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Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must meet the satisfactory progress policy or complete the terms of their probation, meet the minimum attendance and behavioral standards, and meet the specific academic requirements shown in the following tables. Additionally, a minimum final grade of C (2.0) or P (Pass) is required to pass each course or program. All tuition accounts and miscellaneous student fees must be paid in full and all library books and materials must be returned in good condition prior to graduation. All Distance Education courses must be completed within the allowed completion time.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - GEMOLOGY PROGRAMS

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - JEWELRY MANUFACTURING ARTS

* All work must be completed within the specific class hours assigned per course or program.
**Bench tests can be submitted for evaluation to the grading committee a maximum of three times.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Probation and Dismissal
Students may be placed on probation at any time. Types of probation include Academic Probation, Attendance Probation and Behavioral Probation. The purpose of probation is:

• To notify students in writing that their performance is not meeting acceptable standards
• To set goals for improvement
• To give students a reasonable amount of time to raise their performance to meet or exceed minimum requirements

The exact terms of the probation are explained when students are placed on probation. Students who do not meet the terms of their probation are dismissed. On campus Gemology and Jewelry Manufacturing Arts students may be allowed to repeat time in another class. This option is not available to School of Business students. Please see page 28 of GIA' s 2008 Education Catalog for an explanation of the add/drop, withdrawal, and page 40 for the incomplete policy that applies to students in the School of Business.

Academic Probation and Dismissal
Students whose academic work does not meet the minimum satisfactory progress policy at any time are placed on Academic Probation. For on campus Gemology and Jewelry Manufacturing Arts students, the typical probation period is one week for 8 week and shorter segments, two weeks for 9 to 25 week segments, and three weeks for 26 week segments. During probation, the student’s progress is monitored by the instructor and the School Director, Dean of Students, or Dean of the School of Business. At the end of the probation period, students who meet or exceed the minimum standards are removed from probation. Students who do not meet the minimum requirements are dismissed from their current course or program.

Distance Education students must complete each lesson and exam with a grade of 75% or higher, except for certain practical lessons in the Gem Identification course and the 20-stone final exam which require 100% accuracy.

Students who fail the Gem Identification course 20-stone examination five times will be placed on Academic Probation, and will be required to complete additional practical work prior to attempting the exam again. There is an additional charge for each exam taken beyond the fifth attempt.

All Distance Education courses must be completed within the allowed completion time. After dismissal, students who want to continue their studies may be given the option of repeating time in another class on a space-available basis within the allowed completion times. This allows students more time to learn important information and to practice the skills necessary to meet the satisfactory progress requirements. The amount of time repeated is assessed by the instructor, the on campus Education Manager and the School Director, or the Dean of Students. Additional fees are charged for the repeated time. (See Supplemental Fee Schedule in Schedule of Student Charges on page 60 of GIA's 2008 Education Catalog.) International students are cautioned that they may need to apply for a visa extension, which may not be approved.

Attendance Probation and Dismissal
On campus students who accumulate one full day less than the maximum number of absences and/or tardies allowed for their course or program are placed on Attendance Probation. Students who exceed the limits are dismissed from their current course or program. After dismissal, students who want to continue their studies may be given the option of repeating time in another class on a space-available basis. This allows students more time to learn important information and practice the skills missed as a result of absence. The amount of required repeat time is assessed by the instructor and GIA management. Additional fees are charged for the repeated time. (See Supplemental Fee Schedule in Schedule of Student Charges on page 60 of GIA's Education Catalog.)

Behavioral Probation and Dismissal
Students who do not comply with the Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior will be placed on Behavioral Probation. The terms for compliance are explained when the student is placed on probation. Students who do not meet the terms of their behavioral probation may be dismissed from GIA.

Academic Dishonesty
GIA regards cheating as a very serious matter. Students are expected to do their own work at all times. Students should also review the “Testing Polices” section on page 40 of GIA's 2008 Education Catalog. Cheating is defined as any unauthorized assistance in meeting the requirements of a class, including but not necessarily limited to the following:

• Copying class work or homework from other students
• Reproducing or copying keycards
• Turning in any work done by someone else as the student’s own
• Unauthorized help during quizzes or examinations
• Taking a proctored exam without the supervision of the approved proctor
• Unauthorized use of electronic devices such as hand-held computers, Blackberry devices, PDAs, cell phones, laptops, etc.
• Unauthorized help on assigned projects
• Unauthorized possession of practical assignments or projects
• Reproducing, sharing or exchanging quiz or examination questions, in any form, with other students

Dismissal Policy
GIA may terminate a student’s enrollment at anytime. Reasons for dismissal include, but are not limited to:

• Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Cheating or any other form of academic dishonesty
• Failure to follow instructions and policies
• Failure to abide by the attendance policy
• Offensive, disruptive, threatening, harassing or insubordinate behavior
• Stealing school property or the personal property of any individual
• Use, possession, or sale of alcohol, illegal drugs or controlled substances anywhere on school premises
• Possession of firearms or other weapons on school premises
• Providing false information and/or the willful omission of information on any GIA document or form
• Conducting any activities that harm the name, reputation, or property of GIA

Upon dismissal, refunds will be calculated according to the terms of the student’s enrollment agreement. If a refund is due, the funds are returned to their original source by mail within 30 days of notification of the on campus and Lab student’s last day in class or the Distance Education student’s last date of enrollment. See pages 28–31 of GIA's 2008 Education Catalog and the Enrollment Agreement for the GIA Refund Policy.

