ACS is committed to serving a large, diverse student population from a wide range of demographics. We seek highly motivated students and strive to provide an environment conducive to learning and equal opportunity for all.
We do not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation in our admissions, educational programs, services, activities, and treatment of students.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
ACS is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status with respect to recruitment, hiring, upgrades, training, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment.
Admissions, Registration, Enrollment and placement
Admission Requirement: High School Equivalency.
Registration is on a first come first serve basis, therefore early registration is strongly recommended. Once the course prerequisite is met, the student will be presented with an enrollment agreement. Please also refer to the course prerequisites for each course.
Placement: ACS offers Internship and job placement assistance to our graduates. Upon enrollment and orientation, each student meets with the Job Development Staff to develop placement plans.
Cancellation and Refund Policies
If he/she cancels their enrollment agreement prior to or on the first day of instruction, the student has a right to a full refund of all charges. In addition, a student may withdraw from a course after instruction has started and receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of the tuition and other refundable charges if the student has completed 60% or less of the instruction. The school will also refund money collected from a third party on the student’s behalf such as license or application fees. If the school cancels or discontinues a course or educational program, the school will make an appropriate refund of all charges. All refunds will be paid within 30 days of written cancellation or withdrawal.
Mini Courses (1-6 weeks courses)
A student, who cancels within 7 days of signing the enrollment agreement but before instruction begins, will receive all tuition with the exception of the non-refundable registration fee. Thereafter, a student will be liable for:
- The non-refundable registration fee plus
- The cost of any textbooks or supplies accepted
- Tuition liability as of the student’s last date of physical attendance
- Tuition liability is determined by the percentage of the program offered to the student.
Not all the mini courses we offer are included in the table above. Please refer to our school mini Enrollment Agreements for the details of each course.
Important
Failure of the student to immediately notify the school director, in writing, of the students’ intent to withdraw, may delay a refund of the tuition to the student pursuant to section 5002 (3) of the Education Law.
Quarter Courses (7-14 wk courses; for 14+ wks, divided into several quarters)
A student who cancels within 7 days of signing the enrollment agreement but before instruction begins receives all tuitions returned with the exception of the non-refundable registration fee. Thereafter, a student will be liable for:
- The non-refundable registration fee; plus,
- The cost of any textbooks or supplies accepted;
- Tuition liability as of the student’s last date of physical attendance;
- Tuition liability is determined by the percentage of the program offered to the student.
Quarters
Not all the quarter courses we offer included in the table above; please refer to our school quarter Enrollment Agreements for the details of each course.
Important
Failure of the student to immediately notify the school director, in writing, of the students’ intent to withdraw, may delay a refund of the tuition to the student pursuant to section 5002 (3) of the Education Law.
Term Courses (15-18 wk courses; for 18 wks, divided into several quarters or terms)
A student who cancels within 7 days of signing the enrollment agreement but before instruction begins receives all tuitions returned with the exception of the non-refundable registration fee. Thereafter, a student will be liable for:
- The non-refundable registration fee; plus,
- The cost of any textbooks or supplies accepted;
- Tuition liability as of the student’s last date of physical attendance;
- Tuition liability is determined by the percentage of the program offered to the student.
Terms
Not all the quarter courses we offer included in the table above; please refer to our school quarter Enrollment Agreements for the details of each course.
Important
Failure of the student to immediately notify the school director, in writing, of the students’ intent to withdraw may delay a refund of the tuition to the student pursuant to section 5002 (3) of the Education Law.
The Tuition Reimbursement Fund
The Tuition Reimbursement Fund is designed to protect the financial interest of students attending proprietary schools. If a school closes while you are in attendance, prior to the completion of your educational 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 factual support that your complaint is valid and to determine that there was a violation of Education Law or the Commissioner’s Regulation as specified in Section 126.17 of the Commissioner’s Regulations. To file a claim to the Tuition Reimbursement fund, you must first file a complaint with the State Education Department and the staff of the State Education Department will assist you in the preparation of a tuition reimbursement form.
