ORGANIZATION POLICIES

ORGANIZATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

IT Expert System, Inc. is committed to establishing and maintaining consistently high academic standards for instruction and learning outcomes across all teaching modalities while offering students the opportunity to choose the learning environment that best serves their educational interests.

Student Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic Honesty Policy

Academic honesty is a fundamental value of IT Expert System, Inc. We are committed to fostering an educational environment that promotes integrity, trust, and the responsible use of knowledge. This Academic Honesty Policy sets the standards for ethical behavior and outlines the consequences of academic dishonesty within our vocational institution.

Academic Dishonesty:

Any form of cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or deception in academic activities that compromises the integrity of the educational process.

Cheating:

Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or assistance in an academic assignment, examination, or project. Unapproved usage of Artificial Intelligence resources (exChatGPT, Bard, Jasper, et al.) in completing exams, projects, or other course/program assignments may also be considered cheating.

Plagiarism: The act of presenting someone else's ideas, words, or work as one's own without proper citation or attribution.

Fabrication: Creating false data, information, or citations in academic work or projects.

Students at IT Expert System, Inc. are expected to:

Complete all assignments, examinations, and projects with honesty and integrity. b. Properly acknowledge and cite all sources used in their academic work. c. Avoid any form of cheating, unauthorized collaboration, or submitting work that is not their own. d. Report any suspected incidents of academic dishonesty to the appropriate authorities within the institution.

Consequences of Academic Dishonesty:

If a student is found guilty of academic dishonesty for the first time, the consequences may include, but are not limited to, a failing grade for the assignment or examination, academic counseling, and a written warning.

In the event of a second academic dishonesty offense, the student may receive a failing grade for the course, mandatory academic integrity workshops, and probationary status.

Repeated violations may result in academic suspension or expulsion from IT Expert System, Inc.

Reporting Academic Dishonesty:

Members of the academic community, including faculty, staff, and students, have a responsibility to report suspected instances of academic dishonesty. Reports should be made to the appropriate academic authority or department.

Educational Resources:

IT Expert System, Inc. is committed to educating students about academic honesty and integrity. We provide resources, workshops, and support to help students understand and avoid academic dishonesty.

Academic Concerns Resolution Policy

The Academic Concerns Resolution Policy is to be used for instances in which a student has an academic concern regarding:

The grade received in a course.
A decision that impacts one's academic progression; or
Program dismissal.

It is the student's responsibility to justify and provide documentation on why he/she disagrees with a grade, decision, or dismissal from a course or program. No adverse action will be taken against a student who chooses to utilize this process. Sexual harassment/misconduct concerns are handled through the Institution's Misconduct Policy.

The resolution process for an academic concern must be initiated no later than two (2) weeks from the occurrence of the concern. A student is encouraged to talk with the Education Director of Students to allow him/her to offer an assessment of the concern and to clarify the steps of the resolution process.

IT Expert System, Inc.requires written concerns received from students. However, the information shared relates to the nature of the concerns and does not include the identity of the student(s) who submitted the concern. Therefore, the identities of students who submit written concerns shall remain anonymous.

STEP 1: Informal Resolution.

It is expected students initiate the process of resolving the concern by communicating with the involved faculty member. The student shall communicate the concern with the respective faculty member to resolve the concern before proceeding to Step 2. If academic concern is not resolved to the reasonable satisfaction of the student under informal resolution measures, the student may file a formal academic concern. The student must acknowledge that they have attempted to resolve their concern by meeting with their faculty member or program director.

STEP 2: Formal Academic Concern and Resolution.

Students have five (5) business days after meeting with the faculty member to file a formal academic concern.

The education director will arrange a meeting with those involved to mediate a resolution within five (5) business days of receiving the student’s concern. If the academic concern is not resolved to the reasonable satisfaction of the student, the student may appeal to the President of the institution.

STEP 3: Appeals Process.

To initiate an appeal, the student, within five (5) business days of being notified of the Step 2 decision, shall provide a written notification letter to the President specifying:

A statement of facts as the student perceives them citing specific instances where policies and procedures were violated or were unfairly applied.
A summary of the outcome from Steps 1 and 2.
New evidence the student wishes to present; and
The best method to communicate with the student (phone, e-mail, etc.).

The President will evaluate the student’s notification letter for new information and evidence that the decision was capricious, arbitrary, or unfair. If the President deems the student’s appeal does not meet these criteria, the appeals process is terminated.

If the President deems the student’s appeal is valid, the President will convene the Appeals Committee within five (5) business days of receipt of the student's notification letter. The Appeals Committee will be responsible for reviewing the student's notification letter (with all identifying information removed for confidentiality) along with any other pertinent documentation to evaluate the concern and render a decision. The President will notify the student via written communication of the decision. The student does not have the right to legal representation within an academic hearing. A majority decision by the Appeal Committee is final and ends the academic concern resolution appeals process.

Grading Policy

Purpose

The purpose of our grading policy is to provide a fair, transparent, and consistent framework for evaluating and assessing the academic performance of our students. This policy serves as a foundation for our commitment to fostering a culture of learning, intellectual growth, and educational excellence.

Grading

IT Expert uses the following individual letter and numeric grading system. Grade point averages are computed on the following scale with points computed for each hour of work attempted:

Grading rubric to assess student progress throught the program in each course. Detail information is provided to student through google classroom.

The following symbols may also appear on the student’s transcript.

Courses with a grade of 'F' will not be counted toward degree conferral and must be repeated.

Completion

Students must fulfill all requirements of the course with a minimum of 65% or D for the overall final grade. Students who earn less than 65% or D will be required to retake the course.

All courses attempted will appear on the transcript. For courses that are repeated, only the highest grade will be revealed.

Incomplete Grade

A student may need an extension of time to complete course requirements due to unanticipated circumstances arising near the end of the term.
Incompletes are issued only in cases of extenuating circumstances, such as severe illness or life-impacting events. Incompletes are not issued in cases in which the student is simply unable to complete his/her work within the specified term.
Students are limited to two incomplete grade requests during their program of study.
The student must submit the Incomplete Grade Request and provide any requested documentation to be reviewed and completed by the course instructor prior to the end of the term.
The student must have completed at least half of the course work to be eligible.
Final approval of an Incomplete Grade Request resides with the department chair or designee.
The grade received at the end-of-term for incomplete work due is the grade earned.

Grade Record Change

A faculty member or department chair can initiate an official grade change after official grades are posted due to computational or technical errors. Grades may also be changed to an earned grade.

Grading Rubric

Academic Honesty Policy

Academic Concerns Resolution Policy

Grading Policy

Institutional Completion and Placement Verification Policy

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear standardized and transparent process for tracking, documenting, and validating completion and placement rates for all academic programs offered by IT Expert System Inc. Accurately measuring this matrix is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of educational programs and support in improving the training program.

Job Placement Tracking:

1. The number of starts, completions, and placements is tracked by the scheduled graduation date (month/year) as a cohort, not the start or placement date.

2. Compilation of this data is by individual program/course title.

3. Students who have completed the training but are unavailable for placement, as designated waivers need to provide waiver documents as listed below.

Definitions:

1. Completion Rate: The percentage of students who complete a program within the specified time associated with the program students enroll in.

A. No. of students who met the institution’s graduation requirements including grade point average (GPA) and attendance and have completed the program within the maximum time frame.

B. No. of students who were dropped from the program but were placed in trainingrelated positions. Placement verification is required. These students are counted towards the institution’s completion rate but are not included in the placement statistics.

C. No. of students who are unable to complete the program and provide completion waivers (with supporting documentation).

