Student Rights Responsibilities

SCHOOL RULES AND REGULATIONS

Personal Conduct and Professional Ethics
The school reserves the right to dismiss any student whose personal conduct is deemed unsatisfactory. All students are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner as would be expected in a salon/barbershop/spa. When a student has a grievance he or she must communicate the concern in a professional manner following the stated Grievance Policy section of this catalog.

Respect
Students must have respect for Beauty Schools of America® (BSA) employees (faculty & staff), other students’, clients, and guests.

Proper Language
The use of foul language is not permitted at any time anywhere in the school or its surrounding areas.

Politics & Religion
Politics and religion should not be discussed in school with classmates, clients, staff and faculty.

Dress Code
All students must report to class in the proper uniform. The school reserves the right to send a student home to change if they are not wearing the appropriate clothing.

Students in the Cosmetology & Barber programs must adhere to the following rules:
• Dress in black slacks and top.
• May use a BSA t-shirt in lieu of the issued school top.
• The use of skirts, shorts, bermudas, spandex, or any garment deemed inappropriate are not permitted.
• Must have closed shoes as per Florida Law regulations - sandals (with or without socks), peep toes, house slippers, and similar styled shoes are NOT permitted.
• May not wear hats or any sort of head gear – except for religious purposes.
• Nails must be properly groomed and at an acceptable length.

Students in the Spa Therapy, Full Specialist with Salon Management, Comprehensive Facial and Makeup, Makeup Artist and Skin Care, & Nail Technician programs must adhere to the following rules:
• Dress in white slacks and top.
• May use a BSA t-shirt in lieu of the issued school top.
• The use of skirts, shorts, bermudas, spandex, or any garment deemed inappropriate are not permitted.
• Must have closed shoes as per Florida Law regulations - sandals (with or without socks), peep toes, house slippers, and similar styled shoes are NOT permitted.
• May not wear hats or any sort of head gear – except for religious purposes.
• May wear all white headbands only.
• Nails must be properly groomed and at an acceptable length.

Program Requirements
All students are required to complete all hours, services, written and practical examinations prior to reaching maximum time frame (MTF) – please refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) section of this catalog for further details.

Student Kits
Student kits and other personal items are the responsibility of the student. The school, staff, and faculty are not liable for lost or misplaced equipment or for a student’s personal property. A student must have the required supplies to perform services and/or to participate in class projects every day. In addition, you must have your own pencils, pens, notebooks, textbooks, etc.

Outside Products / Equipment
The use of outside products (chemicals) is not permitted to be used on any client, student, or yourself at any time. It is not the school or the instructors’ responsibility to demonstrate how or when to use a product or equipment not included in the student kit.

Use of Chemicals
All students will be working with chemicals and must hold the school free from any claim arising from the use or application of any chemicals.

Class Times
Class starts at 8:30am (morning schedule), 1:30pm (afternoon schedule), 5:00pm or 6:00pm (evening schedule).  If you come to class after 8:45am (morning schedule), 1:45pm (afternoon schedule), 5:15pm or 6:15pm (evening schedule), time will be deducted in 15 minute increments.

Tardiness
Tardiness is defined as arriving more than 15 minutes after the start of a regularly scheduled class. After arriving to class 15 minutes late, time will be deducted in 15 minute increments. Once the student is late, the student must receive a pass from the Registrar department. Otherwise student will not be permitted in class. Instructors will counsel the student and complete an Advisory form after each late arrival. After three late arrivals the Director of Education will formally council the student and complete a Counseling form. Excessive tadirness can lead to suspension.

Break Times
Daily break times are from 10:20am – 10:40am (morning schedule), 3:20pm – 3:40pm (afternoon schedule), and 7:50pm – 8:10pm (evening schedule) every day. If you return late from break time will be deducted accordingly in 15 minute increments.

 

 

Leaving Class
When leaving the classroom, you should obtain a pass. Students are not permitted to loiter or to congregate in the restrooms, hallways, classrooms, reception area, building entrance, or any other working area of the school; nor are they permitted in the offices or stockroom without being accompanied by a member of the staff/faculty or a pass from the instructor. You must stop at the Reception area to sign-in and wait until you are instructed to go to the office (someone may be ahead of you).

