Heavy Equipment Operator School Rules and Policies

Key Rules and Policies for Students in our Heavy Equipment Operator School

01. CANCELLATION, SETTLEMENT AND REFUND POLICY

The following policy applies to all students whose training is terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily. The pro rata refund policy meets the refund policy of the Florida Department of Education and Veterans Administration.

In the event that a student does not meet the admission requirements and is rejected for training, the applicant will be notified in person or in writing and all previous obligations will be void. Notice of cancellation must be forwarded to: NATIONAL TRAINING, Inc. – 5660 County Rd 209 South, or our mailing address, P.O. Box 1999, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Cancellation can be made in person, by electronic mail or certified mail.

All refunds, if any refund is due, will be made within thirty (30) days. Credit card users receiving a full refund will be charged for the bank convenience charge (discount rate) normally paid by the school. The charge is approximately 3% of the credit card charge amount. This amount will be deducted from the refund amount.

COOLING-OFF PERIOD

Applicants have the right to cancel their enrollment agreement without penalty and receive a full refund of all monies paid if cancellation is made within three (3) business days after signing the agreement, excluding weekends and holidays, regardless of whether classes have begun.

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION

A student may cancel enrollment by delivering written notice to:

National Training, Inc.
5660 County Rd 209 South, P.O. Box 1999, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
admissions@nationaltrainingschools.com

Cancellations may be made in person, by email, or by certified mail.

REFUND TIMEFRAME

All refunds, if any, will be made within thirty (30) days of the date the institution determines that a student has withdrawn or been terminated.

CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS: If a refund is due and the original payment was made by credit card, the refund amount will be reduced by the bank convenience fee (discount rate). No fees will be deducted from refunds issued under the 3-business-day Cooling-Off Period or Rejection of Applicant. For other refund situations, any third-party payment fees will be deducted from refunds.

NON-REFUNDABLE FEES: The total of all non-refundable fees will not exceed $100.00. At this institution, the only non-refundable fee is the $100.00 administrative fee.

REFUND POLICY – PRO RATA (ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT PROGRAMS)

A. CANCELLATION AFTER COOLING-OFF BUT BEFORE CLASS START

Cancellation after the third (3rd) business day, but before the first scheduled class, will result in a refund of all monies paid, minus the non-refundable $100.00 administrative fee.

B. PRO RATA REFUND CALCULATION

Through 40% Completion: If cancellation occurs after training has begun and before completing more than 40% of the total scheduled program hours, the student will receive a pro-rata refund. The refund will be computed based on the number of hours completed compared to the total program hours.

After 40% Completion: If a student withdraws after completing more than 40% of the total scheduled program hours, no refund will be issued.

Termination Date: For refund purposes, the termination date is the last date of actual attendance by the student, unless earlier written notice of withdrawal is received.

C. Course or Program Cancellation by the Institution

If the School cancels a course or program, the student may elect to receive a full refund of tuition paid or apply tuition toward a future course, depending on the student’s preference.

REFUND POLICY – VETERANS (VA PRO RATA)

For programs approved for Veterans Administration (VA) benefits, refunds are computed according to VA Pro Rata Policy. Each program’s daily tuition charge is determined by dividing the total program tuition by the number of instructional days:

Notes:

• Partial days attended, class cuts, walk-offs, excused absences, and unexcused absences are counted as a full day of attendance.
• Terminated VA students may request reinstatement and receive 90% credit for previously paid tuition toward the current tuition price, valid up to two years after termination.

VA PAYMENT COMPLIANCE (effective 8/1/2019)

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions. For any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA.

This school will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding
• Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class
• Provide a written request to be certified
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify their enrollment as described in other institutional policies

02. SCHOOL POLICY – TRAINING SUSPENSION

If the School is unable to continue training at the school for reasons beyond its control such as, but not limited to, hurricanes, floods, extreme weather conditions, fire, etc., then the school reserves the right to suspend training at the site(s) affected for a period not to exceed 120 days. If any student is affected by this clause, the student may return to the school and take the complete training at no additional charge.

