STUDENT CONSUMER HANDBOOK

“EVERYTHING YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED

TO KNOW ABOUT FINANCIAL AID”

CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF ELECTRONICS

I. STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY…………………………………………………………………...……1

II. STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE………………………………………………………………………..…..2

III. WHAT TITLE IV FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE?….……………………….…3

IV. WHAT IS MY DEPENDENCY STATUS?…………………………………………………………..……4

V. WHAT WILL MY EDUCATION COST?……………………………………………………………...…5

VI. HOW IS ELIGIBILITY DETERMINED?………………………………………………………...……...6

VII. HOW ARE FUNDS DISBURSED?…………………………………………………………………..……7

VIII. HOW ARE REFUNDS PROCESSED?………………………………………………………………...….8

IX. WHERE CAN I GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL?……………...…..10

X. STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITIES…………………………………………………………………...10-11

XI. SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY……………………………………………12-13

XII. GENERAL VERIFICATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES……………………………......…14-15

XIII. FINANCIAL AID CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY………………………………………..….………...16

XIV. CRIME AWARENESS REPORT…………………………………………………………………….18-19

XV. FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)…………………………..…...20-21

XVI. DRUG FREE SCHOOL PROGRAM………………………………………………………...…………22

XVII. FEDERAL PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS FOR ILLIGAL…………………………………………23

a. POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

XVIII. HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ALCOHOL………………………………...………………..24

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of student financial aid at our institution supports career preparation education of the student. Our objective is to help the student prepare for a productive career so that he/she is qualified for a beginning position through job performance or additional education he/she has acquired while on the job.

The following are the guiding principles of the student aid programs at our school:

A) The primary purpose of student financial aid is to provide assistance to qualified students who would be unable to attend this school without such aid. Students and their parents and/or spouse are expected to take primary responsibility for the financing of the student’s education. Therefore, any aid the student may receive from our institution should be regarded as supplemental to that which can be provided by student and his/her parents and/or spouse.

B) The school also believes in the principles of student self-investment. Students are expected to save and provide a portion of their earnings for their educational expenses.

C) In selecting a financial aid recipient, the school places emphasis upon need, achievement and promise.

D) The office of Student Financial Aid provides counseling for students and their parents and/or spouse who desire assistance in financial planning to meet educational expenses.

E) This program admits students of any race, color, age, national and ethnic origin, to all the rights and privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, age, marital status, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs and other school administration programs.

F) This institution has a DRUG ABUSE prevention program accessible to any EMPLOYEE or STUDENT.

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

1. The primary purpose of our financial aid programs shall be to provide financial assistance to our accepted students who, without such aid would be unable to attend our school.

2. We recognize our obligation to assist in realizing the national goal of equality of educational opportunity. We, therefore, work with other educational institutions in support of this goal.

3. We shall publish budgets that state total student expenses realistically; including tuition and fees, books and supplies.

4. Parents are expected to contribute according to their means, taking into account their income, assets, number of dependents and other relevant information. Students themselves are expected to contribute from their own assets and earnings, including appropriate borrowing against future earnings.

5. Financial aid will be offered only after determining that the resources of the family are insufficient to meet the student’s educational expenses, the amount of aid offered will not exceed the amount “needed” to offset the difference between the student’s educational expenses and the family’s resources.

6. The amount of any type of self-help expected from students will be related to the circumstances of the individual. In the assignment of funds to those students designated to receive financial aid, the largest amounts of total grant assistance will be awarded to students with least ability to pay.

7. We shall review our financial assistance awards annually and adjust them, if necessary, to reflect changes in the financial needs of students and the expenses of attending the school. We have an obligation to inform the students and parents of the financial aid renewal policies for enrolled students at the time of the initial offer of financial assistance.

8. Because of the amount of financial assistance awarded reflects the economic circumstances of the student and his/her family, we will refrain from any public announcements of the amount of aid awarded and encourage the student and others to respect the confidentiality of this information.

9. All documents, correspondence and conversations between and among the aid applicant, his family and financial aid officer are confidential and entitled to the protection ordinarily arising from a counseling relationship.

10. This institution certifies that it has a drug abuse prevention program in operation. It is accessible to any officer, employee or student.

WHAT TITLE IV FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE?

Cleveland Institute of Electronics has been authorized to administer need based Federal Student Financial Aid Programs. The student must complete and submit to the Financial Aid Office the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for either a grant and/or loan.