Personal Days
Personal days are approved by your instructor only. Personal days are privileges and must be earned. You must have a pass from your instructor to receive a service outside your classroom.

Exams
All regular and make-up exams are given on Mondays. Students are required to meet the standards and criteria established to determine progress and competence in both academic study and practical training throughout the entire program. A 75% or above on each exam is required, as well as a cumulative grade point average at the end of the program.

Electronics
All electronics must be placed on silent mode or turned off at all times. No personal electronic devices are permitted in the school or during any school activity. Electronic devices are items such as cell phones, I-pods, Bluetooth’s, laptops, etc. No recording devices or cameras are permitted anywhere in the school without the instructors approval.

Cleanliness & Sanitation
Cleanliness and sanitation is an extremely important part of your education. Cleanliness and sanitation is a state and school regulation and must be followed at all times. To help each student develop professional work habits, students will be responsible for the cleanliness and sanitation of their work stations and its components at all times. Equipment must be cleaned before and after each use. The condition and cleanliness of any equipment/implement you use is your responsibility. Instructors may examine your kits at any time to assure proper sanitation is being conducted. Students should return any product/equipment used back where it belongs so that others can benefit from its use.

Personal Grooming
Having a professional appearance is very important at BSA and we expect our students to come to class properly dressed with clean uniforms and have good personal hygiene. You will not only be the face of BSA, but you will also be marketing your skills while working closely with clients and it is important that you maintain a professional image at all times. Remember you will be entering the world of Beauty and Spa and you need to represent the industry accordingly.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the school according to Florida Law.

Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is not permitted in school, classroom, at events, nor with a client.

Food in School
No food or drinks are permitted in classrooms or clinic (salon/barbershop/spa) areas while classes are in session. Only bottles with caps of water are permitted. All meals must be eaten in designated areas and only during break. Individuals using these areas are responsible for leaving it in a clean and tidy condition.

Drugs or Alcohol in School
No alcohol or drug use is permitted on school grounds and its surrounding areas. Any student using, bringing, dispensing or selling drugs or alcohol in the school will be dismissed immediately without prior warning and may be turned over to the local police.

Soliciting
Solicitation and selling of any kind by students or visitors is not permitted on the school premises or in the vicinity of any BSA campus or official events.

Parking
Parking is only permitted in designated areas.

The above rules must be strictly adhered to and are provided for your benefit.

 

STUDENT CONSUMER RIGHTS

You have the right to:

• Know the names of the institution accrediting/licensing organizations.

• Ask about programs offered, facilities and faculty.

• Know what special facilities and services are available to students with disabilities. 

• Be treated equally in academic and social settings.

• Have the expectation of a positive learning environment.

• Know academic requirements and to be evaluated fairly.

• Equal educational opportunity and freedom from discrimination because of race, religion, sex, national origin, economic status, marital status, pregnancy, previous arrest or incarceration, or a physical, mental, or sensory handicap.

• Procedural due process whenever you are subject to disciplinary action, suspension, or dismissal by school authorities.

• Know the process to address and file a grievance.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

It is your responsibility to:

• Review and consider all the information about the school’s programs before you enroll.

• Attend school daily and be on time to all classes and pursue your course studies.

• Be aware of all the rules governing student behavior and to conduct yourself accordingly.

• Submit to reasonable corrective action or punishment imposed by school authorities.

• Express your opinions and ideas in a respectful manner so as not to libel or slander others.

• Conduct yourself in a manner that will not disrupt yours or the education of fellow students. 

• Comply with lawful instructions of school employees in the performance of their duties.

• To notify the school officials if a condition exists which is in violation of a student’s rights, institutional policies, standards and/or procedures.

