Access to Records

Keene Beauty Academy agrees with, and maintains as policy, the principles and practices of Public Law 93-579: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 of the United States. (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of a student’s education records. NACCAS requires all accredited institutions to comply with FERPA. 

We do not release information about students excepting the following; the written permission of the student, a parent or guardian of a minor (or tax dependent) student, governing agencies, such as an accrediting agency, Dept. of Education, third party servicer, or law enforcement agency. No information will be released to any other third party without the student’s written permission. 

The Student has the right to gain access to his/her files, under the supervision of the Director or Administrator providing the student submits a written request within 10 business days. All student records are maintained for at least seven (7) years. 

Counseling

Keene Beauty Academy counsels students on an “as needed” basis. If the administration feels a student is in need of counseling whether for personal issues, behavior problems, unsatisfactory progress in attendance or grade point average, the student is met in a private setting to discuss the appropriate measures to be taken. Resources are available for outside assistance if needed. Please do not hesitate to access these resources in the Administrative office.

Rules of Conduct

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner while attending the Academy. Respect to students, instructors, staff and clients, is mandatory. Students who fail to meet expectations will face counsel, disciplinary action or possible dismissal from the Academy. Behavior deemed unprofessional includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Drug and/or alcohol use including prescription medications which may impair your ability.
2. Yelling or loud talking
3. Profanity, disrespectful speech, or topics of discussion
4. Insubordination to a staff member or instructor
5. Cheating or stealing 
6. Unethical behavior as outlined in NH State Laws, Bar 501.02 Ethical Conduct Standards
7. Loss of emotional composure resulting in harm.

Grading & Student Evaluation

Grading of academic and practical work at Keene Beauty Academy is based on test scores as well assigned classroom work. All criteria is based on industry standards and made known to each student. Progress is charted carefully by recording academic test grades and practical test grades. A 74% average in academic subjects and practical skills constitutes a passing grade point. Other important areas of evaluation are attendance, attitude, effort and personal appearance. By providing evaluation, we offer feed-back to each student and advise them on how to improve weaker areas while encouraging them to grow in their areas of strength. Complete Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy is available on in the catalog and distributed at students’ initial interview prior to enrollment.

Academic & Practical Grade Equivalencies

Test Grade – Interpretation

74% – 100%  – Satisfactory

0 – 73.9%  – Unsatisfactory

Incomplete – Unsatisfactory

Tardiness, Absences & Makeup Work

A student arriving after their scheduled arrival time will be deemed tardy. At that time, a student will need permission to enter a class that is already in session. 

A late arrival should be announced 30 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time. 

• The Academy will allow no more than 5 ‘tardies’ in one month. If a 5th tardy is obtained a one day suspension from attending school will be issued. Suspensions will be scheduled on student clinic days not to interfere with the student’s class schedule. Hours missed due to suspension will need to be made up and may extend a students calculated completion date. 
• Students whose training is extended beyond the calculated completion date due to unexcused absences from school will be required to pay an additional charge equal to the rate stated in their contract for each hour training is extended. 2019 rates per overtime hours are Cosmetology; $12.00 per hour; Esthetics; $18 per hour. 
• The student is responsible for obtaining class notes and homework assignments for missed time. 
• Exams missed due to absence must be made up no later than the first Friday following the students return. Makeup exams are to be scheduled at the convenience of the instructor. 
• If an entire subject is missed due to absence, the student is required to participate in the subjects next available time frame.

Termination

Terms for termination include, but are not limited to the following: 

1. Unsatisfactory progress, in grade point average and/or attendance average.
2. Serious disregard of schools rules and regulations. 
3. A violation of school’s drug and alcohol prevention policy. A termination notice will be given in writing in accordance with NACCAS, KBA’s accrediting agency.

An Appeal must be received within 5 business days of the Academy’s written notification. Upon receipt of written appeal, a decision of the school board, consisting of Administrator, Director, one instructor of a student’s choice and one outside member of the Academy’s choice, will be rendered within 15 business days. Decisions of the board are final.

