Code of Conduct & Grievance Procedure

Students and faculty are responsible for their academic and social behavior while participating in  Conservatory activities. The Conservatory expects that each student, as a mature member of the academic and professional community, will adhere to the highest standards of personal integrity and good taste in their conduct and relationships with others. Faculty will also adhere to the highest standards of personal integrity and good taste in their conduct and relationships with others, modeling for their students the standards of professionalism expected in the professional world. Anyone who conducts him/herself in such a manner as to disrupt the education program of the institution and/or its students may be subject to dismissal from the school. Anyone violating rules of consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages or controlled and illegal sub­stances (drugs) during class time will be subject to dismissal.

The Conservatory will not tolerate inappropriate conduct from anyone toward anyone. Any student of the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts may be dismissed, suspended, or placed on probation for harassment on or off school property. Harassment includes abusive behaviors or language, physical abuse, and rape. 

Substance abuse in any form be it alcohol or drugs is a serious and pressing problem and will not be tolerated. The use or possession of unprescribed medication or controlled or illegal substances is a violation of state and federal laws and will result in a student's immediate dismissal. The Conservatory stands ready to provide information, advising and referral with complete confidentiality for students with questions or problems in this area.

 

Students seeking to resolve problems or having complaints regarding a course should first contact the instructor. Requests for further action may be made to the President or School Director as appropriate who will review the problem/complaint with the complainant(s) and attempt to resolve it.
 

Note that this policy prohibits knowingly making false statements or knowingly submitting false information during the grievance process.
 

Schools accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges must have a procedure and operational plan for handling student complaints. If a student does not feel that the school has adequately addressed a complaint , the student may contact the Accrediting Commission.

All complaints considered by the Commission must be in written form, with permission from the complainant(s) for the Commission to forward a copy of the complaint to the school for response. The complainant(s) will be kept informed as to the status of the complaint as well as the final resolution by the Commission. Direct all inquiries to: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302 Arlington, VA 22201 or 703.247.4212. A copy of the Commission's Complaint Form is available at the school and may be obtained from the School Director. Required forms can also be found at the Commission's web site at www.accsc.org. 

Further, The Higher Education Licensure Commission is the agency of last resort in the grievance process. Students can reach the HELC at 202.727.6436 or osse@dc.gov.

Students will not be subject to unfair action or treatment by any school official as a result of the initiation of a complaint