School Policies

 

ATTENDANCE

Regular class attendance is essential to the scholastic integrity of Fei Tian Academy of the Arts, and full participation is necessary for successful completion of a class. It is also important that students attend the required rehearsals, school events, and assemblies.

Excused Absences are absences from class that occur due to illness or injury, school trips, performance, religious observances, or family emergencies. Students or their parents must request permission from the Office of Student Affairs for an excused absence by noon of the day on which the student requests to be absent. It is the student’s responsibility to consult with each teacher regarding any coursework that might be missed as a result of the absence.

Unexcused Absences lead to disciplinary measures. A student’s grade is reduced by a letter grade for every three unexcused absences. The following disciplinary mechanisms have been developed for unexcused absences:

  • Three unexcused absences: A meeting will be arranged with the Director of Student Affairs.
  • Six unexcused absences: A letter will be sent to the parents.
  • Nine unexcused absences: An attendance report and a warning letter are sent to the parents. If there are three more unexcused absences after the warning, the student may be dismissed from the school.

GRADING

Fei Tian Academy of the Arts uses three grading scales: letter grade, percent grade, and pass-fail grade. The following table lists the relationships among different grading scales and the corresponding grade points.

Grade Percent Grade Point Allows Credit Description
A+ 97-100 4.3 Yes
A 93-96 4.0 Yes
A- 90-92 3.7 Yes
B+ 87-89 3.3 Yes
B 83-86 3.0 Yes
B- 80-82 2.7 Yes
C+ 77-79 2.3 Yes
C 73-76 2.0 Yes
C- 70-72 1.7 Yes
D+ 67-69 1.3 Yes
D 63-66 1.0 Yes
D- 60-62 0.7 Yes Lowest passing grade.
F 0-59 0.0 No
P 60-100 N/A Yes Pass. Passing grade in a P/NP course or in a course for which the student elected the P/NP option.
NP 0-59 N/A No No pass. Failing grade in a P/NP course or in a course for which the student elected the P/NP option.
AFE 0.0 No Absent from final examination. For unexcused absences.
AUD N/A No Audit.
CR N/A Yes Credit is awarded or requirement is met.
FIN 0.0 No Failed incomplete. Assigned when the time to resolve an “I” grade expires.
I N/A No Incomplete. Approved extension of time to complete course requirements.
IA 0.0 No Insufficient attendance. Includes stopping attending a course without withdrawing.
IP N/A No Course is in progress. No grade is assigned at this time.
MX N/A No Medical excuse. By petition to the Principal. Grants a waiver of credit. Can be used in one semester only.
NGR N/A No No grade reported. Decision pending.
PX N/A Yes Professional excuse. Performance courses only. By petition to the Principal.
W N/A No Course withdrawal.

Grade Point Average (GPA) is used to indicate a student’s overall academic average. Fei Tian calculates two types of GPAs: a cumulative GPA calculated across all registered semesters and a semester GPA as a single-semester indicator. Both types of GPA are calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credits attempted.

Grades for courses taken at an institution other than Fei Tian Academy of the Arts or based on prior learning are not calculated in a student’s grade point average.

Incomplete Grades are given when students are unable to complete the requirements for a subject due to an extended absence or other extenuating circumstance. In such a case, the student must obtain permission from the Director of Academics and then meet his or her guidance counselor to establish a timeframe for submission of all missing assignments. The report card will show an “I” for incomplete work. When the missing work is completed within the timeframe, the “I” will be replaced by the grade earned in the course. When the missing work is not completed within the timeframe, the “I” will be changed to “FIN” (failed incomplete).

PROGRAM VARIANCE

A written petition requesting a variance from a particular program requirement may be made by a student to the Director of Academics, who shall take appropriate action, which may include denial, waiver, or approval of an appropriate modification.

STANDARDS FOR GOOD CONDUCT

Below is a non-exhaustive list of school rules that students are expected to follow.

  1. Speak and act in accordance with Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and help preserve the good reputation of Fei Tian.
  2. Exhibit courteous and respectful behavior toward others both on and off campus.
  3. Come prepared and on time to class, appointments, and other required school activities, and properly store away personal items such as electronic devices and snacks during these events.
  4. Cooperate well with others, including teachers, classmates, and members of school-affiliated organizations with whom you interact.
  5. Follow instructions and stay on task, and do not cause disruptions.
  6. Ask for permission for special requests such as to leave class or to leave campus, and be willing to accept feedback, including “no,” as an answer.
  7. Ask for help if you get stuck or confused.
  8. Act with integrity—do not lie, cheat, or steal.
  9. Keep a low voice in public places and in quiet areas such as offices, hallways, and study spaces, and during quiet hours in the residences.
  10. Maintain a clean and tidy appearance, and follow the school dress code.
  11. Observe the school rules on dating and intimacy.
  12. When using public facilities be mindful not to waste resources and remember to clean up after yourself.
  13. Stay away from items banned at school, such as lewd or otherwise inappropriate materials, violent games, weapons, and addictive substances.
  14. Browse the Internet responsibly and in accordance with the school rules on Internet use.

MAINTAINING GOOD STANDING

The Academy reviews student status and overall progress each year. Maintenance of student status and all financial aid awards provided to a student are contingent upon criteria including but not limited to:

  • The student’s continued satisfactory artistic, physical, and aesthetic suitability as determined by the dance or music department;
  • Satisfactory academic progress as determined by the student’s guidance counselor;
  • Observance of the rules and regulations established by Fei Tian at or following admission; and
  • Timely payment of all applicable tuition and fees.

DISCIPLINARY POLICY

Violation of the school rules and regulations is likely to lead to any one or more of the following consequences:

  • Warning, by a teacher or staff for a minor infraction.
  • Office referral, for any chronic minor infractions or a major infraction.
  • Disciplinary meeting, with a school administrator, and notification to parents or guardian.
  • Probation, which puts the student on formal notice and may carry special requirements to regain good standing.
  • Suspension from the program, which may carry additional sanctions such as revocation of financial aid awards and privileges.
  • Dismissal, for a serious or habitual violation of the school rules and regulations.

CAUSES FOR DISMISSAL

A student may be dismissed from the Academy at any time for committing or attempting to commit any of the following major infractions:

  • Unethical or immoral behavior.
  • Violation of any of the laws of the United States.

In addition, a student may be dismissed for reasons of:

  • Violating any other rules and regulations established by Fei Tian;
  • Unsatisfactory conduct or progress; or
  • A generally unsatisfactory record.