Example of how we calculate completion rate:

10 students started on January 1st and out of them 7 students completed their training program as per the graduation requirement. 1 student dropped out but got a job with training trainingrelated position and was able to verify the placement. 1 student provided the completion waiver with the supporting document so in this scenario completion rate would be calculated as below:

Total students enrolled - 10

A: No of student completed – 7

B: No of students dropped out but got the training-related job – 1

C: No of students provided a completion waiver – 1

Completion Rate: (7+1)/ (10-1) = 8/9 = 0.88*100 = 88%

2.Placement Rate:

The percentage of graduates who secure employment in their field of study within 6 months after program completion and the minimum employment period is more than 30 days with 40 hours a week.

Waivers

At IT Expert System Inc., we utilize waivers to manage risk, protect both students and the institution’s interests, and ensure that students understand and agree to certain terms and conditions.

Completion Waiver:

Students who are unable to complete the program may be counted as a completion waiver if supporting documentation is provided to demonstrate their inability to graduate based on the following criteria:

• Death

• Incarceration

• Active military duty

• Serious medical illness

• Relocation out of area

Waivers should not be more than 10% and additional detail is required as pre pre-accreditation agency.

Job Placement Waiver:

Students who have completed vocational programs but have waived placement assistance may be designated as placement waivers. To opt out of the placement program, students must fill up a Job Placement Waiver form. Once we get the waiver form, students are not contacted by the institution regarding placement activity. The waiver percentage should not be more than 10%.

Criteria for Defining and Validating Job Placement:

A graduate is considered placed when employed for 30 days in a paid training-related position. Trainingrelated is defined by the vocational objectives of the program for which the graduate was enrolled, consistent with the program length, job title, and responsibilities. For example, a graduate of a Licensed Vocational Nurse program will be considered placed if he/she was employed for 30 days in a Vocational Nurse position. He/she will not be considered placed if employed as a Certified Nurse Assistant, Medical Assistant, Home Health Aide, or a Self-Employed Care Giver. Supporting documentation, including the job description of a program graduate, must demonstrate that the placement is training-related and consistent with the vocational objectives, content, and length of the graduate’s program. A graduate must also meet all required state and federal requirements, including licensure, as appropriate. Further, the institution is prohibited from paying any compensation or subsidy to an employer for hiring a graduate of the institution.

Guideline for Employment Classification

IT Expert System Inc. verifies the classification of each graduate as employed in a training-related field and maintains internal verifiable employment records using the following guidelines.

1.The employment classification is appropriate and reasonable based on the educational objectives of the program.

2. Employment is for a reasonable period, is based on program objectives, and can be considered consistent and sustainable.

3. Employment is related to the program from which the individual graduated, aligns with most of the educational and training objectives of the program, and is a paid position.

4. The employment classification is verified by IT Expert System Inc. as follows:

a) Full-Time (Regular) Employment: A graduate is considered placed upon the completion of 30 days of continuous full-time employment which is in a training-related field.

i. The school secures written documentation from the graduate verifying the employment and that the employment is related to the student’s program of study at the school; or

ii. The school secures written documentation from the employer verifying the employment and that the employment is related to the student’s program of study at the school; or

iii. In cases where a school can show diligent efforts have been made to secure such written documentation without success, the school maintains documentation of verbal verification that includes the following:

1. Student Name

2. Completion Date

3. Program Name

4. Student Job Title

5. Name of Employer

6. Employment Start Date

7. Job title or Description of Placement

8. Employer Contact Information

9. Method of verification: A signature of school staff attesting to verbal employment verification with the graduate and the date of verification; and

10. Method of Verification: A signature of school staff attesting to verbal employment verification with the employer and the date of verification.

11. Documentation/attestation of self-employment, temporary employment, part-time employment, continuing employment, and waivers as prescribed herein. Note that the Commission will accept graduate email attestations and waivers received by the institution if the email address of the graduate includes an identifying component of the student’s name (e.g. janesmith@email.com).

b) Part-Time (Temp) Employment: In addition to employment verification, a studentsigned attestation is required. After 30 days of employment on a part-time basis (as defined by the employer or graduate) or a temporary basis (working multiple sites through a temporary agency), the graduate must acknowledge in writing that he/she is satisfied with part-time or temporary employment as an (e.g. computer help desk technician) and that he/she is making training-relate income.

c) Self-Employment: At IT Expert System Inc. Self-employment is a common vocational objective and it’s informed and acknowledged at the student’s time of enrollment.

The school secures written documentation from the self-employed graduate verifying that the employment is valid including, at a minimum, a statement signed by the graduate which includes the following within no sooner than 30 days following graduation:

• The graduate’s name and contact information.

• An attestation that self-employment is aligned with the individual’s employment goals, is vocational, is based on, and related to, the education, and training received.

• An attestation that the graduate is earning consistent training-related income.

d) Continuing Employment as a Placement: In addition to employment verification, a student-signed attestation is required. No sooner than 30 days following graduation, after which a graduate communicates his/her intention to continue employment at the same company in a training-related position, the graduate must attest that he/she is satisfied with continuing employment as a ___________________ (e.g. Pastry Chef) and that he/she is making training-related income.

Other Considerations:

-The institute should collect the student’s Employer information 30 days from the date the student informs him/her that he/she got a job.

-The institute must secure written consent from the students before contacting their employers.

-The institute must keep confidential and share it with students entered during the Employer's conversation, feedback, or survey and must not share with students without their Employer's written consent.

-Collected Student’s / Employer’s information must be used for the indeed purpose only and never shared or distributed to any third party.

-If the Employer or Student requests by written or verbal to remove or delete their collected information from the file, then the Institute must remove their data.

-Only authorized Institute personnel may have access to the Students or their Employer information.

Guidelines:

1. Data Collection:

a. IT Expert System Inc. focuses on the accuracy of the data collection process to capture accurate and up-to-date information on student completion and placement rates.

b. When students complete the program and graduate, the institution ensures student contact information is updated for future communication.

I. Student Name

II. Student ID

III. Student Program Information (Name, Start Date, End Date)

IV. Student Contact Information

V. Placement Waiver if they signed it for a waiver

c. The Institution collects data from a student who secures employment in their field of study, to verify their employment after 30 days of gainful employment.

I. Student Name

II. Student Job Title

III. Job Start Date

IV. Name of Employer

V. Employer Contact Information

VI. Current Manager name, title, contact information

VII. A signature of school staff attesting to verbal employment verification with the graduate and the date of verification; and

VIII. A signature of school staff attesting to verbal employment verification with the employer and the date of verification.

2. Responsibility:

a. The responsibility for data collection and documentation for tracking and validating completion rates lies with the administrative department.

b. The Career Service Department is responsible for data collection and documentation for tracking and validating student job placement data.

c. The training director monthly reviews and audits that information is correctly collected and documented and tries to resolve any data discrepancies.

3. Timeline:

a. Data on completion rates should be collected as soon as students complete the program as per the graduation requirements. Once data is collected the institution needs to submit student completion data to IBHE annually for the time July 1st to June 30. Institutions also need to submit student completion data to their accrediting agency annually.

b. Placement rates should be assessed regularly, and data collected from the student no later than 30 days from the student's start date to verify their gainful employment after 30 days of completion. Once employment is verified for the students after 30 days collected, the institution needs to submit student placement data to IBHE annually for the time July 1st to June 30. Institutions also need to submit student placement data to their accrediting agency annually.

4. Validation:

a. Monthly audits and cross-verification with the training director were conducted to validate the reported completion and placement rates.