03. ADDITIONAL TRAINING TIME

The vast majority of National students enrolled in this training should successfully graduate after completing the training. However, the school may find it necessary to give additional training time to the student. Therefore, every student agrees to take additional training, up to 10 additional hours, if the school finds it necessary. There will be no additional tuition for this training, and the student will be assigned to a future training make-up class. The school will select the date. The 10-hour additional training must be completed no later than 60-days from the last attended class date.

04. STUDENT CONDUCT – RULES AND REGULATIONS

At the start of the class all students will be briefed on rules and regulations which must be adhered to at all times while in training, on school grounds, and/or in school equipment while in training. This includes all training locations and lodging vendors. The rules and regulations are:

1. National Training, Inc. prohibits the student’s use of cell phone or similar devices while at any work site, classroom, machine, vehicle, or training area. These devices create an unsafe work environment for everyone.
2. The School wants to remind each student they are in a professional training environment and are expected to act accordingly at School and in the community. Any student who is consistently uncooperative or insubordinate with the instructors will be advised to change their unprofessional conduct. If the student’s conduct does not improve, the student will be dismissed from school and rescheduled for a later training class. The student will be informed at the time of dismissal if the same condition exists when the student returns for the next class, the student will be dismissed permanently.
3. Any student that is obviously under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be immediately terminated from the School. The School maintains a zero tolerance.
4. Any student will be immediately expelled from school with no opportunity for reinstatement for any of the following offenses:
   • a. Use of alcohol and/or drugs
   • b. Having a firearm or any other dangerous device
   • c. Gambling Activity
   • d. Stealing, vandalism and intentional abuse of fellow student/school personnel/school property/training equipment/lodging facilities. (The proper law enforcement agencies will be notified)
   • e. Being arrested and charged at any time, at any place, by the police for the possession, consumption, distribution or in any other way connected with alcohol, drugs, other controlled substances and any criminal charge.
5. The school reserves the right to withhold any final grade transcript when reports of any damages, vandalism or theft committed at any of the lodging vendors is submitted by the lodging vendor manager to National Training or the law enforcement agencies for prosecution. The student is immediately expected to correct and repair the damages or reimburse the lodging vendor manager for their expenses, prior to issuance of the final grade transcript.
6. The school does not condone the practice of borrowing or lending of money or personal property.
7. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen money or personal property. It is the student’s responsibility to safeguard their own property.
8. The school prohibits student fraternization and romantic entanglements with the employees of the school and guests.

05. ANTI-HAZING POLICY

National Training, Inc. strictly prohibits hazing, bullying, or any form of harassment or initiation activity by students, faculty, or staff. Hazing is defined as any action or situation created intentionally, whether on or off school grounds, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or that coerces a student into violating the law or school policies, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, or affiliation with any group.

Examples of hazing include but are not limited to:

• Physical brutality (whipping, beating, branding, or exposure to elements)
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
• Intimidation, threats, or coercion that subjects a student to extreme embarrassment, shame, or risk of harm

Participation in hazing, whether by active involvement or passive acquiescence, is strictly prohibited. Any student found responsible for hazing will be subject to immediate dismissal and may also face criminal prosecution under Florida Statute §1006.63.

Students are encouraged to report hazing concerns immediately to the Training Director or the Student Services Department. Reports will be treated confidentially to the extent permitted by law.

06. DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAM

National Training, Inc. complies with the requirements of the Drug-Free School and Workplace Acts. The school also complies with all substance abuse requirements mandated by the Federal Highway Administration. Heavy Equipment students are not required to submit a drug urinalysis prior to training, however they are subject to random drug testing during training. Additional information concerning drug prevention may be obtained at the school during regular school hours.

07. ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS

Any student who reports for training and is obviously under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will not be permitted to start training and the student will be rescheduled for a later class. The student will be informed at the time of dismissal that if the same condition exists when the student returns for the next training class, the student will be dismissed permanently.

08. ENROLLMENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Student’s signature on the enrollment contract acknowledges training has begun when notified of acceptance by the school.

