Somatherapy Institute was originally called Desert Resorts School of Somatherapy. The current owners recently purchased the school from Ramona Moody French who trained at Mueller College and as Mr. Mueller's disciple decided to open her own school.
As mentioned on the home page, this was the only school of its kind for decades. When it opened in 1991, it was the only massage school in the area, and to this day it is the only school that offers individual classes. Most schools are either accredited or approved, and for the purposes of clarification we will explain the distinction.
Accredited schools pay for the accreditation so that they can receive federal loans and grants. Normally, it follows that they require expensive tuition from their students and in order to receive these grants and loans they must insist on over 700 hours of credit, the cost of which gets transferred to the student. As a result, graduates from accredited schools begin their careers heavily in debt. Also, it must be said, graduating from an accredited school does not guarantee qualifications.
Accredited schools are also required to place their students. They can often find their students on-call positions. While this meets the school's obligation, this does not necessarily guarantee employment for the student since being on-call does not automatically translate into work. This is something that is little known, and we mention it because sometimes would-be students are misled.
Somatherapy Institute is an approved school by the Bureau of Private Post-secondary Education. Our instructors are independent contractors, practicing therapists of long standing that are specialists in the modalities they teach. Owing to their vast experience, our instructors are second to none. We pride ourselves on the fact that our students leave to pursue their careers with the confidence that stems from having been taught by masters. Somatherapy Institute also offers massage therapists the opportunity to augment their skills as time and money allow. There are very few schools that can make this claim. We feel that our school lends itself to the needs of most working professionals, especially during these difficult economic times.
Also, as a final note, though we are an "approved" school and therefore not obligated to find placement for our students, often we get calls from spa directors, physicians and other health care professionals in need of massage therapists. As a result, we have had success in landing initial jobs for our students that have accumulated the necessary skills and credit hours.
Our Commitment:
- We are committed to dedicating ourselves only to massage training and related disciplines.
- We are committed to continuing the line, as it were, by following the path laid down by Ramona Moody French.
- We are committed to remaining an approved school rather than an accredited school in order that we may offer classes on an "a la carte" basis, so that students stay within their means as they acquire the necessary skills.
- We are committed to hiring the finest instructors.
- We are committed to releasing our graduates into the world of massage feeling capable and confident.
Code of Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves as professionals since, presumably, this is why they are training. This includes proper dress and proper decorum. If a student is disruptive to the class and or it is deemed the student is negatively affecting the other students in attendance, as owners we feel obligated to ask the student in question to go elsewhere for their education
Also, if any student in question is disrespectful to any member of the staff by failing to comply or exhibiting off-putting behavior not in keeping with proper decorum, the staff will be compelled to bring this to our attention and dismissal from the school will be necessary.
Table of Contents
Welcome...
History...
Mission Statement.
Disclosures:
Expectations
Staff
Facilities
Educational Programs
Fee Schedule for Courses.. 7
Other Fees.. 7
Refund Information... 8
Student Tuition Recovery Fund... 8
Description of Classes.. 9
Instructional Calendar.. 10
Enrollment. 11
Attendance Policy... 12
Other Policies.. 13
Student Services.. 15
Student Complaint Procedure... 15
Standards of Conduct and Professional Ethics.. 16
Completion and Placement Statistics.. 20
History
Desert Resorts School of Somatherapy was originally opened in 1991 as a branch of Mueller College of San Diego, CA with Ramona Moody French as the Director. In 1993 the school was purchased and approved by the State of California as an independent entity. It has been under the direction and ownership of Ramona Moody French since that time. In 2001 the business was incorporated as Somatherapy, Inc. The school was sold, reclaimed by Ramona and sold again in February of this year, 2010.
Mission Statement
Somatherapy Institute is dedicated to helping our students to develop a set of practical skills, to perform massage/bodywork in a professional manner, and to make a successful transition to the work force and society. We also want our students to form an intellectual and spiritual insight and appreciation for the power of massage/bodywork and an ethical framework for safeguarding the client while in the altered state that may be produced by massage.
Disclosures:
·Somatherapy Institute is a privately owned vocational school, and is not a part of the public school system.
· Somatherapy Institute is a member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Practitioners, headquarters located at 28677 Buffalo Park Rd., Evergreen, CO 80439.