Pell Grants are awards that do not have to be repaid by the student. A completed financial aid file is required for the award(s).

The Federal Pell Grant is based on financial need. These grants are awarded to “exceptional need” students as defined by federal regulations.

Federal Loan Programs

This school participates in the Federal Stafford Loan Program. A student is eligible to receive funds under the Federal Stafford Loan Program. The Loan is awarded by the school and serviced by the Federal Government. The student must complete the Federal Direct Master Promissory Note on line at www.nslds.ed.gov to apply for the loan. The Master Promissory Note spells out the provisions of the loan including interest rate, loan term, loan fee, loan cancellation, etc. The student must complete the References section and e-sign the “Promise to Pay” at the bottom of the form.

Repayment

Interest and Principal – you start paying back the loan within 60 days of full disbursement. The total amount that the student pays over the life of the loan is lowest with this option. This option is available with a variable or fixed rate loan.

Interest Only Payments – while in school, the student will pay only the interest on his/her loan. After the in-school and grace periods, interest and principal payments begin. With small monthly payments the student can avoid “capitalization” that occurs with the deferral of interest and principal (Option 3). The total amount to be paid over the life of the loan is lower than the deferral of interest and principal option, but higher than if the student makes principal and interests payments immediately (Option 1). This option is available with a variable or fixed rate.

Deferral of Interest and Principal – you make no payments while you are in school (maximum of 5 years) and during the 6-month grace period. After the in school and grace periods, interest and principal payments begin. While a student is in school, interest “capitalizes”. This means the interest that accrues on the loan is added to the principal (twice a year). When payments begin, they are based on the original amount borrowed plus the interest that accrued while the student is in school. The total amount paid over the life of the loan is highest with this option. This option is only available with a fixed rate loan.

An Award Notification letter will be sent to the student indicating the type and the amount of aid awarded.

WHAT IS MY DEPENDENCY STATUS?

Some students have supported themselves for several years and their parents are not expected to contribute toward their school expenses. Such students are called “independent students” and for them the financial aid process works differently because parental income is not considered. However, if an independent student is married his or her spouse’s income is considered, whether or not they were married when they filed taxes.

When we speak of your parents below, we mean natural or adoptive mother or father or a legal guardian required by the court to use his/her funds for your support.

You are considered a self-supporting student if you meet any one of the following criteria:

¨ You were born before January 1, 1983.

¨ You will be working on a bachelor’s degree in school year 2006-2007.

¨ You are married as of the date of application.

¨ You have children that receive more than half of their support from you.

¨ You have dependents (other than children or spouse) that receive more than half their support from you.

¨ You are an orphan or ward of the court until age 18.

¨ You are a veteran of the U. S. Armed Forces.

PROFESSIONAL JUDGEMENT – SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

You may still apply to have yours or your parent’s income and expenses waived because of unusual circumstances. The student will be asked for items such as rent receipts, cancelled checks, copies of utility bills, third party letters, a letter from the parent(s), or any other forms of documentation that the financial aid officer feels are appropriate. Only the Financial Aid Office can determine if particular circumstances warrant an adjustment to your income or dependency status.

Special Circumstances

A special circumstance form is available through the Financial Aid Office for students who have a drastic change in personal resources from the previous or current year.

To be considered for special circumstance, you must be able to support any claim(s) with documentation and one or more of the following must be present:

1. Loss of a job or change in employment status from the previous year (parental, independent student or spouse).

2. Unusual medical or dental expenses.

3. Divorce, separation, or death of a parent or spouse.

WHAT WILL MY EDUCATION COST?

Before applying for financial aid, students and parents should assess all of the costs of attending this institution. The Financial Aid Office establishes standard budgets, which reflect average costs for students during a typical term of enrollment. Actual expenses vary among students depending on life styles, priorities and obligations. To assist applicants in determining their need to meet all costs of education, direct and indirect, a schedule of tuition and fee costs has been provided with estimates of living expenses.

The budget shown below is the cost for CIE’s Associate Degree:

(12-Month Program)

Tuition ($1,226.00 per term) $2,452.00

Books $1,359.00

Supplies $1,400.00

Loan Fees $ 39.00

Total $5,250.00

HOW IS ELIGIBILITY DETERMINED?