09. TRAINING HOURS

The student agrees to attend training for any necessary hours during any 24-hour period.

10. WORK-STUDY PROJECTS

It is the policy of the school to assign work-study projects to be completed by the student during the evening hours while attending training.

11. TRAVEL EXPENSES

ALL TRAVEL EXPENSES AND ARRANGEMENTS (TO AND FROM THE SCHOOL) SHALL BE PAID BY THE STUDENT. Costs for food, lodging, pre-employment mandatory substance abuse testing and personal necessities while at training shall be paid by the student. It is the student’s responsibility to make their own selection and reservations for their lodging. The School sets no restrictions on where the student secures food and lodging.

12. STUDENT RECORDS – EMPLOYER ACCESS

The student hereby authorizes the School to give potential employers and authorized governmental authorities access to the student’s records upon request, in compliance with the Buckley Amendment.

13. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

Unless otherwise directed by the Home Office in writing, all correspondence, inquiries, payments and other matters relating to this program made by the student shall be directed to:

National Training, Inc.
P.O. Box 1999
Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043

or

Heavy Equipment Operator School
5660 County Road 209 South,
Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043

14. STUDENT GRADING POLICIES

The Heavy Now Program is a PASS or FAIL grading system. This grading method fits a primarily physical skills training program better than the traditional letter or number grade system. We want our students to attain skilled entry level operational skills more than we want them competing with each other to receive an A or B etc. During training Instructors will measure and grade daily progress of the student by observing daily operational skills and evaluating homework assignments, quizzes and examinations. If the student is lacking in daily satisfactory progress in the instructor’s view then the student will be counseled or tutored in the area in which he/she needs improvement and then given the opportunity to improve via remedial training.

The PASS or FAIL grading system mirrors our core training belief, operating huge equipment is either done in a safe and professional manner or it is not. This system allows the graduate’s employment search to be based on their own personal skill levels obtained versus becoming a victim of employment grade competition.

WITHDRAWAL GRADE POLICY

A grade of “W” is issued to students who withdraw after the start of a course and completion of some training days. Refer to the Refund Policy regarding tuition and fees.

INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY

Students who are satisfactorily passing their courses but are unable to complete all coursework by the end of the course may petition their instructors to be given grades of Incomplete (“I”). Students will then have 45 days from the end of the course to complete all outstanding work. After 60 days from the end of the course, the grade of “I” will be updated to reflect the appropriate letter grade based on work completed or not completed.

SPECIAL GRADING CIRCUMSTANCES

1. Make-up work and incompletes: time and instruction lost due to an absence may be made up at a later date at the discretion of the Training Director. All make-up work and incompletes must be satisfactorily completed within the maximum specified time of course completion prior to graduation.
2. Remedial Training: any student, as a result of daily evaluations fails to display satisfactory progress and is deemed to need additional assistance in any area may be afforded additional training time to help bring up any area of deficiency to satisfactory standards.
3. Withdrawals: any student who discontinues training for any reason other than an approved leave of absence will be considered withdrawn as of the last day of actual attendance. Satisfactory progress up to the withdrawal date will be considered in any appeal for reinstatement after withdrawal. A student’s enrollment will be permanently terminated after a second withdrawal.

15. STUDENT STANDARDS OF SATISFACTORY PROGRESS, GRADING AND TERMINATION

In order for a student to be making satisfactory progress in their course of study leading to graduation and a certificate, each student is required to maintain satisfactory to excellent progress while attending the required classes to ensure satisfactory completion of the entire course. Each student’s progress and attendance will be measured at the end of each one-week increment. Normal completion time for the Heavy NOW program is 4 weeks.

ACADEMIC WARNING or TERMINATION

A minimum overall grade point average of 70% on NCCER written examinations, daily graded examinations and a PASS status on all skill tests on equipment is required for graduation. Any student who fails to meet the minimum required cumulative grade point average at the end of each week will be deemed not to be making satisfactory progress.