5. Transparency:

a. The institution will make aggregated completion and placement rate data publicly available to students, faculty, and relevant stakeholders. The institute should update this information regularly in the enrollment agreement and on the website.

b. Any changes in the calculation or reporting methodology will be communicated transparently.

6. Continuous Improvement:

a. Data collection, documentation, and reporting processes are also frequently reviewed to improve the process effectiveness.

b. The institution will use the collected data to assess the effectiveness of its programs and implement improvements as needed.

c. Feedback from employers and alumni may be sought to identify areas for enhancement.

7. Confidentiality:

a. Individual student data will be treated with confidentiality and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.

b. Aggregated data will be used for reporting and analysis purposes only.

8. Documentation:

a. The institution will maintain detailed records of completion and placement rates for each program.

b. These records will be archived for a minimum of 5 years and made available for accreditation purposes.

Enrollment Policy

Ability Benefit Policy

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Ability Benefit Policy

Policy Statement:

IT Expert System Inc. is committed to providing equitable and inclusive educational opportunities to all students. This policy outlines the criteria and procedures for determining the ability to benefit from our vocational programs for students who do not possess a high school diploma or equivalent credential.

Purpose:

This policy aims to establish guidelines and processes for assessing and granting admission to students without a high school diploma or its equivalent, in compliance with federal regulations.

Definitions:

Ability to Benefit: The capacity of a student to benefit from the vocational programs provided by IT Expert System Inc.

Eligibility Criteria:

To determine the ability to benefit from IT Expert System Inc.'s programs, students without a high school diploma or its equivalent must meet the following criteria:

Age Requirement: The student must be beyond the age of compulsory education in their state or at least 18 years old.
ATB Test: The student must receive a passing score on an approved Ability to Benefit (ATB) test that evaluates basic reading, writing, and math skills. The passing score will be determined by IT Expert System Inc.and may change based on institutional needs and requirements.

ATB Testing:

IT Expert System Inc. will administer the ATB test to assess students' basic skills in reading, writing, math, and computer skills.
Students must receivea passing score as determined by the institution to be eligible for enrollment in an eligible Career Transitioning Education Program.

ATB Retesting:

Students who do not achieve the required passing score on the initial ATB test will be provided opportunities for retesting.
Retesting will be offered after an appropriate period of remediation to help students improve their skills.

Notifications and Admissions:

Students who meet the ATB requirements will be notified of their eligibility for enrollment in eligible programs.
Admission to eligible programs will be granted upon completion of the ATB assessment.

Documentation:

IT Expert System Inc. will maintain records of ATB testing results, including scores, dates, and any remediation efforts.
Documentation will be retained as required by federal and state regulations.

Review and Revision:

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and to assess its effectiveness in providing equitable access to vocational programs for students without high school diplomas.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Policy Statement:

IT Expert System Inc. is committed to helping students achieve satisfactory academic progress toward the completion of their programs. To that end, the organization has established the following satisfactory academic progress policy:

Procedure:

The following procedures will be followed to implement the satisfactory academic progress policy:

Monitoring: The organization will monitor student academic progress throughout each academic period.
Notification: Students who fail to meet the minimum academic progress standards will be notified in writing of their academic standing and any resulting probation or termination.
Academic Advisor: Students on academic warning or probation will be required to meet with their academic advisor to develop an academic improvement plan.
Academic Appeals: Students may appeal an academic progress decision by submitting a written appeal to the Institution Director.

Satisfactory Academic Progress:

Satisfactory academic progress is measured both qualitatively, by reviewing the educational objectives completed, and quantitatively by reviewing the cumulative attendance rate.

The student is required to make quantitative progress toward program completion. To be making satisfactory academic progress, a student must attend at least 80% of the scheduled class hours on a cumulative basis during each evaluation period.
The student’s academic grade average is reviewed to determine qualitative progress. The minimum required is 65% or D at the conclusion of each evaluation period.

To ensure that students are informed of their progress on a regular and timely basis, evaluation periods or increments for academic purposes may be no longer than 25% of the program or 25% of the academic year, whichever is less.

Incomplete grades are not given, and students must repeat any classes in which they earn less than 65% or a D average. The lowest grade will be dropped, and the highest grade will be used to calculate the academic average. Coursework repeated may adversely affect a student's academic progress in terms of the maximum time frame.

Any course with a grade withdrawing (W), (F), incomplete (I)), or No Pass (NP) is not considered completed coursework. A course is counted as completed only once, regardless of how many times attempted or the grade earned.

Students who withdraw from the program will receive a grade of 0% in each class interrupted by the withdrawal. All interrupted classes must be repeated upon readmission to the institution.

Warning

If a student fails to meet the cumulative 80% attendance or 65% or C grade average for any evaluation period, or both, he or she will be placed on warning for the next evaluation period. The student is eligible for financial aid while on warning. Failure to achieve a80% attendance or a 65% grade average, or both, at the end of the warning period, will result in the administrative withdrawal of the student.

Students will be notified in writing when they are placed on warning and the steps necessary to be removed from warning status. Students will also receive attendance or academic counseling, from the academic advisor, as appropriate, when they are placed on warning.

The institution will notify a student by email or mail if he or she is being administratively withdrawn for unsatisfactory academic progress.

Appeal Process

The student submits a written appeal of his/her dismissal within five calendar days of receipt of the dismissal notice. The appeal must be accompanied by documentation of the mitigating circumstances that have prevented the student from attaining satisfactory academic progress and evidence that changes have occurred to allow the student to meet standards of satisfactory academic progress. Only extraordinary circumstances will be considered, such as death or severe illness in the immediate family. Before an appeal may be granted, a written academic plan must be provided to the student which clearly identifies a viable plan for the student to successfully complete the program within the maximum timeframe allowed.

The Institute Director will assess all appeals and determine whether the student may be permitted to continue in the institute on a warning status, despite not meeting the satisfactory progress requirements. The student will be sent the written decision within ten days of the Institute’s receipt of the appeal. The decision of the Institute Director is final.

Students reinstated upon appeal are on probationary status for the next evaluation period, during which time they must meet the terms and conditions set out in the Institute Director’s letter granting the appeal. At the end of the evaluation period, and at the end of every evaluation period thereafter, the student’s academic status will be reviewed. The student may continue probation as long as he or she meets the terms of the academic plan approved at the time the student’s appeal was granted until such time as satisfactory academic progress status is regained.

The student reinstated after dismissal and appeal is not eligible for financial aid until he or she regains satisfactory progress status by meeting the minimum SAP standards.

Maximum Time Frame

All program requirements must be completed within a maximum time frame of 1.5 times the normal program length, as measured in calendar time. Ex:The Business Analysis Combo program is16 weeks in length and must be completed within 24 calendar weeks. Time spent on an approved leave of absence is not counted against the maximum time frame. Students exceeding the maximum time frame will be administratively withdrawn.

Transfer and Readmitted Students

Transfer students from outside the institution will be evaluated qualitatively only on the work completed while at the Institute.

The maximum time frame is reduced for transfer students, based upon the remaining length of the program in which they enroll. If the student transfers in 40 hours and therefore must complete 120 hours at the Institute (120/10 hours per week = 12 weeks), the maximum time frame is 12 weeks x 150% or 18 weeks.

Course Repeats:

Repeat courses in the classroom training environment must be discussed with the instructor for the class and the Director of the institution.

Incomplete Courses, and Course Withdrawals

If a student does not successfully complete a course by the end of the course’s scheduled end date, IT Expert System Inc. counts the hours in the course as attempted clock hours toward the student’s Quantitative progress, but not as earned clock hours.