As stated before, financial assistance is awarded to bridge the gap or to supplement the amount you and your family are reasonably able to contribute towards your educational expenses. A Federally approved system of “need analysis” is used to calculate your Pell Grant award. In order to perform this evaluation, it is necessary for you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid with information concerning your family’s financial strength such as income and assets, size of family, number in college, and any unusual circumstances or expenses which you face.

“OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS”

For all Federal Aid Programs, students must have “need” in order to qualify. But, in addition to the requirements of “need”, there are several other eligibility factors you must meet:

--You must be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or in the United States for other than temporary purposes. (Acceptable visas would include the I-151, I-551, or I-49, if it is stamped “Refugee”, “Indefinite Parole”, “Humanitarian Parole”, “Cuban-Haitian entrance”, or Asylum granted”. If you have another visa type, the financial aid administrator will be able to help you in determining whether you are eligible).

--Be enrolled in a course that is at least 600 clock hours, 24 quarter credit hours, or 16 semester credit hours in length.

--Be attending at least half-time for Pell Grant and Student Loans.

--Not be in default on a Federal Loan received at any school, and not owe a refund on a Federal, or State Grant at any institution.

--You will be required to obtain a record of your past financial aid funds if you have attended another college or post-secondary school, as well as, sign a statement that you are not in default nor owe a refund.

--Be making satisfactory progress. See School Catalog for a discussion of satisfactory academic progress.

--Be registered for the draft with Selective Service if you are a male who is age 18 – 25 years of age.

--Not currently enrolled in high school.

--For the Federal Pell Grant Programs you may not have previously received a Bachelor’s Degree.

--Not incarcerated in a Federal or State penal institution.

--Have a high school diploma or GED.

--Have a valid Social Security Number.

--Not have property subject to a judgment lien for any debt owed to the United States Government.

--File a Statement of Educational Purpose on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

HOW ARE FUNDS DISBURSED?

Financial aid awards accepted by the student are disbursed by the Business Office and will appear as a payment on the billing invoice as a direct credit reducing the balance due.

All students receiving Federal Loans must access the Federal website at www.ed.gov/directloan and complete the entrance counseling tutorial prior to the loan being certified by the school.

Regulations require that checks for Federal Loans must be disbursed within thirty (30) days of receipt from the lender. The loan disbursement date is reported to the student on the Notice of Loan Guarantee and Disclosure Statement from the Guarantor and the Award Notification letter from the Financial Aid Office.

WHAT MUST I DO TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID FUNDS?

Once your aid has been determined and your paperwork has been signed and submitted, you have two (2) major responsibilities. The first is to apply yourself and learn as much as you can. This will not only help you in your career later, but it is also a condition of your continuing to receive Financial Aid funds. Also, in order to continue to receive Financial Aid funds, you must be making “satisfactory academic progress” in accordance with the school’s Grading and Attendance Policy.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

Official Withdrawal: Student’s planning to withdraw will be encouraged to complete the current term before withdrawing. Students must contact the Student Services Office via e-mail or written notice to complete and sign a change in status form. Non-submittal of lessons does not constitute an official withdrawal.

Unofficial Withdrawal: For students who withdraw before completing a term without notifying the school and who have not communicated with the school during a 105-day period, the school will consider that the student has unofficially withdrawn. The end of the term will be used as the date to determine that the student has unofficially withdrawn from training. The midpoint of the term that the student ceased attending will then be used as the withdrawal date for calculating any return of Federal funds to the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, students who fall below the minimum number of credit hours and GPA required for determining satisfactory academic progress (see pages 12-13) will also be administratively withdrawn from their training program at the end of the term.

If a student has borrowed under the Federal Direct Loan Program, it is his/her responsibility to inform the Direct Loan Servicing Center that he/she is no longer in school. The student must also complete the Exit Counseling tutorial at www.ed.gov\directloan.

HOW ARE REFUNDS PROCESSED?

Whenever a student withdraws or is terminated, the amount of any funds due to the Federal financial aid programs will be calculated according to Federal regulations. Generally, students who qualify for Federal financial aid will receive a pro-rata refund based upon the amount of time they have been in school. Please refer to the School Catalog for the refund policy. Sample refund calculations are available upon request.

The refund priority is as follows:

1. The refund is first applied to the Federal Loan program.

The refund is next applied to the Federal Pell Grant Program.

2. Any refund still remaining will be given to the student or other Agency as required

3. If a student withdraws or is terminated prior to graduation and has received a cash disbursement for other educational expenses, the student’s monthly living costs (room, board, personal, etc.) will be compared with the Financial Aid funds disbursed in order to determine if more funds have been provided than costs incurred. In making this calculation, any portion of a month will be considered a month.