·Somatherapy Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability.
Expectations
What our students can expect of the faculty and staff of Somatherapy: Institute:
? Competent and experienced faculty and staff
? Diverse program
? Preparation for a professional practice
? Fair and consistent testing and grading
? Participation in school policy-making
? Confidentiality regarding personal information
? Prompt attention to student needs and requests
? A supportive environment in which to grow
? Respect for each individual’s boundaries
What Somatherapy Institute faculty and staff expect of our students:
? Take responsibility for their education
? Be responsive to constructive criticism
? Uphold high standards of integrity
? Behave in a professional way at all times
? Be open to a variety of teaching styles and modalities
? Be respectful of staff and other students
? Practice high standards of personal hygiene
? Display a high level of emotional intelligence and maturity in all interactions.
The Director: Mireya Escalante
Operating Manager: Kent Williams
Facilities
Our modest campus is located in Rancho Mirage, California. It consists of an office and a completely equipped classroom, including professional massage tables, video equipment, full and half-size skeletons, charts, models, and other necessary equipment. Total area equals approximately 1200 square feet.
This institution, the facilities it occupies and the equipment it utilizes fully comply with any and all federal, state and local ordinances and regulations, including those requirements as to fire safety, building safety, and health.
Educational Programs can be found under Course Requirements
Other Fees
Registration Fee: A $100.00 non-refundable registration fee must be paid with the application for enrollment.
Tuition Deposit: A tuition deposit of $100.00 per class must be paid when the student registers for upcoming classes. This amount may be refundable and is applied toward the tuition. (See the refund policy, which follows.)
Credit for Prior Learning Fee A fee of $1.00 per hour credited is charged for each class for which a student requests credit for prior learning.
Installment Payments All students are allowed to make installment payments, on a monthly plan. Payments must be current, and all tuition and fees must be paid in full by the completion of the class. Students who do not keep their payments current will be subject to disciplinary action.
Late Fees A late fee of $25.00 per month may be charged for payments received after the due date each month.
Tuition for Repeat Courses Students who must retake a class due to a failing grade are responsible for the full cost of the class. Students who have successfully completed any class may retake the class at half price, if space allows.
Retest or Make-up Work Fee A fee of $35.00 per hour is charged to make up missed class work with the instructor. A fee of $15.00 per hour is charged to make up missed class work with an assigned teaching assistant. A fee of $15.00 per hour is charged to make up or repeat a missed written examination or practical.
Transcript Fee A transcript is provided to each student at the completion of classes. Transcripts are mailed within three weeks of the end of each quarter. A fee of $10.00 is charged for additional copies of transcripts.
Duplicate Certificate Fee One certificate is given to the student at the completion of any Course. A duplicate certificate is available from the office for $25.00
Refund Information
The student has a right to a full refund of all charges less the amount of $50.00 for the registration fee if he/she cancels the Enrollment Agreement prior to midnight following the first day of instruction. In addition, the student may withdraw from a course after instruction has started and receive a pro rata refund for the unused portion of the tuition and other refundable charges if the student has completed 60% or less of the instruction. A written notice of cancellation must be received by the school. The date of receipt of the written notice will determine the date used to determine any pro rata refunds.
The school will also refund money collected from a third party on the student’s behalf. If payment has been made on the student’s behalf by a third party, refunds will be made to the third party, not to the student.
If the school cancels or discontinues a course or education program, the school will make a full refund of all charges.
Refunds will be paid or credited as soon as possible, not to exceed 30 days following the date upon which the student's withdrawal has been determined.
Student Tuition Recovery Fund
Students of this institution who are California residents are charged a fee of $2.50 per $1000.00 of tuition for the Student Tuition Recovery Fund. This fee is transmitted to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education by this institution on a quarterly basis.
The Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) was established by the Legislature to protect any California resident who attends a private postsecondary institution from losing money if they have prepaid tuition and suffered a financial loss as a result of the school: (1) closing, (2) failing to live up to its enrollment agreement, or (3) refusing to pay a court judgment.
To be eligible for STRF you must be a California resident and reside in California at the time the enrollment agreement is signed. Students who are temporarily residing in California for the sole purpose of pursuing an education, specifically those who hold student visas, are not considered a California resident. To qualify for STRF reimbursement you must file a STRF application within one year of receiving notice from the Bureau that the school is closed. If you do not receive notice from the Bureau, you have four years from the date of closure to file a STRF application. If a judgment is denied, you must file a STRF application within two years of the final judgment.