ADA Complaince Policy

Non-Discrimination Policy

IT Expert System Inc is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Illinois Community College boards, including all postsecondary community and technical colleges under the control of the Illinois Community College System Board of Trustees, that no employee or applicant for employment or promotion, on the basis of any impermissible criterion or characteristic including, without limitation, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, sex, age, or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment. IT Expert System Inc will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants or employees. Applicants desiring reasonable accommodations for the interview are encouraged to request such accommodations when contacted for an interview appointment.

Americans with Disabilities Act

IT Expert System Inc complies with Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2010.

The organization’s Director serves as the ADA and Section 504 Coordinator and may designate another employee in their department to perform those duties, if desired. Director OF Organization Phone: 847-350-9034

IT Expert System Inc is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience and in compliance with Section 508 guidelines. If you have accessibility concerns or any issues regarding our content, please call 847-350-9034.

Enrollment Process

TheenrollmentProcess isthesame for all students:Individual, Group,or Third–third-partyfunded.

1)Registration Form

If a student is interested in a technology certificate program, our website directs them to call or email Student Services at info@itexps.com. If after an initial correspondence,the students determine what they would like to apply, the Student Services team will send them a registration form to gather information on the student’s previous experience and training needs.

2) Interview and Proof of Education

Once the registrationform is complete, Student Services will set up a video or phone interview to reviewthe student’s information and go over the details and requirements of the program. Along with technical competency and the desire to gain employment in the field post-program completion, the below requirements must be met to move forward:

Minimum Age:

IT Expert System Inc.enrollment requires students to be eighteen (18) years ofage or older.

Minimum Education:IT Expert System Inc.requires all students to have a minimum education of a High School diploma or GED equivalent. Have the required passing scores on an ability to benefit test.

To make this training program accessible and affordable for those without a high school credential and promote economic mobility, at IT Expert System Inc we create additional enrollment opportunities for students interested in the training program through the ATB(Ability to Benefit) test results.

Minimum Education Requirements by Program:

Business Analysis Combo Program-High School Diploma or GED
Software test Quality Assurance and Test Automation Combo Program-High SchoolDiploma or GED
Database and Data Analytics Combo Program-High School Diploma or GED
DevOps and Docker Combo Program-High School Diploma or GED
E-CommerceProgram-High School Diploma or GED
Office Administration-High School Diploma or GED
System Engineering-High School Diploma or GED
Management Program–Associate degree, Bachelor Degree
Big Data and Database Management Program-AssociateDegree, Bachelor Degree

Proof of Documentation:

Valid Driver’s License or State issued Photo ID
Social Security Card
Transcript or Certificate of Diploma or Degree

3) Advising and Registration

Advisors assess students based on their education, experience, expertise, and interests and suggest the program that best suits their interests. Once students have been accepted into our organization, we provide them with an opportunity to audit our classes.

4) Enrollment Forms

Once the studentcompletesthe registration andisready to enroll in our program, the student will besent the Enrollment Agreement to review and sign. In the Enrollment Agreement, the student reviewsand acknowledges IT Expert SystemInc.’sStudent Performance fact sheet, the School Catalog,andotherspecific topicsthatare required by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), and Accrediting Councilfor Continuing Education and Training and IT Expert System Inc. After the student completes theenrollment document, it will be sent to the Student Services Manager to review and sign.

4) Payment Processing:

Once the Student Services Manager signs the enrollment agreement,Student Services will send the student a link for payment. If the student is paying in full, there is no Payment Agreement form needed and the student can purchase the certificate program. If the student’s enrollment is being funded through a state or federal agency or third party via check, the student is not required to complete apurchase process.

If the student enrollment is being paid through athird party(a) that information must be provided to ITExpert System Inc in the Enrollment Agreement and (b) copies of all paperwork between the studentand the third-party payer will be retained in the student’s folder.

For students having part or all of their tuition paid for by a state or federal agency,IT Expert System Inc.will adhere to the payment payback policy for each individual state or federal agency. Within one month of the official start date for that student,the Student Services Manager will complete an invoice for the student and will send the invoice to the counselor or person in charge of helping the student find training.

Once the student audits our classes then meet with our advisor and finish the enrollment. If a student hasthe financial aid voucher,then they can submit it before the deadlines,and if they don’t then need to have alternative payment arrangements to cover tuition costs.

5) Attend Orientation:

Once students enrollin the class,we encourage them to attendnew student orientation with their advisor to understand the Google classroom process. How to access the Google Classroom and how to use it for communication with other students and instructors.

Faderal and State Law

According to federal copyright law, unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material may subject persons in violation to civil and criminal liabilities.

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code (USC)). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

All members of IT Expert System Inc. – students, faculty staff members, and administrators – are responsible for complying with the requirements of the copyright law. It will be assumed that the copyright law applies to all material unless one of the following applies:

The work is in the public domain, including works by the U.S. Government.

The use of the work qualifies as fair use under the copyright law; or,
Prior written permission from the author has been obtained, or appropriate royalties or licensing fees have been paid in exchange for usage rights.

IT Expert System Inc. takes the protection of intellectual property seriously, whether it is that of a student, a faculty member, or a source outside the IT Expert System Inc. Community. All concerns related to the violation of copyright and trademark law are referred to the administration. Students are exposed to concepts that tie into plagiarism throughout their academic career and are offered additional workshops and other opportunities outside the classroom to improve their understanding of this important legal principle.

Brief Definitions:

Copyright infringement (also piracy) is the use of any work protected by copyright law without permission where such permission is required. Plagiarism is copying another person’s ideas and misrepresentation those ideas as one’s own work. Plagiarism can lead to expulsion from an institution of higher education and cause permanent damage to a student’s professional reputation. Even cases of accidental plagiarism are investigated by schools and can lead to serious consequences.

Examples of Appropriate Uses of Copyrighted Works:

Appropriate Classroom Uses of Copyrighted Works
- Distribute multiple copies of excerpts of copyrighted works that meet the fair use standards (including the copyright notice).
- Show Videos or DVDs in class for instructional purposes (if the professor owns a legal copy)
- Listen to CDs or records in class for instructional purposes (if the professor owns a legal copy)

Appropriate Out-of-Classroom Uses of Copyrighted Works in the Library:
- Make copies of articles, book chapters, essays, short stories, etc. for class preparation or research.
- Place photocopies of excerpts of copyrighted works that meet the fair use standards on reserve (include copyright notice).
- Place originals of books, CDs, DVDs, or other materials on reserve.
- Place electronic copies of articles and electronic books from library databases on reserve.

Appropriate Online Uses of Copyrighted Works as part of a student’s coursework:
- Post-instructor-authored materials (syllabus, notes, etc.)
- Post copies of material from the public domain
- Post or link to materials according to a Creative Commons license.
- Link to articles from library databases (ask a librarian for help if needed)
- Link to freely available websites

Examples of Inappropriate Uses of Copyrighted Works.
- Posting copyrighted materials on the open web without permission.
- Copying from consumable materials, e.g., workbooks, test booklets, etc.
- Copying and distributing or placing on reserve the same excerpts for more than one semester without copyright permission.
- Copying large portions of materials, especially to avoid purchasing a copy.

Copyright Violations/ Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties.

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce, distribute, adapt, or publicly perform or display a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

Academic consequences for wilfully violating copyright laws include, but are not limited to:
- Recording the grade for the assignment or test as a zero (0)
- Requiring an alternate assignment or test to be completed
- Removing the student from the course
- Removing the student from the Institute

Potential Civil and Criminal Sanctions for Copyright Infringement:
- In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed per work infringed.
- For “willful” infringement, a court may award per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorney’s fees. For details, see Title 17, USC, Sections 504 and 505.
- Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines per offense. For details, see Title 17, USC, Section 506, and Title 18, USC, Section 2319.