4. If it is found that the student received excess financial aid funds, the student will be billed for this amount. Student payments will be restored to the aid programs following the same policy as is used for institutional refunds.

All refunds owed to the Federal Financial Aid account will be issued within thirty (30) days.

Return of Title IV Funds

Federal regulations require a refund calculation for all students receiving Title IV funds who withdraw from the term. The length of time during which a refund must be calculated is up to 60% of the payment period (term). If a student withdraws on or before the 60% point in time, a portion of the Title IV funds awarded to a student (Pell Grant, and Federal Subsidized loans) must be returned, according to the provisions of the Higher Education Act Amendments of 2000. The calculation of the return of these funds may result in the student and college owing a balance to the U. S. Department of Education.

CONFIRMATION OF CITIZENSHIP

All students applying for Federal Financial Aid must be able to confirm their citizenship status with the Social Security Administration. The confirmation process is normally done when the student submits the

Free Application for Federal Aid to the Federal processor. The Federal processor performs a match with the SSA to confirm the student’s citizenship status and social security number. If SSA cannot confirm the student’s citizenship status and social security number, a comment will appear on the student’s SAR/ISIR.

The following policy applies to any student who applies for Federal Student Aid, but fails to confirm his/her citizenship status:

1) Applicants whose SAR/ISIR contains a “C” code (comment) that the Federal processor not confirm the applicant’s citizenship, must submit documentation to the Financial Aid Office substantiating his or her claim to be a citizen or eligible non-citizen. A student claiming to be an eligible non-citizen must submit a SAR/ISIR with an A-number for eligible non-citizens assigned by Immigration and Nationalization Service.

2) Applicants whose citizenship status cannot be confirmed will not receive Federal Financial Aid funds until such time as proper documentation is submitted. All documentation must be submitted prior to the end of the first payment period.

3) If a student fails to submit citizenship documentation prior to the end of the first payment period, the student will lose the financial aid disbursement scheduled for that particular payment period.

4) In any event, the institution will not make a determination that a student is not an eligible non-citizen until the student has had an opportunity to submit documentation confirming his or her citizenship.

WHERE CAN I GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL?

Probably your best source of information is in the School Catalog and Student Handbook. Contained in the Catalog is complete information on the Academic Programs, the Physical Facilities and the Faculty and Administrative Staff.

If you still have unanswered questions, please feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office or the Director.

WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILTIES FOR RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID?

As a recipient of Federal Student Aid, you have certain rights you should exercise and certain responsibilities you must meet. Knowing what they are will put you in a better position to make decisions about your educational goals, and how you can best achieve them.

STUDENTS RIGHTS

1. You have the right to know what Financial Aid programs are available at your school.

2. You have the right to know the deadlines for submitting applications for each of the financial aid programs available

3. You have the right to know how financial aid will be distributed, how decisions on the distributions are made, and the basis for these decisions.

4. You have the right to know how your financial need was determined. This includes how costs for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, personal and miscellaneous expenses, etc., are considered in your budget.

5. You have the right to know resources (such as parental contribution, other financial aid, your assets, etc.) were considered in the calculation of your need.

6. You have the right to know how much of your financial need as determined by the institution has been met.

7. You have the right to request an explanation of the various programs in your student aid package.

8. You have the right to know your schools refund policy.

9. You have the right to know what portion of the financial aid you received must be repaid, and what portion is grant aid. If the aid is a loan, you have the right to know what the interest rate is, the total amount that must be repaid, the payback procedures, the length of time you have to repay the loan, and when repayment is to begin.

10. You have the right to know how the school determines whether you are making satisfactory progress, and what happens if you are not.

STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITIES

1. You must complete all application forms accurately and submit them on time to the right place.

2. You must provide correct information. In most instances, misreporting information on financial aid application forms is a violation of the law and may be considered a criminal offense which could result in an indictment under the Criminal Code.

3. You must return all additional documentation, verification corrections and/or new information requested by either the financial aid office or the agency to which you submitted your application.

4. You are responsible for reading and understanding all forms that you are asked to sign and for keeping copies of them.