It is important that you keep copies of the enrollment agreement, financial aid papers, receipts or any other information that documents the monies paid to the school. Questions regarding STRF may be directed to the:
Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education
PO Box 980818
West Sacramento CA 95798-0818
or call: 916-431-6959
Description of Classes
Acupressure I Yin and yang, how to locate acupoints, tui Na massage, contraindications, point formulae. 48 hours
Acupressure II Five element theory, wu shu points, sho fa techniques combined in a full body treatment. 48 hours
Prerequisite: Acupressure I
Acupressure III Barefoot Shiatsu, floor techniques performed on a client lying on a mat on the floor. 48 hours
Advanced Anatomy Detailed anatomy, muscle, nerves, vessels, joints, ligaments, and tendons. 48 hours
Prerequisite: Kinesiology.
Kinesiology Identify the origin, insertion, and actions of 120 muscles studied, as well as how to locate them by palpation.
48 hours
Aromatherapy/Spa Services Basic principles of hydrotherapy and aromatherapy, indications and contraindications, use of basic spa equipment, wraps, scrubs, aromatherapy massage, and other spa services. 48 hours
Prerequisite: Swedish Massage or must take Swedish Massage concurrently.
Business and Ethics Online instruction in business basics, business planning, communication, boundaries and ethics.
28 hours
Deep Tissue Massage I Techniques to release the connective tissue involved in hyper-contracted tissues plus appropriate stretches to help the muscles return to their resting length. Contraindications, how to work with acute and chronic conditions, postures associated with biomechanical dysfunctions, muscle memory and emotional release. 48 hours
Prerequisite: Swedish Massage and Kinesiology
Deep Tissue Massage II Application of deep tissue massage techniques to common pain syndromes, including TMJ, shoulder, elbow, wrist, back, hip, knee, and ankle injuries with emphasis on current medical research. 48 hours
Prerequisite: Swedish Massage and Kinesiology
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
This is not offered at our facilities but can be learned online or at other facilities.
4 hours
Holistic Theory is another online course and presents a history of holism, scope of practice and legal issues, vital force, healing crises, micro-systems, movement training, self-awareness, breathing and meditation. 48 hours
Lymph Drainage Massage Students will learn lymph drainage massage techniques for the face and neck, and for the full body, plus an introduction to the energetic effects of lymph drainage massage, and cellulite massage. 40 hours
Pathology is required for licensing in some states. Follows Anatomy and physiology, covers pathology (disease processes) of the body systems. 48 hours
Prerequisite: Anatomy and Physiology or taking A & P concurrently.
Anatomy and Physiology A study of the systems of the body. 48 hours
Polarity Provides the student with the basic principals of Polarity Therapy as well as practical experience in various Polarity modalities. Each class meeting includes movement training. 48 hours
Sports Massage I and II Sports Massage includes pre and post event, therapeutic massage, trigger point therapy, stretches, theory, including increasing range of motion, enhancement of athletic performance, and prevention of injury. 48 hours each
Prerequisite: Kinesiology and Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage Students learn to give a cohesive, one-hour Swedish massage, using the strokes of the Swedish repertoire. Covers contraindications and indications, muscular anatomy, introduction to business and ethics. 120 hours
Instructional Calendar
Holidays:
Somatherapy Insitute is closed New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving week and Christmas week, plus approximately one week at the end of each quarter.
Quarter Schedule
Classes are offered on a quarterly basis, with new classes beginning in January, April, July, and September. The day and time of each class varies each quarter, so the student is advised to consult a current schedule of classes, which may be obtained from the office. Current schedules are also mailed with the catalog/student catalog. Students should consult the class schedule before scheduling vacations or travel.
Classes are offered Monday through Friday, at various times from 8 AM to 10:00 PM. During the year we offer as many classes as possible both in the daytime and in the evening.
Morning classes 8 AM to noon,
or 9 AM to 1 PM
Afternoon classes 1 PM to 5 PM
or 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
or 2:00 PM to 6 PM
Evening classes 5 PM to 9 PM
or 6 PM to 10 PM
Intensive classes are offered for one and two week periods throughout the year. Consult a current schedule of classes for the dates of this year's intensives.