Policy Violations
- Inappropriate conduct and violations of policy violations will be addressed by the appropriate procedures and agents (e.g., the Office of the Dean, the Office of the Vice President, Academic Affairs, or the Office of Human Resources) depending on the individual’s affiliation to IT Expert System Inc.
- In cases where a user violates any of the terms of this policy, the user may – in addition to other remedies, temporarily or permanently be denied access to any and all IT Expert System Inc. computing resources, and appropriate disciplinary actions may be taken, up to and including dismissal.

For more information, please see the Web site of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, and also at www.copyright.gov/help/faq.

Creative Commons.
- If it becomes difficult for a student to complete an assignment while respecting the copyrights on a source, one alternative is to look for an alternate source with a Creative Commons license.
- Many authors are now choosing another option between copyright’s “all rights reserved” and the complete freedom of public domain use. This option allows authors and creators to decide which rights they wish to reserve but is more generous about use than traditional copyright. See http://creativecommons.org.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to show commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy organization and operational environment for everyone, free from alcohol and drug use and /or abuse.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all active Students and employees of IT Expert System Inc.

All individuals actively engaged with IT Expert System Inc. and its members are expected to report fit for duty. They must be able to perform assigned duties safely and acceptably, without any limitations due to the use or aftereffects of alcohol, drugs, non-prescription drugs, prescribed medication, or any other substances.

POLICY

In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and as a demonstration of the Institute’s longstanding commitment to providing a safe, quality-oriented, and productive work environment, this policy has been established to reduce and prevent drug-and-alcohol related problems within the Institute community. Drug and alcohol abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of students and employees and to the security of the Institute’s equipment and facilities. It is important that all members of the Institute community comply with applicable laws related to drugs and alcohol and understand the risks and consequences of substance abuse.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

IT Expert System Inc. prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by employees and students on Institute premises, property, or as part of its activities.

The Institute expects all employees to report to work fit for duty and free of any adverse effects of illegal drugs or alcohol. This policy does not prohibit employees from the lawful use and possession of prescribed medications. Employees must, however, consult with their doctors about the medications’ effect on their fitness for duty and ability to work safely, and they must promptly disclose any work restrictions to their instructor.

Whenever employees are working, operating any Institute vehicle, present on campus, or are conducting Institute-related work offsite, they are prohibited from:

Using, possessing, buying, selling, manufacturing, or dispensing an illegal drug (including possession of drug paraphernalia).
Being under the influence of alcohol or an illegal drug as defined in this policy.
Possessing or consuming alcohol.

IT Expert System Inc. Will also not allow employees to perform their duties while taking prescribed drugs that adversely affect their ability to perform their job duties safely and effectively. Employees taking prescribed medication must carry it in a container labeled by a licensed pharmacist or be prepared to produce the container if asked. Detectable amounts of any illegal drug or illegal controlled substance while performing Institute business or while on campus is prohibited. Any illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia will be turned over to an appropriate law enforcement agency and may result in criminal prosecution.

While alcohol is served at certain Institute functions, employees must demonstrate good judgment if consuming alcohol during these events. It is important to note that if an employee is required to return to work after an event where alcohol is served, they must not consume alcohol at the said event as this would be in violation of Institute policy.

DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

IT Expert System Inc. Has established clear and specific sanctions for violations of its standards of conduct. These sanctions, ranging from warnings and mandatory referral to substance abuse awareness programs for minor offenses to dismissal and/or referral to civil authorities for major and/or multiple offenses, are applied consistently and fairly.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE

AWARENESS

The IT Expert System Inc. will provide an employee awareness program to inform employees of the danger of using controlled substances and/or alcohol in the workplace.

INTERVENTION

Employees must seek assistance for drug or alcohol abuse problems before policy infractions occur and disciplinary action is necessary.
Employees are encouraged to seek help from a trained counsellor or licensed treatment facility within the community. Information about drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation will be provided as needed.
All associated costs for rehabilitation treatment will be borne by the employee. Some health insurance programs offer partial payment for treatment of problems related to drug or alcohol abuse.
Once the drug or alcohol abuse policy is violated, subsequent enrolment in a treatment program will not necessarily lessen disciplinary action and may have no bearing on the determination of appropriate disciplinary action.

IT Expert System Inc. Will assist and support employees who voluntarily seek help for drug or alcohol problems before becoming subject to discipline or termination under this or other Institute policies. The Employee Assistance Program provides professional counseling and referral as well as consultation and information to IT Expert System Inc. Employees and their families through their health coverage provided through the Institute. For issues of drug and alcohol abuse, short-term counseling is available through this program. If necessary, referrals can be made to private counsellors or community agencies. All services of the Employee Assistance Program are confidential.

GUIDELINES

The Board delegates to the Administration the responsibility for establishing guidelines that promote a Drug & Alcohol-Free Workplace and developing procedures for dealing with policy violations. In the absence of specific further guidelines, this policy shall govern.

For more information, contact Human Resources at (847)350-9034 or Info@itexps.com.

Multi-Media Policy

Policy Statement:

IT Expert System Inc respects the privacy of its students and is committed to ensuring the responsible use of multimedia materials. This policy outlines the procedures for obtaining consent for the creation, use, and sharing of multimedia content featuring students and the processes for opting in or opting out of such activities.

Purpose:

This policy serves to protect the rights and privacy of students while facilitating the responsible use of multimedia materials for educational, promotional, and informational purposes by IT Expert System Inc.

Definitions:

Multimedia Content: Includes, but is not limited to, photographs, video recordings, audio recordings, digital images, and any other visual or audio representations.

Multimedia Consent:

Opt-In Consent: IT Expert System Inc may request students' consent to capture, use, and share multimedia content featuring them for specified purposes. Students may voluntarily opt in to such activities by providing their written or verbal consent.
Opt-Out Consent: Students who do not wish to be included in multimedia materials must have the option to opt out by submitting a written or verbel request to the institution.

Opt-In Procedures:

IT Expert System Inc will request opt-in consent from students through a written release form that clearly outlines the intended use of the multimedia content.
Students who provide their written consent for the use of multimedia materials understand and agree to their images or likenesses being used for educational, promotional, and informational purposes as specified in the release form.
IT Expert System Inc will maintain records of students who have provided opt-in consent.

Opt-Out Procedures:

Students who wish to opt out of participation in multimedia activities must submit a written or verbal request to the institution specifying their decision.
Upon receiving an opt-out request, IT Expert System Inc will take appropriate measures to ensure the student's image or likeness is not included in multimedia materials. This includes refraining from capturing or using the student's multimedia content for the specified purposes.
IT Expert System Inc will maintain records of students who have opted out of multimedia activities.
If student who previously opt in and then decide to opt out, institute will understand the concerns and promptly remove student’s specific digital foot prints like, pictures, videos, name, and images.

Use of Multimedia Materials:

Multimedia materials obtained with opt-in consent may be used for educational, promotional, and informational purposes by IT Expert System Inc in accordance with the specified purposes outlined in the release form.
Multimedia materials will be used in a manner that respects the privacy and dignity of the students featured.

Review and Revision:

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with privacy regulations.

General Practice:

Policies are listed in a student catalog and communicated during the enrollment process, when student sign the enrollment agreement they are consider as a opt in, unless stated otherwise.