Students can file a complaint, file a claim to the tuition reimbursement fund, or get additional information at:
New York State Education Department
Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision
116 West 32nd Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Tel. (212) 643-4760
Grading System
A student must maintain a minimum a C grade in the program and attend at least eighty-five (85%) percent of the class hours offered and satisfy all financial obligations before he or she is eligible to graduate. The school then awards a certificate of completion for the program. The student is awarded the following grades based on a cumulative average of their class quizzes, midterm and final exam.
Academic Progress
Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress throughout the duration of their program to be eligible for federal, state, and institutional aid. Satisfactory Academic Progress is assessed by Grade Point Average and Pace of Completion measures and is evaluated at the end of each course in the student’s program.
Maximum Program Length
The maximum program length for the federal financial aid eligible training programs is the maximum time-period a student is permitted to complete a program. A student must complete the entire training program in no more than 1.5 times of the standard program length. Failure to complete the program during the allotted time-period will result in the student’s termination.
To meet the minimum academic standards as well as to maintain the eligibility of Title IV funds, a student must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress criteria:
- Cumulative completion rate (67 %);
- Cumulative grade point average (2.0); and
- Approved SAP appeal*.
Academic Progress
In order to remain in good academic standing a student must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and fulfill all other requirements of ACS. The institute reserves the right to require withdrawal, at any time, of a student who has failed to give satisfactory evidence of sincerity of purpose in his/her efforts.
A student would have to be put on probation for one marking period (3 months) or dismissed if his/her GPA falls below 2.0 at the midpoint or if his/her attendance falls below 85%.
Academic Warning and probation
Any federal financial aid student, who is absent more than 15% of the total number of instructional hours offered during the first half of the program, excluding approved leaves of absences, may be given a second chance by being placed on warning/probation for one grading period. Students who fail to pass the program as stated above may also receive probation for one grading period. Those placed on probation will be notified in writing. A student on probation is considered a regular student making satisfactory progress. A student is removed from probation when he or she has met all requirements of satisfactory progress. If satisfactory progress is not achieved at the designated time, the student will be dismissed.
For students using Title IV funds, the Financial Aid Office performs a review of Satisfactory Academic Progress at the end of each payment period. Students who fail to meet the minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements outlined above in WARNING AND PROBATION and ACADEMIC APPEAL will have their financial aid terminated. Students who fail to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress will receive written notification from the Financial Aid Office.
A student who fails to meet the minimum satisfactory requirement at the end of any academic probationary period will be dismissed from school.
Marking Periods
ACS conducts classes twelve months a year, with the exception of the holidays listed in the catalog. For programs with 100 hours and up, each module is a marking period. For programs of less than 100 hours, the marking periods happen at the 1/3 and 2/3 of the program. The marking period scores are used cumulatively towards a student’s final grade. For any programs, there are at least marking periods.
Instructoral Hours
ACS courses and programs are defined in Instructional Hours. An Instructional Hour is fifty (50) minutes in length, with the except of HHA and Nurse Aide courses which are sixty (60) minutes.
Certificate of Completion
A Certificate of Completion is to be awarded to each student completing a course or curriculum. It is to reflect the name and address of the institution, the student’s name, the course/curriculum, and the date of completion. Copies of the certificate of completion are to be kept in the student’s academic file. The certificate of completion is critical in assisting students upon school closure.
Attendance
Regular attendance is required. Absences may occur, and make-up opportunities are available to assist you in keeping up with your scheduled progress. Every effort must be made to maintain 85% attendance. Any student who is absent more than 15 percent of the total number of instructional hours offered during the first half of the student’s program, not including leaves of absence shall be dismissed. For HHA and Nurse Aide courses, students must have 100% attendance, including make-up hours.