ACADEMIC SERVICES

National Training, Inc. provides academic services to assist students in achieving satisfactory progress and completing their program successfully. Progress Monitoring: Student progress is reviewed weekly through written exams and equipment skill assessments. Students must maintain at least a 70% overall average and a PASS rating on all skill tests. Tutoring and Remediation: Students who experience academic or practical difficulties receive counseling, individualized instruction, and remedial training as needed. Advising and Support: Instructors, supervisory staff, and administrators are available to provide academic guidance throughout training. Students are encouraged to seek help promptly to ensure success. Appeals and Readmission: Students terminated for academic reasons may appeal in writing to the Training Director. Approved appeals may include specific conditions for reinstatement. Access to Records: Students may review their academic and attendance records at any time upon request, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). National Training, Inc. is committed to providing a structured, supportive learning environment that enables students to succeed both academically and professionally.

16. ATTENDANCE POLICY

Each student is required to attend every scheduled class. The student’s cumulative absences for the entire course cannot exceed 2 days for Heavy Now and 1 day for individual Articulated Loader, Bulldozer, Excavator, and Tractor Loader Backhoe courses. A student may be deemed not making satisfactory progress if absence exceeds two days; student will be terminated from that class. The only excused absences from training will be for illness, injury, or death in the immediate family. Legitimate excuses will be considered on a case-by-case basis and approved by the Training Director. All other reasons for absenteeism will be unexcused.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ANY TYPE OF ABSENCE, EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED, IS TWO (2) DAYS FOR THE DURATION OF THE HEAVY NOW COURSE OR ONE (1) DAY FOR INDIVIDUAL ARTICULATED LOADER, BULLDOZER, EXCAVATOR AND TRACTOR LOADER BACKHOE COURSES; ANY FURTHER ABSENCE MAY RESULT IN TERMINATION. Time and instruction lost due to an absence may be made up at a later date at the discretion of the Training Director. Makeup work must be acceptable to complete the training program.

If the student is tardy from classes three times during training, unless the tardiness was due to conditions beyond the student’s control, the student will be informed that if the student is tardy once more, the student may be sent home and a later class will need to be scheduled. IF A STUDENT IS RESCHEDULED DUE TO TARDINESS, ANY FURTHER TARDINESS MAY RESULT IN TERMINATION. Note: Rescheduling for any reason depends upon availability of class space. Class cutting will be treated the same as tardiness.

17. APPEAL PROCEDURES/READMISSION POLICY

If there are mitigating circumstances which prevents a student from maintaining satisfactory progress, a student may appeal termination based on these circumstances. The appeal must be made in writing and sent to the Training Director. This appeal letter must explain fully the circumstances behind a student’s failure to maintain satisfactory progress and what the student plans to do to overcome these circumstances and maintain satisfactory progress for the duration of the course. If an appeal is approved, the student will be notified of the satisfactory progress conditions they must meet for the remainder of the course. If a student subsequently fails to meet the school’s conditions of the appeal, the student’s enrollment will be terminated. Students may be readmitted to school under this policy, if approved.

MAXIMUM TIME FOR COMPLETION

In the event the student must change their scheduled training date, the student may reschedule for the next available date, providing the reason to discontinue or absence is excused. The school reserves the option to assign a different class date based on class size.

WITHDRAWALS

A student may be allowed to withdraw and re-enroll in the program once. The program must be completed within the maximum satisfactory time allowed, excluding the time the student is withdrawn.

18. ADMINISTRATIVE FEE

These fees do not apply to Veteran Enrollees. There is a $100.00 Administrative (non-refundable) fee that is assessed to each student to help defer investigative costs associated with the application review, criminal background check, application review, driving record analysis, credit report etc. THIS IS A NON-REFUNDABLE FEE ONCE THE STUDENT HAS PAID THE FEE.

19. COUNSELING/STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Counseling and guidance of students is part of each instructor’s responsibility. However, all instructors, supervisory and administrative staff members are available to assist the student in successful completion of training. Students have the facilities and full support of the Education Services staff to assist with problems which may arise. Students may contact the Education Services Department for clarification and assistance with any difficulties by emailing your questions to: amcloughlin@nationaltrainingschools.com or call toll free at 1-800-488-7364.