5. You must accept responsibility for all agreements that you sign.

6. You must be aware of and comply with the deadlines for applications or reapplication for that aid.

7. You should be aware of your school’s refund procedures.

8. All schools must provide information to prospective students about the school’s programs and performances. You should consider this information carefully before deciding to attend.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY

A student’s academic progress is evaluated at the end of each term.
The student’s academic average must be a 78% at the conclusion of each evaluation or the student will be placed on probation for the next evaluation period.
A student may request a 30 day grace on a term.
At a minimum the student must maintain the accumulated credits and the GPA indicated in the chart below at the end of each 24 week term or the student will be terminated from their training program.

Associate in Applied Science in Electronics Engineering Technology

Term	Accum Credits	GPA
1	8.83	70.667
2	17.67	71.333
3	26.50	72.000
4	35.33	72.667
5	44.17	73.333
6	53.00	74.000
7	61.83	74.667
8	70.67	75.333
9	79.50	76.000
10	88.33	76.667
11	97.17	77.333
12	106.00	78.000

Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Technology and Systems Management
Term	Accum Credits	GPA
1	8.00	70.667
2	16.00	71.333
3	24.00	72.000
4	32.00	72.667
5	40.00	73.333
6	48.00	74.000
7	56.00	74.667
8	64.00	75.333
9	72.00	76.000
10	80.00	76.667
11	88.00	77.333
12	96.00	78.000

Course Incompletes and Repetition

If a student elects to retake a course, only the most recent grade will be counted. Incomplete grades and noncredit remedial courses have no effect on satisfactory progress.

Probation

If a student fails to meet the cumulative 78% grade average or 12 credit hours, or both, for any evaluation period, he or she will be placed on probation for the next evaluation period. The student is eligible for financial aid while on probation. Failure to achieve a grade average or accumulated credit hours as per the Satisfactory Academic Progress Chart, or both, at the end of the probationary evaluation period, may be subject to administrative withdrawal of the student.

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

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

Academic Problems

Students who feel the need to discuss academic problems should begin with their instructor. In most cases, since that person is most familiar with the student and his or her work, he or she will be able to help. If, however, satisfactory conclusions are not reached, the Dean of Instruction should be the next person contacted. And finally, if resolution is still needed, a student may appeal to the Director of the School.

Appeal Process

Students have the right to appeal satisfactory academic progress decisions. Appeals must be submitted to the Dean of Instruction within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of the unsatisfactory progress notice. The appeal must be accompanied by documentation supporting the mitigating circumstance that prevented the student from attaining satisfactory progress. Only extraordinary circumstances will be considered, such as death or severe illness in the immediate family. The appeal may be submitted to the School Director whose decision is final. The student will be notified of the decision with fifteen (15) days.

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. i.e., a program 52 weeks in length must be completed within 78 calendar weeks. Time spent on an approved leave of absence is not counted against the maximum time frame.

Students exceeding the maximum time frame may be subject to administrative withdrawal.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid

If a student is withdrawn from the school, they can be reinstated to the Title IV program if their accumulated credits or GPA get back to the levels under the unofficial withdrawal chart, or if they petition both the Dean of Instruction and Director of Financial Aid for reinstatement into the program. At no time under reinstatement can they repeat any classes previously taken.

GENERAL VERIFICATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The school is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the financial data used to calculate the student’s expected family contribution (EFC). If there is an asterisk (*) next to the EFC number on the SAR, ISIR or other Need Analysis document, it means that the student has been selected for verification by the U. S. Department of Education to verify the information on the student’s Federal Application.

Applicants Selected For Verification

1. All Applicants selected for verification must submit the required documentation to the Financial Aid Office within ninety (90) days of beginning the training program. All Applicants will be notified in writing of the documentation that must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office.

2. Any Applicant failing to submit the required documentation within the required deadline of ninety (90) days will forfeit all aid, which would have been awarded for that time period.

3. Any Applicant who forfeits his/her disbursements will be responsible for making cash payments as listed in the Enrollment Agreement training contract to cover that portion of training for which aid was not received.

Correction Procedure

The following procedure will be used to correct misstated applicant information:

1. Upon receipt of the verification documentation, the financial aid officer will compare the information contained on the applicant’s original ISIR with the following information requested in the verification package.

2. If it is determined that the applicant has misstated information, the applicant will be required to correct all the misstated data items on the application, SAR and/or ISIR and obtain all necessary signatures.

3. It will be the responsibility of the student to return the corrected SAR to the financial aid office.

4. If it is determined that an applicant’s award changes as a result of verification, a revised award notification will be provided to the applicant.