Instructors maintain attendance records for each student. The record of attendance will be used to calculate a student’s academic satisfactory, and tuition refund. Students requesting a leave of absence must submit a leave of absence form for approval. The leave of absence must be requested and approved in writing. If a student fails to return to school on the return date given, the school may dismiss the student. The student will be evaluated upon his/her return and placed at the appropriate part of the program.
Make-Up Work
Coursework missed because of absences can be made up through arrangement with ACS faculty. Make-up hours do not remove absence records but will be documented separately. Absences exceeding 15% of instructional hours must be made up under the supervision of a licensed instructor. Make-up hours are documented by ACS faculty. Make-up hours signed by licensed instructors are honored and will be counted as clock hours completed.
The combination of make-up hours and regular instructional hours (included internship) shall not exceed eight (8) hours per day and fifty-six (56) hours per week or within any seven (7) consecutive days.
Leave of Absence
A Leave of Absence may be granted if the reason is determined to be valid by school officials. A written request for the leave must be submitted prior to the leave of absence. A leave of absence may not exceed thirty days. All requests for a leave of absence should be addressed to the School Director. A Leave of Absence may result in an extension of the student’s projected graduation date. There are no additional tuition charges to a student who returns from an approved leave of absence within the prescribed time.
Tardiness
Tardiness is marked 15 minutes after class start time. Students reporting late to class are charged with late reports which are recorded against their records. After 3 late recordings, an absence will be charged. Classes must start on time and unless students have a very good reason for being late, they are required to be in their seat when attendance is taken. Instructors could refuse a student entry into class if he/she frequently reports late to class.
Withdrawal & Dismissal :
The school reserves the right to terminate a student for any of the following reasons:
- Unsatisfactory progress, attendance or behavior
- Noncompliance with rules & regulations of the institution
- Tuition Delinquency
Early Dismissal
Any student desiring early dismissal from class must have a valid reason and make his or her request in writing to the School Director. Early dismissal from class is granted at the sole discretion of the school’s management staff.
Non-immigrant international students who request to withdraw from ESL or vocational programs before completion will have their SEVIS status terminated under the reason of “authorized early withdrawal”. Authorized early withdrawal does not have negative impacts on future non-immigration visa application.
The ACS financial aid office will perform the R2T4 calculation on students who use Title IV funds to pay their tuition fees in the event of early dismissal.
Retake Courses
Students may retake short-term (150 hours or less) courses with no additional charge if they do not pass their certification exam(s). A student may make-up the class based on the availability of classes and seats. A student must consult with school staff for the availability of classes and seats. This offer is subject to availability of seats and upon approval.
Absence Follow-Up Procedure
After the second (2nd) absence of one instructional day without notifying the school – The school will contact the student.
After the third (3rd) absence without notifying the school – The school will notify student in writing, along with student’s current attendance record.
After the fourth (4th) absence without notifying the school – The school will notify the student of their dismissal status in writing, along with student’s current attendance record.
Probation And Termination
At the discretion of the administration, a student may be placed on a two-week probation or be dismissed. The enrollment status will be terminated due to violations of academic or student conduct rules and regulations, which include but not limit to, being under the influence, consuming, selling, or possession of drugs or alcohol on school premises, possession of a weapon on school premises; behavior creating a safety hazard to others on school premises; disobedient or disrespectful behavior to another student, administrator, or faculty member; any violation of local, state, or federal law; or, for failure to meet financial obligations.
Once terminated, a student will be ineligible for re-entry. If a student is terminated from a Course or Program, a prorated refund will be calculated in accordance with the school’s published refund policy.
Transfer Students
ACS may not accept transfer students previous course credits for the 2017-18 academic year.
College Credit
Licensed private career schools offer curricula measured in clock hours, not credit hours. Certificates of completion, i.e., school diplomas, are issued to students who meet clock hour requirements. The granting of any college credit to students who participated in and/or completed a program at a licensed private career school is solely at the discretion of the institution of higher education that the student may opt to subsequently attend.