VACCINATION POLICY

Although not a requirement to gain admissions into the school, BSA strongly recommends for young adults to be up to date with the following immunizations listed below:
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – Measles, mumps and rubella are serious diseases. The Measles virus can cause rash, coughing, runny nose, eye irritation and fever. It can lead to ear infection, pneumonia, seizures (jerking and staring), brain damage, and death. Mumps virus causes fever headache, and swollen glands. It can lead to deafness, meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord covering), painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries, and, even death. Rubella Virus (German Measles) can cause rash, mild fever, and arthritis (mostly in women). If a women gets rubella while she is pregnant, she could have a miscarriage or her baby could be born with serious birth defects. You or your child could catch these diseases by being around someone who has them. They can be contracted by another person through the air. Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent these diseases. Children should get 2 doses of MMR Vaccine, the first at 12-15 months of age and the second at 4-6 years of age. These are recommended ages. Children can get the second dose at any age, as long as it is 28 days after the first dose.

• Meningococcal Meningitis – Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2 through 18 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal disease also causes blood infections. Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but it is most common in infants less than one year of age and people with certain medical conditions, such as a lack of a spleen. College freshmen who live in dormitories and teenagers 15-19 have an increased risk of getting meningococcal disease. There are two kinds of meningococcal vaccines in the U.S. Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) was licensed in 2005. It is the preferred vaccine for people 2 through 55 years of age. Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (MPSV4) has been available since the 1970s. It may be used if MCV4 is not available, and is the only meningococcal vaccine licensed for people older than 55. Children 2 years of age and older should get 1 dose. Sometimes a second dose is recommended for people who remain at high risk. MPSV4 may be recommended for children 3 months to 2 years of age under special circumstances. These children should get 2 doses, 3 months apart.

• Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious disease that affects the liver. It is caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). HBV can cause acute (short-term) illness and can lead to loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting, tiredness, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), pain in muscles, joints, and stomach. Acute illness is more common in adults. Children who become infected usually do not have acute illness. Chronic (long-term) infection can cause some people to go on and develop chronic HBV infection. This can be very serious, and often leads to liver damage (cirrhosis), liver cancer and death. Chronic infection is more common among infants and children than among adults. People who are infected can spread HBV to others, even if they don’t appear sick. The Hepatitis B virus can spread through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person. The Hepatitis B vaccine can prevent Hepatitis B, and the serious consequences of HBV infection, including liver cancer and cirrhosis. All children should get their first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth and should have completed the vaccine series by 6 to 18 months of age. Children and adolescents through 18 years of age who did not get the vaccine when they were younger should also be vaccinated.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND DIVERSITY POLICY

Beauty Schools of America^® (BSA) is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnic background, genetic information, or any other protected status. This policy is included but not limited to the admissions process, instruction of students and graduation policies. BSA encourages cultural and ethnic diversity in its student body, faculty and staff. Congruent with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to The Civil Rights Act of 1972, BSA does not discriminate on the basis of sex in vocational programs, including job placement and admissions.

STUDENT DISABILITY  

Beauty Schools of America^® complies with all provisions under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in that no qualified handicapped person by reason of their handicap will be excluded from enrolling. However, any handicapped person seeking admission should be aware that all programs require a high level of visual and manual dexterity and coordination. An individual evaluation will be necessary to determine employability in the beauty industry. 

Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis considering the limitations caused by the disability in relationship to the academic demands and responsibilities of student life at Beauty Schools of America®. Common academic accommodations made by BSA include:

• Extended time allowed for examinations

• Computer access for examinations

• Distraction-reduced testing locations

• Additional time for written assignments

• Classroom note takers

• Books on tape or in electronic format

• Sign language interpreters

ANTI-HAZING POLICY
 
Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, with or without the consent of the other person, which produces mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule or places that person at a substantial risk of bodily injury. In the State of Florida, hazing is criminal offense and is considered a third degree felony. Additionally, any activity that sets an individual apart without constructive purpose shall be considered hazing. Actions considered as hazing may include, but are not limited to:

• Engaging in any offensive or dangerous physical contact, restraint, abduction, or isolation of a  student

• Requiring or encouraging a student to perform any dangerous, painful, offensive, or demeaning Physical or verbal act, including the ingestion of any substance, inappropriate exposure to the Elements, deprivation of sleep or rest, or extensive isolation

• Subjecting a student to any dangerous, painful, harmful, offensive, or demeaning conduct, or to conduct  reasonably likely to create extreme mental distress

• Kidnapping, including restricting a person to move about freely

• Performing personal chores or errands

Any student who believes he/she has been a victim of hazing by another student should immediately report any alleged acts to school officials. 