APPLICATIONS EXCLUDED FROM VERIFICATION

In some instances, certain applicants are excluded from verification and may receive his/her financial aid awards. However, the following conditions do not apply if the school has documentation that conflicts with information reported on financial aid applications or the financial aid officer has reason to believe that the information is incorrect.

APPLICANTS EXCLUDED

1. The applicant dies during the award year. Deceased students are excluded from verification even if conflicting documentation does not exist. However, no further payments will be made, and funds already disbursed are not considered an overpayment.

2. A legal resident of Guam, American Samoa or the Northern Mariana Islands (to qualify for this exclusion, a dependent student’s parents must also be legal residents of one of these territories), or a citizen of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau (to qualify for this exclusion, a dependent student’s parents must also be citizens of one of these territories).

3. The applicant is incarcerated at the time that verification occurs.

4. For the 05/06 or the 06-07 award year, the applicant is an immigrant who arrived in the U. S. during calendar years 2005 or 2006 award year. The applicant must still meet citizenship requirements.

5. Dependent applicants whose parents are:

a) Deceased.

b) Mentally or physically incapacitated.

c) Residing in a country other than the United States and cannot be contacted by normal means of communication.

d) Cannot be contacted because their address is unknown.

6. Applicant selected for verification that drops out of school without receiving a disbursement, no further action is required.

7. Verification of spouse’s information or signature will not be required under the following circumstances:

a) The spouse is deceased.

b) The spouse is mentally or physically incapacitated.

c) The spouse is residing in a country other than the United States and cannot be contacted by normal means of communication.

d) The spouse cannot be located because his/her address is unknown.

REFERRAL OF OVERPAYMENTS AND FRAUD CASES

If the school discovers during the verification process that a student received an overpayment of federal funds, the school will attempt to adjust subsequent financial aid disbursements. If this is not possible, the student will be required to repay the overpayment amount. Any applicant failing to repay the overpayment will be referred to the U. S. Department of Education for collection. Such applicants will be ineligible for future Federal Aid funds.

If an applicant misreports information or alters documents for the purpose of increasing his/her aid eligibility or for fraudulently obtaining Federal funds, the applicant will be reported to the Office of Inspector General, U. S. Department of Education. Also, any person who intentionally makes false statements or misrepresentations on a federal aid application is violating the law and is subject to fine, imprisonment or both.

FINANCIAL AID CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

Student financial aid records are considered confidential and hence are only available to authorized financial aid personnel for the purpose of making and maintaining financial aid awards.

Students who transfer out of this institution into another post-secondary institution may be required to have a Financial Aid Transcript sent to the new school. Students who apply for food stamps or other aid awards, depending on the agency involved, may be required to request such release of information in writing prior to the financial aid office releasing it.

INSTITUTIONAL AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/HANDICAP POLICIES

This institution strongly opposes discrimination against any group or individual because of age, race, creed, sex, ethnic background or social status. An abiding respect for the dignity and worth of the individual in an academic community is the basic democratic principle underscoring this policy.

This institution does not discriminate on the basis of handicap provided such handicap does not impair the individual’s successful completion of course or the ability to fulfill the job function for which training is being sought.

This institution is firmly committed to equality of opportunity for the fundamental reason that every individual is valuable. The individual’s value inheres in the fact that she/he is a living human being with potentialities to be realized. Beyond that, the individual has the right to strive for those conditions, learning and work that are necessary and appropriate to the achievement of one’s optimal development as a person and to one’s optimum usefulness within society.

ACCREDITATION

The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education & Training Council is a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education and accredits CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF ELECTRONICS, offering Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs.

1) Approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools to offer postsecondary programs of electronics, computer technology and electronics engineering technology, as well as the specialized degrees Associate in Applied Science & Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Technology & Systems Management (A.A.S.)

2) A member of the Ohio Council of Private Colleges and Schools

3) Listed in the official roster of Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the American Council on Education (ACE), Washington, D.C.

4) Institutional member of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Washington, D.C.

5) An Institutional member of the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.

6) Approved by the Ohio State Approving Agency for the training of Veterans and eligible military service personnel for educational benefits under the Montgomery G.I. Bill (New G.I. Bill) and the veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP).

7) Approved for tuition Assistance under the DANTES program for service members on active duty in the Armed Forces.

8) Certified as an approved institution of higher education and listed in the federal publication, Education Directory-Colleges and Universities, as authorized by the Postsecondary Division of Eligibility and Certification.