Graduation & Licensing

Upon successful completion of a course, the student is awarded a diploma certifying training in all branches of their chosen field. The graduate is then eligible to take the state board licensing exam. The graduate may also apply for an interim or temporary permit to work (NH) while waiting for the state exam.

Graduation Requirements

Students will graduate upon completion of the required number of hours listed below, subject to the following conditions: 

A. The required number of practical assignments are completed

B. The student must achieve a cumulative academic average of seventy-four percent (74%) at the date of graduation.

C. The student will have fulfilled all financial obligations to the school, with the student understanding that prior to becoming licensed they must pass the state board exam. 

Cosmetology: In order to graduate from Keene Beauty Academy in cosmetology, students must have completed 1500 hours of training, achieved a minimum average of 74% on academic work, practical work and attendance, and completed the required number of practical assignments. 

Esthetics: In order to graduate from Keene Beauty Academy in esthetics, students must have completed 600 hours of training, achieved a minimum average of 74% on academic work, practical work and attendance, and completed the required number of projects.

Graduate Placement

As part of our educational objectives, Keene Beauty Academy is ready to assist the graduate with job search. We maintain a current list of employers with job openings. Although Keene Beauty Academy cannot guarantee employment to graduates, we teach a thorough program in the skills of job seeking.

Keene Beauty Academy will assist the student in coordinating his or her job seeking efforts. Because we believe in training each student to be as marketable as possible, our curriculum includes instruction on how to interview, prepare a resume, and organize a job search. In addition, potential employers are encouraged to visit the academy, and students are encouraged to begin off–campus interviews during their final eight weeks of training. As with any school, Keene Beauty Academy cannot guarantee employment upon completion of the course of study.

Admission Requirements

• Must complete Admissions Interview and Tour
• Non Refundable application fee ($100.00) paid and satisfactory arrangements made regarding tuition
• State of NH Cosmetology Board application completed and licensure fee ($50.00) paid
• Proof of age, i.e. driver’s license, birth certificate, government issued identification.
• Keene Beauty Academy can admit an applicant who exhibits professional potential and can provide proof they have graduated high school, or passed a

G.E.D. exam as well as

• A certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state authorized examination that the state recognizes as the equivalent of a high school diploma;
• An academic transcript of a student who has successfully completed at least a two-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor’s degree.

• Keene Beauty Academy does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, ethnic origin, or religion.
• Applicant who received online secondary education; validity of source of certification or diploma will be thoroughly researched and verified though Advanced.org and a full secondary education transcript will need to be submitted by the applicant. In order for a student to receive Federal Student Aid funding self certification will not be sufficient
• Homeschooled students though not considered to have a high school diploma or equivalent, they are eligible to receive FSA funds if their secondary school education was in a homeschool that state law treats as a home or private school. Some states issue a secondary school completion credential to homeschoolers. If this is the case in the state where the student was homeschooled, they must obtain this credential to be eligible for FSA funds.
• Applicants who are of compulsory age (NH 16y) will be considered when they can provide verifiable proof of completed secondary education. It should be noted that NH State Board of Barbering Cosmetology and Esthetics does not issue professional license applicants until the age of 18.
• Keene Beauty Academy does not admit students under the Ability to Benefit program at this time.
• Keene Beauty Academy does not admit foreign students at this time.
• Keene Beauty Academy will consider re-entry of terminated or students who have failed to complete on a case by case basis. All standard application procedures will be followed to apply for re-entry.

Transfer Policy

In order for Keene Beauty Academy to consider requests to accept training hours from post-secondary cosmetology or esthetics training programs, the following policy must be followed;

• Transcript of grades and classes attended from any cosmetology school attended must be provided and will be reviewed by Director.
• State Professional Licensure must be provided if applicable.
• Items for consideration include, but are not limited to;
  o Circumstances surrounding termination of previous institutions
  o Attendance rate
  o Grade Point average
  o Time lapsed from previous training
  o All financial obligations to any previous institution are met.
  o All standard Keene Beauty Academy admission criteria will be followed.
  o Keene Beauty Academy reserves the right to refuse the transfer of hours from any previous training.