GRIEVANCE POLICY

In a training environment much like a work environment, miscommunication occurs from time to time. The student(s) is required to make a good faith effort to resolve the dispute with the respondent. Complaints should be presented orally to the appropriate school officials. Should such a resolution be impossible, the student may pursue the following steps if he/she wishes to file a grievance. A written statement of the complaint will be requested. A written statement should contain the following:

• The exact nature and details of the facts at issue.

•  The date, time, and place of the incident.

•  The names of witnesses or persons who have knowledge of the alleged acts.

•  Any available written documentation or evidence that is relevant to the grievance.

The Executive Vice President will review and schedule a personal appointment at the earliest possible date to discuss the questions in a confidential manner. In the event that there is no satisfactory resolution student can submit an appeal of the Executive Vice President’s decision to the school President in writing, which shall include the reasons for the appeal, and state what action is requested to remedy the matter. The President will schedule a personal appointment at the earliest possible date, to discuss the matter in question in a confidential manner. In the event that the matter is not resolved the grievance will be reviewed by the schools Appeal Panel.

It should be noted that the schools President, Executive Staff, Administration and Faculty believe that our mission is to instruct all students, in a manner consistent with the highest educational standards achievable, as well as to promote effective communication during any dispute, grievance, or difference of opinion. Should the process listed above not fully result in the resolution of a grievance, the student has the right to contact the State Licensing Board and/or the Accredited Agency listed on the About The School section (Accreditations / Licenses / Approvals / Memberships) of this catalog. Working together toward the success of each student is the primary mission of our educational program.

POLICIES AND SANCTIONS RELATED TO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

Copyright is legal protection of intellectual property (Copyrights, Trademarks and Patents), in whatever medium, that is provided for by the laws of the United States to the owners of copyrights. Many people understand that copyright laws cover printed works such as books and magazine articles, but they are not aware that the protection extends to software, digital works, and unpublished works, including forms of a work, its digital transmission and subsequent use. Types of works that are covered by intellectual property laws include but are not limited to:  books, photographs, architectural drawings, music, drama, sculpture, movies, electronic media, web pages, software, multi-media works and databases.
 
Copyright infringement can subject the student to criminal and civil liabilities. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or statutory damages at no less than $750.00, and no more than $30,000. For willful and malicious conduct, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorney fees. Criminal penalties can also apply, up to and including imprisonment for five years, and fines up to $250,000 dollars. Violations of this policy are subject to disciplinary action, probation, legal proceeding, suspension, up to and/or including termination and expulsion. For details, see Title 17, Sections 504 and 505 of the United States Code.
 
Our Beauty Schools of America^® (BSA) names and logos are a Registered U.S. Trademark that cannot be used without the expressed written consent of BSA. In addition, BSA owns all photographs, advertising, images, audio, DVD’s, and likenesses it has produced, displays or is located on BSA property, publications, software and websites. Use of any Trademarks, images, names, photographs, videos, audio, DVD’s and advertising, which are owned by BSA, is strictly prohibited for non-official use. This includes the use of file sharing networks to download and share copyrighted works without permission of BSA, or receiving illegal copies or downloads or copyrighted work from a third-party. Any student, who wishes to use any of the above-referenced BSA material, must request written permission from the administration of BSA.
 
Violations of this policy are subject to disciplinary action, probation, legal proceeding, suspension, up to and/or including termination and expulsion. 

STUDENT RECORDS 

The school maintains permanent student records and guarantees the right of students to gain access to their files. A written request is required and an appointment must be scheduled for the Registrar or Financial Aid Department to review the records with the student. All grades, services, hours and student accounts are recorded and kept on file. The school recognizes the right to privacy; therefore, no information on a student will be released without the written permission of the student. Notification of rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is available in the Financial Aid Department.