CRIME AWARENESS REPORT

The following information is provided and updated annually as directed by the U. S. Department of Education through Public Law 101-542, the “Criminal Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990”.

Campus Security Policies and Procedures

I. Reporting of Criminal Incidence

The school strives to provide a safe and secure campus for all staff members. All staff members are encouraged to report any and all suspicious campus activity immediately upon witnessing the occurrence. Staff should report any knowledge of a criminal or suspicious nature to the School Director.

The school will then take appropriate action based upon the information given by the staff member. When deemed appropriate, Local Law enforcement authorities will also be notified.

II. Campus Security Programs

All staff members are briefed on campus security procedures upon hiring.

Staff members are encouraged to be responsible for their own security and the security of those around them by carefully reading the campus security procedures and reporting any incidents when they occur.

III. Campus Policy Regarding Illegal Substances

The institution strictly forbids the possession, use or sale of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs on all campus grounds. Students and staff members should report any knowledge of such activities to the appropriate school personnel mentioned in Part I of this report. Any infraction is cause for immediate suspension and possible termination. When appropriate, such infraction will also be reported to the local authorities. Specific details of this institution’s drug policy are outlined in the campus drug free policy statement distributed annually to all staff and students under separate cover.

IV. Current Campus Crime Statistics

RIGHT-TO-KNOW AND CAMPUS SECURITY ACT

The student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act requires all schools receiving certain federal funds to disclose completion/graduation rates and campus crime statistics to employers, students and potential students. The completion/graduation rate for the established cohort of students enrolled in the Fall in programs of 900 hours or more is 38%. Cleveland Institute of Electronics continues to experience a significant absence of crime as illustrated by the following statistics for 2006-2008:

Type of Occurrence	2006	2007	2008
Murder	0	0	0
Sexual Assault	0	0	0
Robbery	0	0	2
Aggravated Assault	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	0
Hate Crimes	0	0	0
Burglary	0	0	0
Liquor Law Violations	0	0	0
Drug Abuse Violations	0	0	0
Weapons Possession	0	0	0

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal Law designed to protect the privacy of a student’s education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U. S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student, or former student, who has reached the age of 18 or is attending any school beyond the high school level. Students and former students to whom the rights have transferred are called eligible students.

§ Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review all of the student’s education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of materials in education records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to inspect the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.

§ Parents and eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records believed to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record commenting on the contested information in the record.

§ Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student before releasing any information from a student’s record. However, the law allows schools to disclose records, without consent, to the following parties:

§ School employees who have a need to know

§ Other schools to which a student is transferring

§ Certain government officials in order to carry out lawful functions

§ Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student

§ Organizations conducting certain studies for the school

§ Accrediting organizations

§ Individuals who have obtained court order or subpoenas

§ Persons who need to know in cases of health and safety emergencies; and state and local authorities within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law.

Schools may also disclose, without consent, “directory” type information such as student’s name address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose “directory” information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.

POLICIES/PROCEDURES UNDER FERPA

STUDENT RECORD ACCESS

Parent(s), guardian(s), or eligible students shall have the right to review the student’s records. Parental rights shall be provided to both parents irrespective of marital status or custodial arrangement unless the school is provided with a court order or some legally binding document that specifically limits these rights. Access must be provided within forty-five (45) days after the parent(s), guardian(s) or eligible student notifies the school requesting review. All materials in the cumulative folder and intended for school use shall be available. The Director or designated administrator shall be present during any review of student records.

REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT AND FURTHER APPEAL

Parent(s), guardian(s), or eligible students shall have the opportunity to challenge the contents of the school records at a hearing as scheduled by the Director, if they believe the materials are inaccurate, misleading, or inappropriate. Any materials determined to be inaccurate, misleading, or inappropriate must be deleted or changed. The school director’s decision or reply may be appealed to the President within one workweek after receiving it by written request. All records concerning the complaint and how it was handled must be sent to the President. Within one workweek after receiving the request and records pertaining to it, all persons involved may be invited to an informal hearing or discussion in an attempt to negotiate a satisfactory settlement of the grievance. If this does not settle the matter, further appeal may be made to the President or Board of Directors according to the due process of law.

