General Information

Attendance and Performance Policies

Attendance Policy

Due to the concentrated nature of instruction in CCA programs, attending each class, being on time, and completing all course requirements is expected as well as essential for students to achieve the goals of the program. If a student must be absent due to illness, family emergency, jury duty, or other similar circumstances, the student should contact the College and leave word for the instructor in advance of class. Students are responsible for all material taught during an absence. In the case of unexcused or persistent absence, a student will be required to meet with the director and, if circumstances warrant, may be dismissed from the program..

Grading and Testing Policies

Homework. A take-home, self-graded quiz and homework projects will be given for each of the 20 sections of the academic program (A.H.E. and A.H.P.). Along with attendance, this will account for 25% of a student's final grade, which will be figured by factoring in the three elements of attendance, homework assignments, and quizzes.

Midterms. A midterm exam is given during the first two levels of the program (A.H.E. and A.H.P.). The midterm grade accounts for 25% of the final grade.

Final Exams. A final exam is given at the end of each of the first two levels of the program (A.H.E. and A.H.P.). The final exam accounts for 50% of the final grade.

Passing Grades. Both the final examination score and the overall course average must be 75% or greater to proceed to the next level of the program.

Retaking Exams. Any final exam not passed may be retaken one time. If retaken, the grades from the two exams are averaged together, and the average must be no less than 75%. Any expenses for proctoring the retaken exam must be paid by the student. It may be possible for students also to arrange independent proctors for initial midterm or final exams in cooperation with the College.

Clinical Internship and Residency. These hands-on practical programs are graded on a pass/fail basis, as is the internship exit exam given at the end of Level 2.

Research Project. During the A.H.P. program, students will be required to complete a research project which is graded on a pass/fail basis. There are two options for this project: 1) writing a research paper on a topic approved by the instructor; or 2) preparing an Ayurvedic health practice business plan and giving three public talks on Ayurveda.

Ayurveda Healthcare Benefit

All students receive unlimited Ayurvedic health advice and support in creating an Ayurvedic lifestyle from an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner-Intern at the CCA clinic or in the field according to the availability of the practitioner. Students may also receive one initial visit and up to three follow up visits with a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist- Intern in accordance with the intern's availability. The College feels that it is important that all students have access to Ayurvedic health care and be fully engaged in their own healing process. This helps the student gain important insight into healing others. As the Ayurvedic Health Practitioner program is new, there are only a limited number of interns in the A.H.P. program and more interns in the C.A.S. program.

Rules of Conduct

Students are expected to act in a manner commonly considered professional and to adhere to general rules of conduct as outlined in the College’s Student Handbook. The Student Handbook is provided to students at their first class; it includes a variety of information on school policies, student life, classroom behavior, student discounts, qualifications for graduation, etc.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students are required to complete each level of the academic program (Level 1, A.H.E. program; Level 2, A.H.P. program; Level 3, C.A.S. program) before progressing to the next level and program. Students who fail to complete a level/program will be required to retake all or a portion of the curriculum for that level, or they may be given additional assignments at the discretion of the instructor. instructor.

Graduation                                                                                    

The College presents a formal and festive graduation ceremony for graduates, students, friends, and family members. A Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist certificate of completion is awarded to students who successfully complete the entire program (all three levels) in good academic standing. Students who complete the first two levels receive an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner certificate. Students who complete level one of the program will receive a certificate of completion as an Ayurvedic Health Educator. Students must have all tuition and fees paid in full in order to graduate.


Other Student Policies

Teachers and Class Schedules

Instructors and class schedules may change from time to time due to unforeseen circumstances. The school will provide you with as much advance notice as possible.

Student Housing

While the College may offer students lists of potential, reasonably priced rental housing near the College (particularly at its Grass Valley location), we are unable to find or supply housing for students. Nor does the College have any dormitory facilities at this time.

English-as-a-Second-Language

The California College of Ayurveda does not offer English-as-a-second-language.