Morning classes 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Afternoon classes: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Afternoon classes 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Alternate schedule)
Evening classes 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
We do not currently offer clinic hours.
Class Cancellations
Announcements are made in class if an instructor cancels a class. A missed class will be rescheduled on a day and time agreed upon by the course instructor and the students.
School Closure
On rare occasions severe weather conditions will dictate the closure of the school. In the case of a wind advisory or flash flood warning, call the school before leaving home to be sure the school has not been closed. If the school is closed due to an emergency or severe weather conditions, a make up day will be scheduled.
Enrollment
Entrance Requirements
Entrance in any of our training programs requires that a prospective student be at least 18 years of age and in good health, having no communicable disease, a United States resident. Applicants must submit proof of high school graduation or satisfactory completion of the GED. Each person is accepted if, in the school's opinion, that individual has the possibility of success in the chosen objective.
All classes are taught in English, and each student must be able to read and understand English sufficiently to understand lecture material and homework. Students who are not high school graduates or who speak English as a second language will be required to take a standardized test to measure their ability to benefit from the programs in which they wish to enroll.
The practice of massage requires the ability to stand for an hour or more at a time, while working with your hands, arms, and back. If you have ever had any injuries to your legs, arms, or spine, consult your physician to assess your ability to perform massage.
There is currently state licensing for massage in California. Though many massage practitioners are usually licensed by the city where they work this is beginning to change and more and more therapists are applying for state licensing. You should, however, consult the city where you plan to work to learn their licensing requirements before enrolling to be sure that you take the appropriate classes to meet the city’s requirements.
Enrollment Policy
Students may enroll on any school day before the beginning of each class though it is preferable that enrollment occur in advance. The school currently does not have available sponsored programs, government or otherwise, to provide grants or to pay for portions of tuition and fees.
How to Enroll
After reading this catalog and other material you have received from us, call the school to ask any questions you may have, and to set up an initial interview. If you live out of the local area, the interview may be conducted by telephone. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the physical facilities of the school and to discuss personal, educational, and occupational plans with school personnel prior to enrolling or signing enrollment agreements.
Please bring with you copies of all your certificates and transcripts for any related training you may have taken previously. Complete the enrollment procedure by submitting (before the first class) all forms, completed and signed, and a non-refundable enrollment fee of $100.00. There is also a $100.00 tuition deposit required for each class for which you wish to register.
Credit Evaluation Policy
Students with previous training in the course to be pursued will be evaluated upon enrollment and given appropriate credit. Evaluation will be based upon official transcripts of prior study. Credit allowed will be recorded in student records and the length of the course shortened appropriately up to a limit of 50% of the required hours. The student will be charged an administrative fee of $1.00 per hour of credit given.
Credits you earn in any of our programs in most cases will probably not be transferable to a college or university. In addition, if you earn a certificate in any of our programs, in most cases it will probably not serve as a basis for obtaining a higher-level degree at a college or university. If you are planning to attend another vocational school at a future time, you should inquire at that school whether credits from this institution would be transferable.
Continuous Enrollment
"Continuous enrollment" shall be defined as enrollment in, and successful completion of, at least one class per quarter for three quarters of each calendar year at Somatherapy Institute or any other approved institution, after having initially enrolled at Somatherapy Institute. Continuous enrollment secures "catalog rights" for the student. Catalog rights are defined as guaranteeing students the specific course requirements of the year they first enrolled. Continuous enrollment applies to all students interested in earning any certificate offered at Somatherapy Institute. This policy is effective for students who established continuous enrollment at the start of the Winter 2010 quarter (January through March) or later.
Attendance Policy
Absence
It is very important not to miss any class session. However, absence shall be excused under the following circumstances: illness, birth, or death in the immediate family, and other valid reasons substantiated in writing and at the discretion of the Executive Director. All other absences shall be considered unexcused.
Unexcused absences must be made up within two weeks of the end of the class, or the student will be graded "incomplete" and will have to repeat the class. Tardiness is considered to be absence and must be made up.
Interruption for Unsatisfactory Attendance
Students who miss 25% of class hours will be dropped from that class. The student will receive written notification of his/her status, and will, if appropriate, receive a refund calculated from the drop date.
