal) when the student must withdraw for a medical/family hardship reason communicated to the school in writing. Otherwise, the student will receive an F (Failing). Re-enrollment in the same course(s) at a later date will require payment of full tuition. (See Administrative Policies section for specific refund schedule.)