Student Complaint Procedure

From time to time, differences in school policies may arise among students, faculty, and/or the administration. If such differences arise, usually a miscommunication or misunderstanding is a major contributing factor. The college urges students to communicate any differences that arise to the individuals involved. If the problem can not be resolved in this manner, the Director of the school should be contacted.

Publicity/Advertising Rights

The College reserves the right to photograph students and reproduce those photographs in school literature, publicity, and/or other advertising venues. The College also reserves the right to retain or request names of its graduates and/or to request and reproduce testimonials in school literature, publicity, and advertising. Any student or graduate who does not wish to grant permission to the College to use a photograph or testimonial should notify the College in writing.

Post-Graduation

Placement Assistance

Like other complementary and alternative healthcare professionals, Ayurvedic Health Practitioners and Clinical Ayurvedic Specialists find the most success going into their own practices. CCA does not offer formal placement services and makes no guarantee of employment. From time to time, CCA is notified of professional job placement opportunities, and this information is passed on to our students and graduates.

Record Retention

All records regarding and concerning the California College of Ayurveda and all students who have enrolled are kept at CCA's administrative office, 1117A East Main Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945 for a period of at least five years after the students' graduation, withdrawal, or termination. Dr. Halpern is designated as the custodian of the records and maintains current and accurate records.

Leave-of-Absence, Cancellation, and Refunds

Leave-of-Absence and Withdrawal
If significant illness or other serious circumstances occur that prevent a student from continuing the program as originally planned, the student may either withdraw from the College or apply for a leave-of-absence. For both alternatives, the student needs to obtain, complete, and return an application form from the administrative office. A leave-of-absence or a voluntary withdrawal will not officially begin until the College has been notified in writing, preferably through the appropriate application form. When applicable, a student must obtain approval from his or her vocational counselor.

A student may take a leave-of-absence from the College from one month up to twelve months (three months minimum during internship or residency). With the permission of the College, a student may resume attending classes when a space becomes available in the next class at the level where the leave was initiated. To resume the program, a student must notify
the College of his or her intention to resume classes and be in good academic and financial standing. It is not necessary for
a student to retake any previously completed classes at levels one or two if the course of study resumes within twelve months of beginning the leave of absence.

Normally, during a leave the student's payment plan will continue with no interruption to protect the student from any future tuition increases, unless prior arrangements have been approved by the College. A student in good financial standing also has the option to pay a one-time, up-front leave-of-absence fee of $300 or pay a fixed monthly fee of $30 per month during the leave instead of continuing monthly payments. When an agreed-upon leave-of-absence has expired, a student must return to the program or be automatically withdrawn. In the latter case, a student will need to apply for re-admission to a new class at the tuition rate in effect at that time. This is also the case if a student chooses to withdraw rather than go on a leave. See "Refund Policy" below for further information on withdrawals.

Cancellation Policy

A student has the right to cancel the Enrollment Agreement for this course of instruction before the program has begun and obtain a refund of tuition minus a non-refundable application and registration fee not to exceed $100.00 dollars. Application and registration fees are non-refundable. All cancellations must be received in writing. A student can do this by mail, hand delivery, fax, or email. Any books (complete sets only), materials, and related supplies in excellent, resalable condition may be returned to the school for credit within thirty days following a notice of cancellation. If a student fails to do so, the school may deduct the documented cost of these books and equipment from any refund due to the student.

Class Cancellation Policy

All California College of Ayurveda classes require a minimum number of enrolled students in order to be held. Should a class cancellation occur, the College is not responsible for any loss incurred by the student beyond actual fees paid to the College. All fees paid to the college will be fully refunded. There will be no processing or administrative fees.

Refund Policy for Withdrawal

By means of written notice only, a 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 for the A.H.E., A.H.P., and C.A.S. programs if 60% or less of the instruction in a particular program has been completed. The application and enrollment fees (not to exceed $100) are non-refundable.

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