Faderal and State Law

ADA Compliance Policy

Enrollment Process

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Multi-Media Policy

Media Opt Out Form

Records and Regestration Policies and Process

Attendance Policy

Attendance is critical to the success of students who attend the programs at IT Expert System Inc. Absences can prevent students from succeeding in class and hinder their preparation for starting a career in the computer industry. A maximum of 20% of absences is permitted by the school towards the attendance completion requirement. IT Expert System Inc. will record all attendances for students.

A leave of absence (LOA) may be permitted when a student faces temporary problems such as military deployment, accident, death in the family, change in teaching methodology, or an emergency.

A student who misses multiple classes in a course due to atemporary problem may request to make up the class time with his/her instructor. A student must complete 80% of their scheduled clock hours in each course to avoid receiving a failing grade for the course. Students who receive a failing grade for the course will be required to repeat the course as discussed in the “Repeating Courses” section below. Students who fail two courses sequentially or more than two courses in the program are subject to Academic Termination.

Absences

Students are expected to attend each class session on time and participate actively in class.
Students are also expected to complete the required number of lab hours each week. If a student is absent from class, they are expected to inform the instructor by email or phone prior to the start of class.
The accumulation of absences exceeding 20% of scheduled clock hours in any course will prevent the student from receiving credit for the course and cause it to fail. Students who do not receive credit for a course will be required to repeat the course as discussed in the “Repeating Courses” section below.
Students who fail two courses sequentially or more than two courses in the program are subject to Academic Termination.
Students with no attendance for 3 weeks will be dismissed from their program and withdrawn for violation of the attendance policy.
Dismissed students must submit an appeal to their Lead Instructor within 5 business days of termination. Approval of appeal is at the discretion of the Appeals Committee.

Retention

The institute should provide tutoring, one-on-one, and class repeat options for those students who need additional support to continue their classes.
The Training Director should organize meetings with those students who are frequently missing class or need academic support.

Leave of Absence (LOA)

Excused Absence:

Any student who seeks leave of absence must submit the signed, dated request in writing and specify a reason to the instructor prior to the beginning date of LOA, unless unforeseen circumstances prevent a student from doing so. However, if “Unforeseen Circumstances” prevent a student from providing a prior written request, the institution may grant the student’s oral, or an individual acting on the student’s behalf request for a leave of absence.
The institution will document its decision and collect the written request from the student later.
The institution must communicate the procedures and implications for returning or failing to return to his/her course of study.
The institution must not assess the student any additional charges because of the leave of absence.
The length and frequency of leaves of absence must not impede student progress and must be. reasonable within the context of the institution’s curriculum.
A leave of absence must be limited to a maximum of 180 calendar days in any 12-month. period or one-half the published program length, whichever is shorter. Multiple leaves of absence may be permitted provided the total of the leaves does not exceed this limit. An approved leave of absence may be extended for an additional period provided that the extension request meets all the above requirements, and the total length of the leave of absence does not exceed the specified limit.

Unexcused Absence:

Failure to notify the instructor in advance – even if the absence meets the criteria for excused absence – will result in unexcused absences. Failure to provide satisfactory written documentation within seven calendar days following an absence will result in an unexcused absence.

Leaving Early:

Leaving a session more to its completion more than 15 minutes without prior approval is considered an unexcused absence. If a student leaves a session due to an emergent issue, the student should notify the instructor before leaving and later in writing as soon as feasible. The instructor will deem the absence to be excused or unexcused based on the reason provided in writing.

Late Start:

Late arrival at the session after 15 minutes without prior approval is considered an unexcused absence. If a student leaves a session due to an emergent issue, the student should notify the instructor before leaving and later in writing as soon as feasible. The instructor will deem the absence to be excused or unexcused based on the reason provided in writing.

For a leave of absence to be granted, IT Expert System Inc. must have a reasonable expectation that the student will return to the program at the end of the leave of absence. Students returning from an LOA will enter the appropriate place during the next available class as determined by the Director of Education. If a student fails to reenter the class at the end of the leave of absence, the student will be academically terminated from the program. Students have five business days to appeal the termination. The leave of absence(s) is limited to one-half the published program length.

Make-up Work

Students who need to complete missed assignments and receive additional review of topics missed in class should decide with their instructor. Students must complete the required minimum number of hours, assignments, and/or make-up work by the end date of each course. A student who misses multiple classes in a course due to an extreme circumstance Ex: military deployment, accident, death in the family, change in teaching methodology, or an emergency may request to make up the class time with his/her instructor. The instructor will create an academic plan with the student to use during makeup time. Students who do not complete the minimum required hours and/or assignments by the end of each course will receive a failing grade for that course. Students who receive a failing grade in a course will be required to repeat the course as discussed in the “Repeating Courses” section below. Students who fail two courses sequentially or more than two courses in the program are subject to Academic Termination.

Tardiness & Early Departures

Students are expected to be on time for all class sessions, exams, material review sessions, and so forth. Tardiness is defined as any time missed after the start of class. Early Departure is defined as any time remaining prior to the end of class. Tardiness and early departures are recorded on a real-time basis with students logging in immediately upon arrival and immediately upon departure. Consistent tardiness can adversely affect the learning environment. Excessive tardiness or early departures can result in not meeting the required hours for the training program. Students falling below these minimum requirements of 80% attendance failing grade due to not meeting attendance for the course, may be required to repeat the course and may be subject to Academic Termination if they fail two courses sequentially or more than two courses in the program.

Repeating Courses

To progress timely through the program, and to meet graduation requirements, IT Expert System Inc. students are expected to achieve a passing grade and minimum attendance requirements by the end date of each course.

IT Expert System Inc. will allow a student to repeat a failed course at no additional tuition cost to the student.

Upon successfully passing the repeated course, and achieving the required attendance in the repeated course, the grade earned in the repeated course will replace the grade in the failed course to determine the cumulative Grade. All credits in the repeated course and in the failed course will be included as credits attempted.

The student must repeat the failed course when it is scheduled by the school administration. The student may take a different course in their program prior to repeating the failed course. Efforts will be made by IT Expert System Inc. to align the repeat course with the student’s current schedule, but due to the limited availability of seats in repeat classes, the repeat course may be scheduled for a different time/day than the student’s original schedule. If for any reason the student does not repeat the failed course, then the student will be subject to Academic Termination from the program.

To graduate, IT Expert System Inc will allow the student to retake courses they have already passed, as determined, and scheduled by the school administration, to achieve the minimum passing course grade needed to meet the cumulative Program GPA. A minimum of 80% attendance must be achieved on the repeat course. The repeat course’s grade will replace the originally passed course’s grade. All credits in the repeated course and in the prior course will be included as credits attempted. No additional tuition cost will be charged to the student for this repeat course.

All required courses in the program must be completed and passed, and the minimum cumulative Program GPA achieved, within the maximum time frame of the published length of the program. Retakes will only be allowed when it is mathematically possible to reach graduation standards.

Documentation

Instructor and staff must communicate and document attendance daily and work with the registration office.
For in-person and online (IDL) attendance must be aggregated and captured daily.
Agency-specific attendance reports should be prepared and submitted on a monthly basis.
Any attendance modification must go through the Training Director for approval.
The Training Director regularly audits the attendance reports and provides necessary guidance to instructors and admin staff for data accuracy and consistency.

REFUND, CANCELLATION, AND WITHDRAWAL, DROP POLICY

IT Expert System Inc.’s cancellation and refund policy has been constructed to balance students’ occasional need to change their education plans with the institution’s financial investment in reserving a seat for that student in a classroom.