Keene Beauty Academy allows the application for transfer of secondary training program hours and has in place a policy for application as follows;

• In order for Keene Beauty Academy to consider requests to accept training hours from secondary training programs, the following policy must be followed. Submission of transcript of Cosmetology or Esthetics grades and classes attended for both junior and senior years (if applicable) as well as a complete secondary school transcript. Each year is evaluated individually for final grade. Applicant must have final Cosmetology or Esthetics grade of 74% or better each year in both written and practical work to be considered for transfer of hours as well as an over all GPA of 74% or better each year in full secondary transcript. $ 500.00 institutional scholarship is issued to applicants from secondary Cosmetology programs who exhibit GPA of 74% or better whether or not they request transfer of hours. Aforementioned institutional scholarship will expire one year after the graduation date of the applicant.
• All Transfer applicants must complete all standard Keene Beauty Academy entrance requirements. Transfer hours from secondary programs will be applied to student’s completed hours after 900 hours of successfully
  completed training falling within the guidelines of Keene Beauty Academy Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. Enrollment agreement will reflect acceptance of transfer hours and will be amended if Satisfactory Progress is not achieved at 900 completed hours. Student may elect to remove request for transfer of hours at any point in their program.
• Keene Beauty Academy reserves the right to refuse the transfer of hours from any previous training.
• All standard Keene Beauty Academy admission criteria will be followed.

Cancellation

• If a course is cancelled subsequent to a student’s enrollment and before the students starting date, the academy shall provide a full refund of all monies paid.
• If the course is cancelled after the student has begun to attend classes, the students will, at a minimum, comply with item E of the refund policy.
• If the academy is permanently closed and no longer offering instructions after a student has enrolled, the student shall be entitled to a prorated refund of tuition.

Housing

Application Fee

Financial Aid

Keene Beauty Academy is approved to participate in Title IV programs that include; Pell Grants, Federal Direct Student Loans, Parent Plus Loans. Federal Financial Aid is available to qualified applicants. Free Application for Federal Student Aid can be filled out at FAFSA.gov. Keene Beauty Academy also accepts payment in cash, credit card, money order, check, and can accept payment plans.

Refund Policy

This policy applies to all applicant rejections, terminations for any reason, by either party, including student decision, course program cancellation , or school closure. Cancellation or withdrawal shall occur on the earlier of the dates that:

a. An applicant is not accepted by the school. The applicant shall be entitled to a refund of all monies paid, excluding $100.00 application fee.

b. A student (or legal guardian) cancels their enrollment in writing withinthree business days of signing the enrollment agreement. In this case all monies collected by the school shall be refunded excepting the above mentioned application fee, regardless of whether or not the student has actually started classes.

c. A student cancels their enrollment after three business days of signing the contract but prior to starting classes. In these cases they shall be entitled to a refund of all monies paid to the school except the application fee in the amount of $100.00

d. A student notifies the school of their withdrawal in writing

e. A student on an approved leave of absence notifies the school that they will not be returning. The date of withdrawal shall be the earlier of the date of expiration of the leave of absence or the date the student notifies theschool that the student will not be returning.

f. A student is terminated by the school. (Unofficial withdrawals will be determined by the institution by monitoring attendance daily.) Students who are absent for 14 consecutive days will be terminated and refund calculation will be based on last date of attendance.

g. In type 5 b,c,d,or f official cancellations or withdrawals, the cancellation date will be determined by the postmark on the written notification, or the date said notification is delivered to the school administrator or owner in

h. person. The return of Title IV funds as prescribed in Section 484B of theHEA Amendments determines the amount of Title IV aid a student has earned at the time a student withdraws. The amount of Title IV aid a student has not earned is then returned to the Title IV programs. It is a proportional calculation based on the date of withdrawal through sixty percent (60%) of the payment period. All refunds are based on scheduled hours.

