Student Protection and Disclosures HEDC 304.1

All students enrolled to at The Whole Pet Grooming Academy are required to review, agree to and abide by the Academy’s policies, procedures, rules and regulations that are set in effect and are subject to amendment at the discretion of the Academy. This must be signed and agreed upon prior to accepted enrollment into the Academy. Students are subject to rejection and termination if they do not follow these policies and rules.

Hedc 304.01

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or recognized high school equivalency credential, such as a GED.

An applicant under the age of 18 who has earned a high school diploma or GED may be considered for admission on an individual basis with the written consent of a parent or legal guardian.

Prospective Student Profile

The Whole Pet Grooming Academy’s programs are designed for individuals seeking professional education in pet grooming and animal care. Prospective students should be prepared to:

  • Read and understand written course materials.
  • Communicate with educators and school staff.
  • Use an internet-connected computer and standard online learning technology.
  • Work independently and meet academic deadlines.
  • Complete written, practical, and video-based assignments.
  • Meet any equipment, animal-access, experience, mentorship, or other requirements listed for their selected program.

Individual programs may have additional admission requirements or prerequisites.

Program and Course Information

Descriptions of each program and course are provided in the Program Descriptions section of this catalog and on the Academy’s website. Each description includes the program or course objectives, curriculum, instructional hours, expected length, delivery method, and any program-specific requirements.

Academic Calendar and Hours of Operation

The Whole Pet Grooming Academy operates on nontraditional academic terms and uses rolling enrollment. Each student’s official start date and anticipated program completion period are provided in the student’s enrollment agreement and academic schedule.

Separate add-and-drop periods and fixed examination periods do not apply unless they are specifically identified in the student’s program materials. Assignment, assessment, and program-completion deadlines are provided through the online learning platform and by the student’s educators.

The online learning platform is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except during scheduled maintenance or unexpected service interruptions. Administrative and educator support is available during the Academy’s posted business hours and by appointment.

The Academy may close its administrative offices or suspend live classes and student-support services in observance of:

  • New Year’s Eve
  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Easter
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day

Online course materials may remain available during school-observed closures. Students will be notified of additional closures or scheduling changes that could affect their program.

Grading Scale and Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students enrolled in level 100 and 200 courses must earn a grade of 75% or higher to pass.

Students enrolled in level 300 and 400 courses must earn a grade of 85% or higher to pass.

Attendance and participation are mandatory and account for 10% of the student’s overall course grade in some programs. Attendance and participation are measured according to the instructional hours and required activities identified in the course or program.

A student who does not earn the required passing grade will be placed on academic probation. The student and educator will develop a written academic action plan identifying:

  • The academic requirements that have not been met.
  • The work or corrections the student must complete.
  • The support available to the student.
  • The deadline for completing the plan.
  • The remaining requirements for satisfactory academic progress and graduation.

A student who does not meet the requirements of the academic action plan within 10 business days after the plan is issued will be dismissed for failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress. The student will receive written notice of the dismissal.

To graduate, students must successfully complete all required courses, instructional hours, practical assignments, assessments, and other published program requirements.

Withdrawal and Refund Policy

A student wishing to cancel or withdraw must provide written notification to the School Director.

All refunds shall be paid within 30 days upon written notification from a student of cancellation or withdrawal.

Students receiving benefits from federal programs shall be subject to federal refund policies, rules, and regulations.

Except when otherwise required by applicable law or federal program requirements, the Academy does not issue a refund solely because a student does not complete a program. Monthly payments that have already become due and have been paid are nonrefundable. Any remaining financial obligation or refund due will be determined according to the student’s signed enrollment agreement and applicable payment-plan terms.

Tuition, Fees, and Additional Expenses

The tuition, fees, supplies, equipment, and other expenses required to complete each program are listed in the Program Tuition and Fee Schedule and the student’s enrollment agreement.

Students enrolled in the same program under the same enrollment terms are charged uniformly. The tuition charged per unit will not be increased during the term of the student’s enrollment agreement.

Transfer of Credit

Previous education, training, and academic credits may be submitted for review. The review of a student’s previous education or experience does not guarantee that transfer credit will be awarded.

The Academy determines whether previous coursework is sufficiently equivalent and applicable to the student’s selected program. The Academy may require official transcripts, course descriptions, syllabi, certificates, or other supporting documentation before making a decision.

The transferability of credits or credentials earned through The Whole Pet Grooming Academy is determined solely by the receiving school or institution. Students planning to continue their education elsewhere should contact the receiving institution before enrolling to determine whether any coursework or credentials will be accepted.

Student Grievance and Complaint Process

A student who has a grievance involving the Academy, an educator, a staff member, an academic decision, or a school policy must first submit a written complaint to the School Director.

The written complaint should include:

  • The student’s name and program.
  • A description of the concern.
  • The relevant dates and individuals involved.
  • Any supporting documentation.
  • The resolution requested by the student.

The School Director will review the complaint and provide a written response within three to five business days after receiving it.

If the student completes the Academy’s grievance process and remains dissatisfied with the resolution, the student may file a complaint with:

New Hampshire Department of Education
Division of Educator Support and Higher Education
Office of Career School Licensing
25 Hall Street
Concord, NH 03301-3860
Telephone: 603-271-8508

Complaints must be submitted using the New Hampshire Department of Education’s online Higher Education Complaint Form:

https://my.doe.nh.gov/ESSWEB/HigherEducation/Complaint.aspx

Under Hedc 305.04, a state complaint must be filed within three years of the scheduled start date of the course or program that is the subject of the complaint.