Policies of The Northwest School for Botanical Studies
Tardiness
Students are expected to arrive on time for class. Classes begin promptly at the specified time. Lateness can be very disruptive so promptness is appreciated!
Accommodations and Housing
Students are responsible for finding their own housing. It is recommended that students find housing at least a month prior to the start of the program.
Transportation
Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from class. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Upon request, the school can provide contact information for other students in the class to carpool, please contact the school in advance. Unfortunately, there is no public transportation that comes directly to the school.
Pet Policy
Please do not bring pet/s to the school or on the fieldtrips. The school does not have facilities for pets.
Friends and Family
The classes and the fieldtrips are only for registered students of the school. Family members (partners, spouses, children, pets, etc), friends, and anyone other than the student, are not permitted to attend the classes or fieldtrips.
Classroom hours
Each hour of class is approximately fifty minutes.
Work Study Positions
The school offers a couple of work study positions for the PHT program. Students may be able to work off between a quarter and up to half of the tuition, however, it is not possible to do work study for the fee for books and supplies. The work study positions are not scholarships. Students must apply for the position six months prior to the starting date of the program. The work study positions are given to students who are truly unable to pay the full tuition and who have no other resources available to them. Students who obtain a work study position still need to be able to pay for at least half of the tuition by the first of the year.
Some work study positions in the past have included the following jobs: computer, website, and data entry, gardening, landscape maintenance, carpentry, childcare, assistance with the pharmacy, cleaning, set up prior to and following class. The work study position is treated as a job. Applicants for this position must be prompt and ready to work.
The work study positions offer an hourly “salary” which will be deducted from the tuition. If the students do not complete the hours agreed upon for the work study position, then they are responsible for payment in full of the program by the time the class is completed. If due to lateness, personality conflicts or poor completion of the work study tasks, the students will be required to pay for their tuition.
Students must mail in a cover letter and a resume with no less than four references (at least two of which must be prior job references). Please include in the cover letter an explanation of why you would like this position and why you feel you are eligible for the work study position. It is recommended that you include a list of your skill or talents, as well as times availability.
This position is treated as a job. The work study time is not designed as an educational experience. It is a position offered in exchange for partial payment for the class.
Scholarships
Currently, the school is not able to offer any kind of a scholarship program. Students are encouraged to research and apply for funding elsewhere. There are some student loans available through the Sally Mae Foundation.
Student Conduct Policy
The NWSBS expects that the students will be responsible for all of their own actions. Students are expected to be self-motivated, responsible, and respectful of other students, faculty, the facility, and the grounds. Students are expected to behave professionally, ethically, and to maintain professional boundaries throughout the program. Privacy, confidentiality, and safety of the students, teachers, and clients must be maintained at all times. Drugs, alcohol, and weapons are not allowed on the school property.
An instructor reserves the right to ask a student to leave the classroom and grounds if the student’s behavior is disruptive, disrespectful, or unsafe. An instructor also reserves the right to dismiss a student if any of the policies listed above are not maintained during the course of the program.
Notice of non-discrimination
The NWSBS admits students of any race, national origin, color, sex, or sexual orientation.
Student Grievance Policy
The NWSBS encourages direct and open communication. If a student has a complaint or a grievance regarding any class, teacher, or any other concern, he/she needs to discuss the situation with the instructor, director, or the other involved party outside of class time. Failure to communicate directly with the instructor, student, or other involved party is grounds for dismissal.