Make-Up Work
Make-up work will be required for unexcused absence. All work must be completed no later than two weeks from the last day of class. However, hours of make-up work cannot be considered as hours of class attendance for the purpose of calculating grades.
Leave of Absence Policy
It is important not to miss any class session. However, if it is necessary for a student to take a leave of absence, it will be granted at the discretion of the Director. Any student who expects to miss more than 25% of a class will be encouraged to drop and re-enroll in the future.
Cancellation of a class or course
If after the first day of class a student does not want to continue, the student may cancel the contract for school, without any penalty or obligation within five business days from the date above. Notices of cancellation must be made in writing. Verbal notification will not be accepted. Upon cancellation of any class or course, any payment the student made and any negotiable instrument signed by the student shall be returned within ten days following the school’s receipt of the cancellation notice.
Any equipment provided by the school must be returned within ten days of the date you signed a cancellation notice. If you do not return the equipment within this ten-day period, the school may keep an amount out of what you paid that equals the price of the equipment written in the contract. The school is required to refund any amount over that as provided above and you may keep the equipment.
To cancel this contract for school, mail, deliver or send a facsimile of a signed and dated written notice to:
Somatherapy Institute
PO Box 2973
Rancho Mirage CA 92270
Students have a right to cancel a course or class at any time and receive a refund for that portion of the class paid for but not taken. Refund rights are described in the contract. If the student has lost his or her copy of the contract, the office can give the student another copy.
Students do not have the right to cancel by just telephoning the school or by not coming to class. Notices of cancellation must be made in writing. Refunds are calculated based on the classroom hours that have elapsed up to the time the notice of cancellation is received by the school, whether or not the student attended the class. If the student does not give a written notice of cancellation and simply stops attending, the school will drop the student from the class after the third absence. A refund, if any, will be calculated based on the day the student is dropped from the class, and the school will refund the amount paid for the portion of the class remaining after the drop date.
Other Policies
Bicycles are not allowed in the building at any time.
Pets are not allowed in the building at any time. This does not apply to working animals such as seeing-eye dogs.
Classroom Responsibility
Students are responsible for cleaning the room after each class. Chairs must be stacked or returned to the chair rack, tables must be properly cleaned, all litter must be cleaned up, and wastebaskets emptied.
Copy Machine is ONLY for use by the Instructors and office personnel. Ask office personnel where the nearest public copier is located.
Facility Usage
Problems, such as broken or faulty equipment or fixtures, should be reported to the office immediately. Students may not use the Clinic for practice or trades except when directed by an instructor. The school provides tables for classroom use only. Massage tables are NEVER loaned out to students or others.
Financial Responsibilities
Students have the responsibility to pay for their training as agreed to in the enrollment agreement. While we offer a payment plan for the convenience of the student, we expect students to make payments in a timely manner and to complete payment for each class before the class is over. Somatherapy Institute accepts some forms of third party payment, such as rehabilitation programs, but the final responsibility for payment rests with the student. Students who do not make payments in a timely manner will be dropped from the classes in which they enrolled.
Handicap Access
All offices, classrooms, and restrooms are equipped for handicap access as required by applicable Municipal, State and Federal regulations.
Jewelry
We encourage students NOT to wear jewelry to class, especially valuable jewelry. If you do wear jewelry, please put it in a safe and secure place before starting the massage. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Lost And Found
If you find anything, please turn it in to your instructor. If you have lost anything, please ask your instructor if it has been turned in.
Records Retention and Access
Student records will be retained at the school for at least five years. Students may access their records by applying to the Director who will make an appointment for the student to review or copy records during regular business hours. Records may not be removed from school premises and there will be a small charge for copying records.
Responsibility for personal belongings
Any items of value, such as jewelry, computers, etc. should be left at home. Please don't bring more possessions with you to class than will fit under the massage table, to avoid clutter. Please put your name and phone number on all your books and equipment. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Student Injury
Somatherapy Institute students are not covered by health or medical insurance or for any injury. Students involved in an injury while in class are required to complete an injury report form and submit it to the instructor within 24 hours of the incident. Forms are available in the office.
Telephones
There are no public telephones at either location.
Progress Policy
The school's grading system for each class is pass or fail as determined by the instructor.