Students should be aware that timely notice of cancellation or withdrawal is essential to securing the maximum refund. Students must take care of notifying the institution as soon as possible regarding their intention either to cancel their enrollment contract or withdraw from the institution.

Cancellation Policy

Rejection of Applicant: If an applicant is rejected for enrollment by an institution, a full refund of all monies paid to the applicant.
Program Cancellation: If an institution cancels a program after a student’s enrollment, the institution refunds all monies paid by the student.
Cancellation Prior to the Start of Class or No Show: If an applicant accepted by the institution cancels prior to the start of scheduled classes or never attends class (no-show), the institution refunds all monies paid.
Cancellation After the Start of Class (Optional Student Trial Period): At IT Expert System we consider a withdrawal as a cancellation or no-show (for example, within the first week of the program) provided this process is fully delineated in writing as part of the refund policy and provided to all students at or before enrollment. A student who is considered a cancellation or no-show under such a policy has all charges refunded and all payments returned to the individual or the applicable funding source.

Withdrawal or Termination after the Start of Class and after the Cancellation Period

Refund amounts based on a student’s last date of attendance (LDA). When determining the number of weeks completed by the student, we consider a partial week the same as if a whole week were completed, provided the student was present at least one day during the scheduled week.
During the first week of classes, tuition charges withheld do not exceed 10 percent (10%) of the stated tuition up to a maximum of $1,000.
After the first week and through fifty percent (50%) of the period of financial obligation, tuition charges retained do not exceed a pro rata portion of tuition for the training period completed, plus ten percent (10%) of the unearned tuition for the period of training that was not completed, up to a maximum of $1,000. (See example.).
After fifty percent (50%) of the period of financial obligation is completed by the student, the institution retains the full tuition for that period.
When calculating a refund, the percentage of tuition retained by the institution is based on the portion of the program the student was attending through his or her last date of attendance when the student dropped, not the tuition charged for the entire program listed on the enrollment agreement.

Refund Due Dates:

If an applicant never attends class (no-show) or cancels the contract prior to the class start date, all refunds due must be made within forty-five (45) calendar days of the first scheduled day of class or the date of cancellation, whichever is earlier.
For an enrolled student, the refund due must be calculated using the last date of attendance (LDA) and be paid within forty-five (45) calendar days from the documented date of determination (DOD). The date of determination is the date the student gives written or verbal notice of withdrawal to the institution or the date the institution terminates the student, by applying the institution’s attendance, conduct, or Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. If a student provides advanced notice of withdrawal such that the 45-day window refund processing ends before the last date of attendance, the refund must be paid within forty-five (45) calendar days from the last date of attendance.

Refund Computation Example

· The student enrolled in a 24-week program, starting on January 9th and scheduled to be completed on June 23rd.

· The total tuition is $8,000.

· The last date of attendance (LDA) for the student is March 3rd.

· The date of determination is March 8th.

Pro rata portion completed based on 8 weeks = 33.3%

33.3% of $8,000 tuition = $2,667 (earned tuition)

10% of unearned tuition ($8000-$2,667 = $5,333 unearned) = $ 533.3

Owed to institution = $3,200

Student payment = $8,000

Refunded to student by April 22nd = $4,800

Charges Other Than Tuition:

All extra costs, such as books, supplies, equipment, certification, and any similar charges not included in the tuition price, are clearly stated in the enrollment agreement. Charges that are non-refundable are those materials that are distributed and attributable to the portion of the program attended by the student.

Definitions:

Cancellation: A student who never attends classes at the institution after enrolling and informs the institution, except as noted in the section entitled “Cancellation After the Start of Class (Optional Student Trial Period).”
Cancellation Period: From enrollment to before the first instruction class start date.
No Show: A student who never attends class at the institution after enrolling and does not inform the institution. Note that the ACCET policy treats no-showsas identical to cancellations.
Withdrawal: A student who attends at least one class at the institution but does not complete his/her program.
Termination: A type of withdrawal initiated by the institution due to failure to meet one or more institutional policies.
Period of Financial Obligation: The portion of the program for which the student is legally obligated to pay, which may be less than the full program and may not, under any circumstances, exceed a period of 12 months.
Last Date of Attendance (LDA): The final date the student attends class.
Date of Determination (DOD): The date the student notifies the school of his or her withdrawal, or the date the institution terminates or administratively withdraws the student.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Policy

IT Expert System Inc. is committed to the protection and confidentiality of student education records, adhering to the guidelines established by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1947. FERPA is a federal rule governing access and maintenance of student education records. FERPA grants a student certain rights with respect to the education record, including the right to inspect the education record, to request an amendment of the record that the student believes is inaccurate, and right to control disclosures of the record except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. It is important to note that all rights to access move to the student when that student is in a post-secondary education institution; parents, spouses, and significant others have no inherent right to access student education records. Education records include, with certain exceptions, all records maintained in any medium which can identify the student.

Any student who believes that any right pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act has been violated or that Organization policy is not in compliance with the Act may file a complaint directly to the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

If a student does not want the IT Expert System Inc. to disclose directory information from his/her student’s education records, the student must notify each in writing to Organization. More information on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is available on the

U.S. Department of Education website.

DEFINITION OF TERMS:

“STUDENT” - any person who attends, or has attended, the Organization.

“FERPA” - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Students will be notified of their FERPA rights upon admission, via annual email notification and through this publication, available on the Organization website.

"EDUCATION RECORDS" - IT Expert System Inc, in accordance with the Illinois Community Organization System's Records Retention & Disposition Schedule, defines a student's education record as the student’s transcript and follows the records retention schedule established by the State for the disposal of other documents. The term "education record," under the provisions of the law, does not include the following:

Records of institutional, supervisory, and administrative personnel which are in the sole possession of the maker, and which are not accessible or revealed to any other person except a substitute for the above-named personnel.
Records and documents of security officers of the institution which are kept apart from such education records.
Financial records of the students or other information therein contained.
Records connected with an application to attend the Organization, or a component unit of the Organization, if that application was denied.
Confidential recommendations if a given student has signed a waiver of the student's rights of access, provided such a waiver may not be required of the student; and
Confidential letters or statements of recommendation which were placed in educational records prior to January 1, 1975, if such records or statements are not used for purposes other than those for which they were specifically intended.

Transfer of Credit Policy

This Transfer of Credit Policy outlines the guidelines and procedures for the transfer of credits from and to external educational institutions to IT Expert System Inc. (ITEXPS), a leading technology organization. This Policy is designed to ensure a fair and transparent process for evaluating giving and accepting credits earned by individuals who have completed relevant coursework or programs at accredited institutions.

1. POLICY STATEMENT – Taking Credit at IT Expert System Inc

ITEXPS Transfer of Credits and/or Instructional Hours policy may allow a student to transfer credits and/or instructional hours from a course or curricula taken at another postsecondary school, which is licensed, registered, or accredited by the state or federal authorities if the following guidelines are followed:

1.1 Eligibility

Transfer of instructional hours is limited to courses of similar content with a similar number of instructional hours at ITEXPS.
And transfer of instructional hours is limited to the number of instructional hours completed with a minimum of a ‘C’ grade.

1.2 Transferable Credits

The evaluation of transferable credits/clock hours will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Academic Department, in consultation with relevant faculty or subject matter experts.
Only credits/clock hours earned within the last 3 years will be considered for transfer.
The maximum number of credits/clock hours that can be transferred shall not exceed 40% of the total credits/clock hours required for the relevant program or degree.
Transfer credits/clock hours will be accepted for courses or programs that align with the technical skills, knowledge, and competencies required for the specific program within IT EXPERT SYSTEM INC.

