Student Catalog Handbook

Students receiving Veteran Education Benefits as defined by the Veterans Administration (VA) must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). In order to meet SAP, students must hold a GPA of 2.0 or higher, cumulative and per term. Students must also adhere to the attendance policy as outlined in the IYRS Catalog Handbook.

Warning Period
A student receiving Veteran Education Benefits who fails to meet the SAP standards outlined above will receive a warning (verbal for the first warning, written for the second). A warning may be issued at the following points:
 Upon violation of IYRS’ attendance policy, as outlined in the Student Handbook;
 Upon distribution of a student’s progress report (issued at every quarter mark of each program), should the student’s GPA not fall within SAP standards.

A written warning will require the student to develop a plan, under the instructor’s direction, to make up any missed work and/or time. Students on warning are still eligible for VA benefits, but are strongly encouraged to communicate with faculty and/or appropriate staff to discuss strategies for meeting SAP requirements. A warning will be reported to the VA.

Probation
Failure to meet SAP standards following a written warning will result in the student being placed on academic or administrative probation. Probationary status is assigned if:

 A student has additional absences following issuance of a written warning and signed makeup plan (may be waived for extenuating circumstances, i.e. illness, death of a family member). Four (4) late arrivals or early departures in any combination in one term (or for any class in the case of DMF) equal a full absence;
 A student’s GPA has not risen to meet SAP standards by the next program  quarter mark. Students in their last quarter will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, in order to determine appropriate action.

Probation periods provide both the school and the student an opportunity to address issues that may affect the student’s ability to complete a Certificate program. A student will be notified formally and in writing by Student Services when they are placed on probation, and when they are removed from probation. Under the instructor’s direction, the student will be required to develop a plan to make up missed work and/or time. A
student on probation who is unable to meet the requirements of their makeup plan may be asked to withdraw from their program. Continued unsatisfactory academic progress or failure to meet attendance requirements will result in termination. Probation will be reported to the VA for any student receiving Veteran Education Benefits.

Withdrawal
Withdrawal from a Certificate program will be reported to the VA and may result in a VA debt to the student.

Appeal Process
Academic
A student who wishes to appeal an unsatisfactory grade should first direct the appeal to their instructor. If this is unsatisfactory, the student can next appeal to the Director of Educational Programs.

Administrative
A student who wishes to submit a SAP appeal may do so by writing to the Student Services Manager, stating the basis for the appeal. Exceptions may be made based on extenuating circumstances including, but not necessarily limited to death of a relative, injury or illness, or change of a program. Documentation may be required. The Manager or designee will inform the student in writing of the decision, specifying the
conditions, if any, under which an exception has been made; or explaining the reason(s) for denying the appeal and detailing the actions necessary for the student to regain eligibility to receive Veteran Education Benefits.

Results of Appeal
Approved with certification of benefits: Student may remain enrolled in his or her program. Enrollment will be certified and if eligible, the student will receive payment of benefits.

Approved without certification of benefits: Student may remain enrolled in his or her program. Enrollment will not be certified. In order to demonstrate commitment and the ability to be successful, the student will be required to self-pay any outstanding term payments. If the student demonstrates Satisfactory Academic Progress (receives a term GPA of 2.0 or higher and owes no more than 5% of hours at the current time
during the program) by the next percentage mark, future enrollment will be certified – and if eligible, the student will receive payment of benefits.

Students receiving Veteran Education Benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA) must submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in order to have their benefits calculated into their student account. A covered individual must provide a copy of the VA’s Certificate of Eligibility to IYRS by the first day of classes. A covered individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment) or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®). In accordance with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, IYRS will not impose any penalty – including the assessment of late fees, denial of access to classes or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds – on any covered individual because of because of the individual’s inability to meet their financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the VA under Chapter 31 or 33. Any student receiving education benefits through the VA must submit a written request
to the Student Services Manager to be certified.