Progress is evaluated by quizzes, tests, practical exams, class participation, oral reports and the instructor's assessment. When a student's progress is unsatisfactory, the instructor will notify the Director. All effort will be made to assist the student to improve. If, in the instructor's and the Director's opinion, the student is not likely to complete the course successfully, the student will be so notified.
Conditions for Re-enrollment
Re-enrollment will be approved only after evidence is shown to the Director's satisfaction that the conditions, which caused the interruption for unsatisfactory progress, have been rectified.
Graduation
Students are awarded a certificate upon the completion of the following:
· Satisfactory completion of all required classes
· Completion of all required supervised practice
· Payment in full for all classes
· Compliance with all policies and procedures
To obtain the certificate, students who have completed all requirements should notify the office, using the transcript request form available from the school. No student will receive a certificate until all requirements are met. Certificates and transcripts will be mailed within ten business days after the office receives the request.
Student Services
Bulletin Boards
Bulletin boards are located in the facility and contain important information for staff, faculty, and students. Students may place notices on bulletin boards only with permission.
Childcare
This institution does not provide childcare, nor are children allowed in the classrooms.
Counseling
Counseling is available from instructors or the director. Students must request an appointment for counseling.
English As A Second Language
Somatherapy Institute does not provide instruction in English as a second language.
Housing
Somatherapy Institute does not provide on site housing and has no responsibility to find or assist a student to find housing.
Placement Services
Somatherapy Institute has no placement services. Local employers are allowed to post openings on bulletin boards located at both facilities.
Student Complaint Procedure
This institution has a procedure for resolution of student grievances. A student may lodge a complaint by communicating in writing to any teacher, administrator or other school personnel. The recipient of the complaint shall transmit it as soon as possible to the Director and shall attempt to resolve complaints related to that person's duties.
The Director will investigate complaints thoroughly, including interviewing all people and reviewing all documents that relate or may potentially relate to the complaint. The Director may reject the complaint or attempt to resolve or, compromise in any reasonable manner, including the payment of a refund. The Director will record a summary of the complaint, its disposition, and the reasons, place a copy of the summary in the student's file and make an appropriate entry in the log of student complaints.
The institution shall, within 10 days of receiving the complaint, provide the student with a written response, including a summary of the institution's investigation and the disposition. If the complaint or relief requested by the student is rejected, the Director will provide the reasons for the rejection.
The student may appeal the Director's decision in writing to the School Council, a board which consists of the Director, an administrator, an instructor, and two students, and which meets as needed.
The student's participation in the complaint procedure and the disposition of a student's complaint shall not limit or waive any of the student's rights or remedies.
Standards of Conduct and Professional Ethics
Teacher/Student Relationships
The relationship between faculty and student is that of teacher and learner and is essential to the success of the program. Any actions that would compromise that relationship are forbidden. In particular, dating and sexual relationships between student and faculty, or student and administrative staff, are unethical and have negative consequences including favoritism, unfair treatment of students, breach of confidentiality, and violation of ethical boundaries. Other actions, including the giving of gifts to instructors or administrative staff, or excessive familiarity, although less consequential, may also compromise educational boundaries, and are to be discouraged.
Confidentiality
Professional standards include confidentiality. Students are expected not to reveal personal information concerning faculty, staff, students, and clinic clients. When discussing clinic clients in appropriate settings, such as the classroom, care must be taken not to reveal a client’s name or identity. Breaches of confidentiality are grounds for disciplinary action.
Faculty and staff members must keep confidential personal information regarding students, including grades, academic status, health history, financial status and any other information garnered from any source about students.
Sexual Harassment
It is the desire of the staff and faculty of Desert Resorts School of Somatherapy of Somatherapy to provide a safe learning environment. We expect a high level of professional behavior from our students, staff, and faculty. Any form of sexual harassment or other abusive behavior will not be tolerated. The following behaviors will be grounds for disciplinary action:
· Sexual activity on school premises
· Sexual advances in any classroom or therapy setting
· Careless, unethical, or sexual touching of classmates, instructors, or clinic clients.
· Sexual relationships between students and instructors or students and staff.