Appeals and Re-Admission Following Dismissal
An academically dismissed student who applies to repeat failed classes or to enroll in additional classes must request reinstatement by submitting a Petition for Reinstatement for review by the Admissions Committee. Reinstatement following dismissal is at the sole discretion of GIA. Students who want to appeal their dismissal must submit a written request to the School Director, Dean of Students, or School of Business Dean. An appeal does not guarantee re-admission. Students who have been dismissed for academic dishonesty or for unacceptable behavior will not be allowed to enroll in any course or program without the written approval of the Admissions Committee.

GIA’s Admissions Committee will rule on a student’s request for re-admission within 10 days of receiving the request. The Admissions office will notify the student in writing of the decision, including any conditions of re-admission.

If a student’s first appeal for re-admission is denied, subsequent appeals will be considered following a two-year waiting period.

Leave of Absence
Students may request a leave of absence at any time during their studies. Approval is at the discretion of the School Director, Dean of the School of Business, or Dean of Students, who will generate the required Change of Status form, which must be signed by the student. In most cases, a leave of absence will only be approved for a documented family emergency or serious illness, or for active military duty.

For on campus students, the maximum length of time for a leave of absence is 90 days. A student may be granted more than one leave of absence. The combined leaves of absence cannot exceed 180 days within a 12-month period. Students who do not return as agreed following a leave of absence will be dropped from their course of study, and the refund policy will be applied.

Distance Education students who exceed their maximum completion time may apply for a onetime extension. Students in the School of Business program are not allowed to request a Leave of Absence and must abide by the Add/Drop policy (see page 28 of GIA's 2008 Education Catalog).

Any GIA student who is called to active military duty will, upon request and upon providing GIA with a copy of their official military orders, be granted a leave of absence for a period of time not to exceed the term of the active duty plus ninety (90) days. If the total leave of absence period exceeds 180 days within a 12-month period, GIA is required to drop the student and apply the published refund policy. The student would then re-enroll when they are able to resume their studies.

Students will be allowed to return at the same point in a future class, on a space available basis (does not apply to students in the School of Business). Re-admittance will be initiated upon written request by the student. Because the federal financial aid rules are so complex, any student receiving financial aid must meet with a representative from GIA’s Office of Student Financial Assistance to evaluate their specific situation before requesting a leave of absence.

International students are required to meet with GIA’s International Student Advisor regarding their visa status before requesting a leave of absence.

Prior to returning from a leave of absence, students must request reinstatement from the School Director or the Dean of Students. Reinstatement is based on class availability, and students must pay any applicable fees before attending their new class. (See Supplemental Fee Schedule in Schedule of Student Charges on page 60 of GIA's 2008 Education Catalog.)

Classroom Lab Policies
Gemology and Jewelry Manufacturing Arts students spend much of their time in hands-on laboratory sessions. During these sessions, students may use chemicals, equipment, and tools that may be hazardous if they are handled incorrectly or without proper precautions. Students must listen carefully to the directions of their instructors, and follow all safety guidelines. Students must always follow their instructor’s directions regarding hazardous substances, and wash their hands thoroughly after handling any chemicals.

• All students must work individually unless an instructor directs otherwise
• Key cards are the property of GIA and cannot be taken from any classroom
• Students cannot take gemology worksheets, blank or completed, out of the classroom
• Cellular and mobile phones and other communication devices must be turned off during class hours. Use of such devices in the classroom is strictly prohibited.
• Personal stereos with headphones may be permitted during lab time in classrooms, with the instructor’s approval. The volume must be kept low so it doesn’t disturb other students
• Students cannot remove any projects or materials from the classroom without their instructor’s permission

In addition to these general policies, GIA has specific safety policies for Jewelry Manufacturing Arts (JMA) classes, where hot metal, sharp tools, chemicals, and high-speed machines may pose special risks.

• JMA students with shoulder length or longer hair must tie it back
• JMA students should avoid wearing loose clothing and accessories, such as bracelets, long chains, and open-toed shoes, or clothing that leaves bare skin exposed

Graduate Jeweler Night Lab
GIA recognizes the frustration some students feel when they fall behind in their work. One mistake on a daily project or bench test could mean a loss of several hours of work. Students who have completed fewer than 85% of their assigned daily projects or bench tests may attend night lab, offered once each week. There is no fee for this extra lab time. Priority is given to students who are nearing the end of their program and who are behind on their projects. The night lab option offers those Graduate Jeweler students who are falling critically behind in their work the chance to maintain satisfactory progress, thus taking action to avoid the possibility of Academic Probation or dismissal from the program.