RELEASE OF STUDENT RECORDS

Parent(s), guardian(s), eligible student, person or agency requesting release of student record must contact the office of the Director. The Director or designee shall provide a form to the requester to be completed and signed. The Director or designee shall receive the signed form and reports the request to the parent(s), guardian(s) or eligible student by telephone or letter. The parent(s), guardian(s), or eligible student signs the release form giving approval for transfer or release of the records and receive a copy of the records released, the date, to whom and the stated purpose.

MAINTAINANCE OF STUDENTS FILES

Financial Aid files are maintained in a locked file cabinet in the Financial Aid office. The records are only accessible to the school director, registrar and Financial Aid office staff. Because of the confidential nature of the files, they are not permitted to be handled by other staff members.

DRUG- FREE SCHOOL POLICY

Prohibitions: CIE’s Standard of Conduct clearly prohibits the unlawful possession, use, sale, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on the school’s property or as part of any of its activities.

Purpose: Substance abuse in the workplace is a danger to us all. Drugs and alcohol impair safety and health, promote crime, lower productivity and quality and undermine our goals to ensure the safest possible environment for our children and provide them with healthy role models. We cannot tolerate substance abuse at CIE. Our goal is to provide a work environment free of drugs and alcohol. To this end, we have developed the following policy:

Policy: Effective October 1, 1990, the use, possession, sale, or distribution of alcohol and/or non-medically prescribed drugs or controlled substances while performing Company business or while on Company premises is prohibited. “Controlled substances” and/or “drugs” includes but is not limited to the following:

Narcotics (heroine, morphine, etc.);

Cannabis (marijuana, hashish);

Stimulants (cocaine, etc.);

Depressants (tranquilizers);

Hallucinogens (PCP, LSD, “designer drugs”, etc.)

Employees undergoing prescribed medical treatment with a legal drug or controlled substance that might impair behavior or work performance should report this fact to your Supervisor; it may be necessary to restrict an employee’s work activity while undergoing such treatment.

Any employee violating the above policy shall be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge, for the first offense. However, our first objective is to facilitate rehabilitation of any employee who has a drug or alcohol problem. Accordingly, any employee who, prior to any violation of this policy, recognized that he/she has a drug/alcohol abuse problem and who seeks CIE’s assistance in correcting the problem will not be disciplined as a result of seeking that assistance or disclosing his/her drug/alcohol abuse problem. To assist employees in overcoming alcohol or drug abuse problems, CIE offers the following:

Information about community resources for assessment and treatment can be obtained from the Human Resources Department.

The medical plans provided by HMO Health Ohio include both in-patient and out-patient coverage for psychiatric care and substance abuse.

APPENDIX A

FEDERAL PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS FOR ILLEGAL

POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

21. U. S. C. 884(a)

1^st conviction: Up to 1 year imprisonment and fined at least $1,000.00, but not more than $100,000.00 or both.

After 1 prior drug conviction: At least 15 days in prison, not to exceed 2 years and fined $2,500.00, but not more than $250,000.00 or both.

After 2 or more prior drug convictions: At least 90 days in prison, not to exceed 3 years and fined at least $5,000.00, but not more than $250,000.00 or both.

Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine; Mandatory at least 5 years in prison, not to exceed 20 years and fined up to $250,000.00 or both.

A) 1^st conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 5 grams

B) 2^nd conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 3 grams

C) 3^rd or subsequent crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 1 gram

22. U. S. S. 853(a)(2) and 881(a)(7)

Forfeiture of personal and real property used to possess or to facilitate possessions of a controlled substance, that offense is punishable by more than 1 year imprisonment. (See special sentencing provisions re: crack).

21. U. S. C. 881(a)(4)

Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft or any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance.

21. U. S. C. 884a

Civil fine of up to $10,000.00 (pending adoption of final regulations).

21. U. S. C. 853a

Denial of Federal benefits such as student loans, grants, contracts and professional and commercial licenses, up to 1 year for 1^st offense, up to 5 years for 2^nd and subsequent offenses.

18. U. C. 933(g)

Ineligible to receive or purchase a firearm.

Miscellaneous: Revocation of certain Federal licensees and benefits, e.g. pilot license, public housing tenancy, etc., are vested within the authorities of individual Federal Agencies.

***NOTE: These are only Federal penalties and sanctions. Additional State penalties and sanctions do apply.

APPENDIX B

HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ALCOHOL

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required in driving a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in a car accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increases the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol caused marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening. Long term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver.

Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

As described in What Works: Schools Without Drugs (1989 Edition, Department of Education).

	Yes, I have read and understand CIE’s student consumer handbook.
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