· Sexual speech or innuendo in any classroom or clinic setting
Students who observe or experience sexual harassment should report the incident to an instructor or the Director. All complaints will be investigated.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity means not cheating on examinations or homework assignments, not taking credit for another’s work, completing work on time and always working at one’s fullest potential
Peaceful Environment
Maintaining a safe and peaceful environment is essential for learning and for growth. Any of the following actions listed is grounds for disciplinary action:
· Possession of weapons on school premises
· Behavior creating a safety hazard to other persons at school
· Disrespectful behavior to another student, an administrator or faculty member, or any other stated or determined infraction of conduct
· Any form of verbal, physical, or emotional abuse, harassment, intimidation or violence, or threats of violence toward any member of the school community.
Substance Abuse
The following activities are grounds for disciplinary action:
· The use, abuse, bartering, possession, exchange, selling, or distributing of alcohol or controlled substances (illegal drugs) on school premises or at school-related activities.
· Attending school, working in the clinic, engaging in practice sessions or other course requirements while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
While Desert Resorts School of Somatherapy acknowledges that alcohol may be appropriate for private social occasions, we provide the following policy:
· Alcohol is not permitted on school premises
· No student, guest, or employee of the school is allowed to bring his/her own alcohol onto school premises
· DRSS will not be the provider of alcohol for any school event.
Any member of the Somatherapy Institute community, including students, staff, and faculty, who is observed or reported to have violated this policy, will be immediately removed from the school premises and is subject to dismissal. The Director will notify the student or staff member of any disciplinary action that will be taken, including a warning, probation, or dismissal. Probation will depend upon participation in a drug/alcohol abuse or rehabilitation program. In addition, the school has the responsibility to notify the legal authorities of any violation of the law observed or reported on school premises.
Sale/Endorsement of Products or Services
Students shall not sell, promote, or endorse the purchase of a specific product or professional service in the classroom or clinic. Flyers may be posted on the bulletin boards, subject to approval by the office, as long as any demonstrations and/or sales activities are conducted off school premises.
Professional Appearance
Students are expected to be professional in appearance and have good personal hygiene. While we do not require students to wear a uniform, we have certain minimum requirements for dress and hygiene. The following guidelines should be followed:
Students should be covered with opaque clothing from the clavicle to halfway down the thigh. Shirts must have short sleeves.
Students must wear shoes with non-skid soles and closed heels. Flip-flops, slippers, and backless sandals are not permitted.
Students should take care to have clean, neatly groomed hair and short, clean fingernails.
Students should take care not to have any offensive odors, including body odor, bad breath, cigarette smoke, perfumes or after shave.
Students should be aware that others in the school might be allergic to perfumes and other scents. Students are encouraged not to wear jewelry to school.
Guidelines for Draping, Dressing and Undressing, Nudity
· Complete nudity is never permitted at any time in the presence of others, except that same sex students may share the same dressing room.
· Students giving a massage are always fully clothed, including shoes.
· Individual modesty is to be respected at all times.
· Students must use proper draping techniques as demonstrated by their instructors.
· Genital areas and the female breast are to be covered at all times.
· The body should not be completely uncovered at any time in class or clinic. Generally, only the body area being massaged at the time is uncovered.
· In the clinic, the student therapist should instruct the client to undress privately, while the student is out of the room, and to get on the table under the drape before the student therapist returns.
Students Receiving Compensation for Massage
Students are prohibited from receiving compensation for massages done in the classroom or clinic. The school does not endorse students receiving any form of payment for providing massage or bodywork outside of the classroom or clinic without meeting local requirements and obtaining a license. Licensing of massage therapy is locally regulated in California, and laws vary from city to city.
If a student chooses to perform massage or bodywork for compensation without the proper license, he or she should know that this action may result in arrest, a fine, inability of the student to obtain licensing in the future, and other sanctions determined on by local authorities. In addition, if a student working without a license becomes the object of a complaint regarding personal injury, inappropriate behavior or unethical practice, such a person is not covered by liability insurance.
Disciplinary Procedures
The Director coordinates disciplinary action. Grounds for disciplinary action:
· Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress
· Failure to keep payments current
· Failure to comply with Policies and Procedures outlined in Student Catalog
Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress
The student’s instructor will notify the Director when a student is not in compliance with academic requirements. The Director and instructor will determine whether counseling, an academic warning, probation, suspension, or dismissal is warranted. If dismissal is not warranted, the Director and instructor will determine the conditions under which the student will come back into compliance with academic requirements. This may include retaking failed courses, modifying the student’s schedule, make-up work, special projects/assignments, or additional testing. The goal is not punitive, but to provide an opportunity for the student to successfully complete the program.