Testing Policies
Quizzes and exams measure each student’s progressive skills and comprehension of the curriculum. These quizzes and exams provide students with  specific goals, and keep them motivated to maintain their commitment to their studies.

• All written and practical quizzes and exams are the property of GIA, and shall not be removed from the classroom by anyone other than the instructor or other designated representative
• Exams sent to proctors must remain in the proctor’s custody and control at all times
• All required coursework must be completed prior to taking final exams
• Quizzes and exams not taken on scheduled dates and times receive a score of zero. There are no exceptions
• Reconstructing quiz or exam questions, and sharing or exchanging them in any manner with other students, or obtaining such information from any source, is prohibited
• Copying, faxing, scanning, or recording quiz or exam questions or materials by any means, at any time, is prohibited
• All written and practical quizzes and exams must be completed within the specified time limit
• All written and practical quizzes and exams must be taken on the GIA campus or with a GIA-approved proctor
• All quizzes and exams are closed-book unless the supervising instructor or proctor indicates otherwise
• International students may use a printed English translation dictionary during quizzes or exams, only after it has been examined by the instructor
• Electronic language dictionaries cannot be used at any time during quizzes or exams
• Programmable calculators, hand-held computers, Blackberry devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, or other electronic devices cannot be used during quizzes or exams
• Personal stereos, with or without headphones, cannot be used during quizzes or exams
• Quizzes and exams in progress may be declared null and void if a classroom has to be evacuated for any reason. The quiz or exam will be rescheduled, if necessary
• Reviews of specific exam questions are only given to students who did not pass

GIA Grading Policies
Homework is normally graded within 24 hours of submission. Quizzes and exams are graded within 24 hours of receipt by GIA. Distance Education Gemology students who submit their assignments through GIA’s Virtual Campus receive their grades instantaneously. Distance Education grades are sent to the student by return mail. On campus class grades are posted weekly by student number. Results of exams are given in person. School of Business students receive their final course grade within two weeks of the last day of class. A grade of “INC” (Incomplete) is changed to the earned grade if the work is completed within the allowed time, or to “NP” (No Pass) if no additional work is submitted within the agreed upon extension of completion time. A grade of “EXP” (Expired) is posted for Distance Education students who do not complete their coursework within the required time limit.

Withdrawal (School of Business)
After the drop deadline, but prior to completing six weeks of the course, students withdrawing from a course will receive a grade of “W” (Withdrawn) on their transcript. A grade of “W” will remain on a student’s permanent record, but is not included in the calculation of a student’s GPA.

Incomplete (School of Business)
At any time after the end of the 6th week of class, a student may petition the Dean of the School of Business for a grade of “INC” (Incomplete) for inability to complete course requirements. Such petition will be granted upon a showing of good cause. The petition must be made on the School of Business “INC” (Incomplete) form and will include a list of remaining course requirements agreed upon by the student and the faculty member.

Removal of Grade of Incomplete (School of Business)
Students must successfully complete the agreed upon remaining course requirements no later than six weeks after the scheduled class end date. When the course work is complete, the grade of “INC” will be replaced with a letter grade. The grade of “INC” will not be calculated in a student’s GPA. Failure to complete the course requirements within six weeks, or to show good cause why such requirements cannot be fulfilled, will result in the assignment of a letter grade based on the course work completed prior to withdrawing from the class. For justifiable reasons, such as illness, students may petition the Dean of the School of Business to extend the six-week period. Granting of an extension will be made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Dean of the School of Business upon a showing of good cause.

Good Cause Showing
Good cause exists when circumstances beyond the control of the student make it impossible for the student to complete course requirements, such as illness, unforeseen emergency, or other justifiable reason. It is the responsibility of the student to provide documentation evidencing good cause.

A passing grade is a final grade of C (2.0 or higher). For School of Business students, a passing Program grade is a final cumulative GPA of C (2.0) or higher. A grade of C- is not passing.

Complaint Policy and Procedure
Students are encouraged to try to resolve any problems or concerns they may have by first discussing them with their instructor. Students who are not satisfied with the response should follow the procedure explained below. Distance Education students who have a concern that remains unresolved should contact the Distance Education Manager.

On campus students who have a serious concern about their experience as a GIA student may submit it to the School Director or the Dean of Students in written or oral form during regular school hours. If the School Director or the Dean of Students is unavailable, complaints can be submitted to instructors or other staff members, who will forward them to the School Director or the Dean of Students. If a student orally delivers a complaint which is not resolved either within ten days or before the student again complains about the same matter, the student must then submit the complaint in writing.

Within ten days of receiving a complaint, the Dean of Students or the School Director will respond to the student with a written summary of GIA’s investigation and disposition of the complaint. If the investigation is not complete at the end of 10 days, the student will be notified in writing that additional time is needed.

Students are required to cooperate with all GIA representatives durin