Student complaints should relate to items such as administrative issues, financial issues, technical issues, faculty performance, grading, program content, program effectiveness/expectations, library services, and career or placement services.

We encourage students to come to the on-site Training Director in the event of disputes concerning instruction staff, fellow student violation of school rules and laws and relevant personal problems. The Training Director will treat your report with confidentiality and compassion. Remember, if you are experiencing problems and you do not report them, corrections cannot be made to make your training a more rewarding and fulfilling educational experience.

The National Training’s grievance procedure is as follows:

Within five (5) business days of the alleged action(s), the complaint or concern should be addressed to the instructor or staff member involved. If the student feels more action is needed, an appointment may be scheduled for a phone conference with the Education and/or Training Director. The student should request this appointment within five (5) business days of the instructor or staff member’s response. The Training Director will schedule the conference within five (5) days of the student’s request. If the previous steps have not solved the complaint, the student must present in writing, all facts of the grievance to the President at: 5660 County Rd 209 South, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. The student should present the facts within seven (7) business days of the phone conference with the Education and/or Training Director. The President will either address the grievance him/herself or take action to form a grievance committee within five (5) days of the receipt of the facts. The grievance committee, if formed, will be comprised of the appropriate number of individuals from the appropriate areas to ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation. After a decision has been rendered by the grievance committee, the student may request that the President review the process and outcomes of the grievance. If the student complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting National Training’s grievance procedure, the student may file a complaint regarding the unresolved issues to the attention:

National Training, Inc.
Attention: Student Services
P.O. Box 1999
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
(904) 272-4000

Commission for Independent Education
325 W Gaines St Suite 1414
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
(850) 245-3200

20. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

In order to graduate a student must successfully complete the course. A Certificate of Completion, a transcript of grades and an entry into NCCER registry will be awarded upon successful completion of the training program.

21. JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE

Students attending Resident Training will be given full access to the resources of the Placement Department. It is our objective to aid each student in the employment process by inquiries to prospective employers by telephone, Internet searches and student hometown area news media resources. Each student will be given a listing of those companies receptive. Travel may or will be required for employment.

Each student will be given instruction on proper interviewing techniques and resume writing. After graduation, the Placement Department will contact each student for follow-up and further assistance as needed in the job search process.

Student understands and agrees that he/she will follow all instructions provided by the Placement Department. The School is eager to help those students that are eager to help themselves. Landing that first job may require a number of company contacts and wearing out some shoe leather. Students who do not execute the job assistance strategy and training will find success more difficult to attain. Student must understand travel may or will be required for employment within the Heavy Equipment Operators industry.

The graduate should remember the final decision on hiring rests with the employer. National Training, Inc. does not imply nor guarantee employment upon successful completion of training. Employers are influenced by such factors as technical skills displayed, class attendance, character and personality traits, a favorable appearance, previous work history and the basic desire to work.

National Training, Inc.’s Job Placement Assistance is available in future years should the graduate contemplate a change in jobs. However, priority is always given to the most recent graduates. Inquiries received from potential employers concerning our graduates are reported to our Placement Director.

National Training reserves the right to withhold job placement assistance to those students who do not graduate, or to those graduates who are terminated from a job secured through National Training for misconduct, and those graduates who are delinquent in their tuition payment obligations.

Other Policies and Rules are located in our Catalogs, including those listed below. To learn more about these, please refer to the catalog for the program in which you are interested.

• Equal Opportunity
• Privacy Rights
• Admissions Requirements and Procedures
• Information Disclosure Statement
• Student Enrollment Procedure
• Previous and Transfer Credit Policy
• Student Standards of Satisfactory Progress, Grading, and Termination
• Cancellation, Settlement, and Tuition Refund Policy
• Tuition
• Training Policies and Procedures
• Graduation Requirements
• Job Placement Assistance
• Counseling and Student Grievance Procedures
• Drug Prevention Program