Failure to keep payments current
This school is held accountable to the State government for fiduciary responsibility. It is irresponsible and unfair to other students to allow a student to continue taking classes if that student fails to meet his/her financial obligations. The Bursar and student will discuss the factors that are affecting the student’s ability to pay his/her financial obligation and if necessary create a new payment schedule. If the new payment schedule is not adhered to, the Director will initiate disciplinary procedures, up to and including dismissal.
Failure to comply with Policies and Procedures outlined in Student Handbook and Catalog
A student, instructor, or staff member must submit complaints regarding a student’s conduct in writing to the Director. The director will notify the student that a complaint has been made and will give the student a copy of the complaint along with the specific policies that are at issue and potential sanctions. The student may respond to the complaint by submitting a written response to the Director within 5 business days of receiving the complaint.
The Director will investigate the complaint thoroughly, including interviewing all people and reviewing all documents that relate or may potentially relate to the complaint; and decide upon one of the following courses of action: dismiss the complaint, issue a warning to the student, or hold a disciplinary action hearing.
If the Director decides the complaint should be dismissed, The Director will write a letter to the person who made the complaint. If the Director determines that a warning should be issued, the Director will write a letter to the student that describes the warning and reminds the student that failure to heed the warning will be grounds for further action.
If the Director determines that a disciplinary action hearing should be held, the Director will convene a committee consisting of the director and two faculty members. The hearing shall be held within ten working days of receipt of the student’s written response to the complaint. The Director may require that the student discontinue attending classes until and during the hearing.
The hearing committee will review all written documents and schedule a hearing at which time the student may respond to the complaint. The committee shall determine whether the complainant’s appearance at the hearing for questioning is required. The committee may also receive any other pertinent oral or written information at the hearing from other person within the school community. All information oral or written reviewed by the committee will be made available to the student for his/her response. The student may submit to the committee documents, information, and/or statements. This student is responsible for arranging the attendance of persons whom he/she wishes to attend as witnesses. The hearing committee may limit the number of persons attending the hearing.
The hearing is not a courtroom proceeding and therefore the rules that govern such proceedings do not apply. The hearing committee shall exercise reasonable control over the inquiry and presentation at the hearing in order to achieve the legitimate purpose of the hearing and to prevent intimidation or harassment of any person, which is contrary to the purpose of the hearing. An advocate may accompany the student at the meeting.
The committee may decide to dismiss the complaint, issue a warning to the student, place the student on probation, suspend or dismiss the student. The committee will notify the student of its decision within 10 working days of the hearing.
The Director will record a summary of the complaint, its disposition, and the reasons, place a copy of the summary in the student's file and make an appropriate entry in the student complaint log.
Probation means that a student may continue in the program for one academic quarter under specific probationary conditions, given to the student in writing by the Director.
Suspension means that a student must discontinue participation in the program for a specific period of time, indicated to the student in writing by the Director. Reinstatement may be requested in writing to the Director when the suspension period and all conditions of suspension have been met.
Dismissal means that a student must discontinue participation for a period of one calendar year from the date of dismissal.
Probation, suspension, or dismissal may be appealed as follows: Within 10 working days of the disciplinary action, the student must submit to the Director a written request for an appeal, describing the reasons for the appeal. Within 10 working days of receiving the appeal, the Director will convene an appeal committee consisting of two faculty members who have had no involvement in the original complaint or hearing. The appeal committee will review all related, written documentation, including the findings of the hearing committee, and will meet with the student to hear the student’s concerns. An advocate may accompany the student and other parties may be requested to attend or send a written statement to the appeal committee. Within five working days of the appeal meeting, the committee will submit to the Director a written recommendation. The committee may recommend that the original decision for disciplinary action be upheld, that a different disciplinary action be taken, that no disciplinary action be taken, or require that there be a full rehearing by the same or a different committee.
Readmission after dismissal
Following a minimum of one year from the date of dismissal, a student must submit a request for readmission in writing to the Director. The Director will notify the student in writing whether or not the application for readmission has been accepted.