i. For students who enroll and begin classes but withdraw prior to course completion ( after 3 business days of signing the contract), or students who have been expelled, the following schedule of tuition earned by the school applies. All refunds are based on scheduled hours on students last day of attendance. The formula in brief is as follows:

Minimum Tuition Adjustment Schedule

Percentage of enrollment time to total time of course …….. Amount of total tuition school will retain

0.01% to 4.9% ………………………………………………………………20%

5.0% to 9.9% ………………………………………………………………..30%

10.0% to 14.9% …………………………………………………………….40%

15.0% to 24.9% …………………………………………………………….45%

25.0% to 49.9% …………………………………………………………….70%

50% and over ………………………………………………………………100%

The order of any refunds is as follows: (1) Unsubsidized Direct Loan (2) Subsidized Direct Loan (3) PLUS, (4) PELL, (5) OTHR, (6) VOCR, (7) Scholarship

a. The institution will determine the date of withdrawal and then determine the percentage of the payment period attended by the student.

b. The institution will determine the amount of Title IV aid for whichthe student was eligible by the percentage of time enrolled.

c. The institution will compare the amount earned to the amount disbursed. If the amount of aid disbursed exceeds the amount earned, this amount ofTitle IV aid must be returned.

d. The institution allocates the responsibility for returned unearned aid between the school and the student according to the portion of disbursed aid that could have been used to cover institutional charges and the portion that could have been disbursed directly to the student once institutional charges were covered.

e. The institution and/or the student must then distribute the unearned TitleIV aid back to the Title IV programs.

A cancellation fee of $150 will be charged for students who withdraw or terminate at any time during their enrollment.

All cost of extra items to the student, such as books and the instructional supplies or equipment service charges, student activity fees, deposits, rental and other charges need not be figured in refund computations, provided such charges are itemized separately in the enrollment agreement, catalogs, or in other data furnished the student before enrollment. Unmet obligations by the student to the school will be collected by legal and ethical business practices.

Please note such items are refundable under the circumstances described in Items 5 a,b,and,c above. If a course is canceled subsequent to a student’s enrollment, and before instruction in the course has begun, the school shall provide a full refund of all monies paid including application fee and any unused registration fee to the State of NH. If a school closes permanently and ceases to offer instruction after students have enrolled, and instruction has begun, the school will provide a pro-rata refund of all monies paid. If a school cancels a course 22 and/or program and ceases to offer instruction after students have enrolled and instruction has begun; the school shall at its option: provide a pro-rata refund for all students transferring to another school based on the hours accepted by the receiving school.

The school may retain a refund of $25 or less that would be allocated to a Title IV program.

The student’s rights under this agreement may not be assigned to any other person.

Items of importance:

A student should provide written notification to Keene Beauty Academy of his or her withdrawal. In the case of disabling illness or injury, death in the students’ immediate family, or any other documented mitigating circumstances, a reasonable and fair refund settlement will be made. If a course and/or program is canceled subsequent to a student’s enrollment, and before instruction in the course and/or program has begun, the school shall provide a full refund of all monies paid. If permanently closed or no longer offering instruction after the student has enrolled, the school will provide a pro rata refund of tuition to the student OR provide course completion through a pre arranged teach out agreement with another institution.

Students will be notified of amount of Title IV benefits they can expect to receive, and when, via a “Preliminary Award Letter” The refund to the student may exceed the Minimum Tuition Adjustment Schedule. If a student has 14 consecutive days of absence, not documented as a leave of absence, Keene Beauty Academy will withdraw that student from enrollment. The last date of academic attendance will be determined by Keene Beauty Academy from our attendance records. The student may provide written notification to Keene Beauty Academy of their withdrawal prior to the date that Keene Beauty Academy would normally determine that the student withdrew.

The date of determination is the date of the notification. If a student withdraws from enrollment without notifying the administration, or officially withdraws/terminates enrollment, Keene Beauty Academy will make any necessary refunds within 45 calendar days of the student’s last day of physical attendance.