1.3 Limitations and Conditions

The acceptance of transferred credits/clock hours does not exempt students from meeting all other requirements for a particular program or degree, including but not limited to academic performance, and completion of mandatory courses.
Transfer credits/clock hours from other institutions may not exceed 40% of the program.
The transferred credits/clock hours will be evaluated for their relevance and applicability to the student's current or potential program within IT Expert System Inc.
The types of courses that will be considered outside of an institutional setting include those offered by the military, the workplace, through apprenticeship and/or training programs, or other such programs recognized by the American Council on Education’s (ACE) Center for Adult Learning and Education Credentials programs, Autodesk Authorized Training Center (ATC), Autodesk Authorized Learning Partner (ALP), Adobe Authorized Training Center (ATC), SketchUp Certified Trainer, or programs delivered directly by American General Contractors (AGC) of America.

1.4 Transfer Credit Process:

The student must notify their Administration Representative, before enrollment, of previous training or education that they would like to have considered for transfer. Students must submit a Transfer credit/clock hours request to the Office, along with the following supporting documentation.

Student’s Name
Course Title
Date of Completion
Institution or Employer Name
Website Link
Explanation of coursework
Syllabi
Institution Catalog
Proof of Completion/Transcript (must show the course title, percent of course completed, numeric and letter grade for the course)

The Office will review the request within a week and communicate the decision to the student in writing (email or letter).

If the transfer credit request is approved, the Office will update the student's academic record to reflect the transfer credits earned. The decision of the Office regarding the appeal is final.

If ITEXPS approves a transfer of credit/clock hours for prior education, the current tuition, and any financial aid to be awarded will be adjusted to ensure a pro-rated tuition reduction for the transfer of credit and will be proportionally reduced by the number of credit/clock hours approved for transfer into ITEXPS. ITEXPS does not offer any options for earning credit through examination except an institutional closure or teach-out.

The student is responsible for providing the updated academic record, including transfer.

2. Policy Statement – Taking Credit at External Education Institution

IT Expert System Inc. is committed to supporting its students in their educational goals, including facilitating the transfer of credits/clock hours to external educational institutions. This policy outlines the guidelines and procedures for students who wish to transfer their credits/clock hours earned at IT Expert System Inc. to other recognized institutions.

Transferability is always at the discretion of the receiving institution. Acceptance of the clock hour credits earned while in an ITEXPS certificate program is also determined solely by the receiving institution to which a student may seek to transfer. If the clock hour credits that are earned at ITEXPS are not accepted at the institution to which a student seeks to transfer, they may be required to repeat some or all their coursework at that institution. Students should discuss how their courses will transfer with the registrar's office and the receiving institution before they enroll.

2.1 Eligibility for Credit/Clock Hours Transfer

Students seeking to transfer their credits must meet the following eligibility criteria:
The student must be enrolled at IT Expert System Inc. and be in good academic standing.
The student must have completed the required coursework and earned a passing grade in each course.
The student must adhere to the specific transfer credit policies and procedures of the external educational institution they wish to transfer.
Students must complete at least 75% of the program at ITEXPS.

2.2 Transfer Out Credit Process:

The student must express their intent to transfer and provide the receiving institution’s details to the administrative office at least 4 weeks before the intended transfer date.

The Administration Representative at IT Expert System Inc. will review the student’s academic records and identify eligible transfer courses. This may involve collaboration with the receiving institution to ensure a smooth credit transfer process.

Students must provide the necessary documentation required by the receiving institution.

Upon completion of the evaluation, the administrative representative will prepare the official transcript of the students and will send the official transcript and documentation to the receiving institution as requested.

Students will be informed of the outcome of the credit transfer evaluation, the number of credits approved for transfer, and any conditions or limitations that may apply.

2.3 Limitations:

Transfer credits may be subject to the policies and limitations of the receiving institution.

The receiving institution's transfer credit policies and acceptance of credits are beyond the control of IT Expert System Inc.

Appeal Process:

If the transfer credit is not approved and the student is not satisfied with the decision of the officer, he/she may appeal to the subcommittee of the Curriculum and Faculty Affairs Committee. The student will be notified about the decision of the Committee within 2 business days in writing (email or letter).

4. Responsibilities

4.1 Administrative Department

Review and evaluate the eligibility of transfer credits.
Communicate the decision to the student within the specified timeframe.
Maintain accurate records of transfer credits and update student profiles accordingly.

4.2 Faculty or Subject Matter Experts

Provide input and expertise in evaluating the equivalency of courses or programs.
Collaborate with the Academic Department to ensure the fair assessment and acceptance of transfer credits.

5. REVIEW

This Transfer of Credit Policy will be periodically reviewed to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. The review process will involve the Academic Department, relevant faculty, and other stakeholders to incorporate any necessary updates or changes

Retention Policy

Purpose

IT Expert System is committed to supporting the academic success of its students and ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to complete theirprograms.

Retention policy:

Academic Progress Standards: A minimum of 90% cumulative attendance is required, with no more than 10% excused absences. Absences above 10% are unexcused and must be made up.Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or C and make satisfactory academic progress towardprogram completion in order to remain enrolled in their programs.

Advising: Students are required to meet with their academic advisors at least once per semester to review their academic progress, select appropriate courses, and connect with resources and support services.

Academic Support Services: The organization provides a range of academic support services, including tutoring, writing centers, and academic coaching. Students are encouraged to use these services to improve their academic performance and stay engaged with their studies.

Early Intervention: The organization has established an early intervention program to identify and support students who may be struggling academically. Faculty members are encouraged to report to students who are not attending class, who have low grades, or who are not making academic progress.

Financial Aid: The organization provides financial aid counseling, emergency grants, and other financial resources to support students who may be facing financial barriers to completing their degree.

Communication: The organization provides clear and timely information to students about academic policies, deadlines, and expectations through orientation programs, academic advising sessions, and other channels.

Retention Procedure: The organization's retention policy is supported by the following retention procedure:

Academic Progress Standards: Students who fail to meet the minimum academic progress standards will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation will be required to meet with their academic advisor and develop an academic improvement plan.

Advising: Academic advisors will work with students to identify strategies for academic success and connect them with appropriate resources and support services.

Academic Support Services: Students are encouraged to use academic support services to improve their academic performance and stay engaged with their studies.

Early Intervention: Faculty members who identify students who may be struggling academically will report these students to the organization's early intervention program. The program will provide support and resources to help these students succeed academically.

Financial Aid: The organization's financial aid office will work with students to identify financial resources and support services to help them overcome financial barriers to completing their degree.

Communication: The organization will provide clear and timely information to students about academic policies, deadlines, and expectations through orientation programs, academic advising sessions, and other channels.

SMS Text Message Opt-In Form

4.the PPCS Act Rule 42 for Nebraska:

005.02F1 If cancellation occurs within seventy-two (72) hours of enrollment, all monies paid shall be refunded.

005.02F2 If cancellation occurs after seventy-two (72) hours of enrollment, but before classes at the resident school begin or distance education materials are delivered, a refund shall be made of all tuition paid except a registration fee not to exceed one hundred fifty ($150.00).

005.02F3 If cancellation occurs after classes at the resident school have begun or after distance education materials have been delivered, the school shall adhere strictly to the refund policy published in the school's catalog or in the enrollment agreement. Once books and supplies have been issued, they become the property of students and any refunds on them shall be at the discretion of the school.

005.02F4 A full refund is due students whose contracted educational services are denied as a result of intentional deception, or misrepresentation of facts, or the use of advertising, which is known to be false, inaccurate, or misleading.

005.02F5 A full refund is due an individual whose admission is denied by the school.