Student Policies and Procedures

As a nonprofit institution, FCAAE works hard to keep class fees low and follow the class schedule as published. By registering for a class, you agree to the following policies:

Behavior & Conduct

Taking an FCAAE class should be a positive experience for both students and instructors.

  • Treat instructors, fellow students, and facilities with respect.
  • Follow all instructor directions, especially for equipment and physical activities.
  • Report injuries or unsafe conditions immediately.
  • Participation in physical activity classes is at your own risk.
  • Follow all posted safety and facility rules.
  • Children under 18 are not permitted unless specifically noted.
    • Both student and child will be asked to leave if this rule is not followed.

Consequences: Failure to follow instructions as well as disruptive or unsafe behavior may result in warnings, dismissal without refund, and/or restrictions from future classes.

Use of FCASD Classrooms & Facilities

  • Per school district policy:
    • Exterior doors will be unlocked 15 minutes before your class start time.
    • Exterior doors will lock 15 minutes after the published start time.
  • If you arrive at your FCAAE classroom/facility before the FCAAE instructor:
    • You may enter and set up your personal equipment and/or warm up.
    • Do not touch anything in the classroom until your FCAAE instructor arrives.
  • Only use supplies/equipment authorized by your FCAAE instructor.
  • Return furniture/items exactly as found; dispose of trash properly.
  • Only use areas of the building authorized for your class.

Tobacco, Alcohol & Substances

  • Per school district policy, neither alcohol nor tobacco products (including vaping, chewing tobacco, and smoking) are permitted on school property.

Refund Policy for Withdrawals

All FCAAE classes are self-supporting and depend upon enrollment to determine if they will take place that semester.

  • Students wishing to cancel their registration must email director@fcaae.org or call 412-696-1410 at least seven days before the class begins to receive a refund.
  • A $20 processing fee will be charged on all refunds. Exceptions are:
    • One-Night Classes: No refunds.
    • Food-Related Classes: No refunds.
  • Students assume all risk of changes in their personal schedules.
  • Absence from the class does not reduce the cost of operating our programs, therefore there is no prorating of cost. For this reason, student absence does not result in a refund or make-up session.

Class Cancellations

  • FCAAE reserves the right to make changes as needed, including substituting instructors in a course or withdrawing a course due to insufficient enrollment.
  • If a course is cancelled due to low enrollment, students who registered will be notified and receive a full refund.
  • Class sessions may be rescheduled due to an unexpected school closing (i.e. weather) or teacher absence. FCAAE makes every effort to reschedule a class that has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control.
  • Refunds will not be issued to students unable to attend a rescheduled class. If the school district and FCAAE calendars do not allow a rescheduled class, refunds will not be issued.

School District Closures

  • For FCAAE online classes, weather does not impact the schedule.
  • It is your responsibility to learn if FCAAE in-person classes will run that evening.
  • FCAAE follows all Fox Chapel Area School District cancellations:
    • If school is cancelled, there will be no evening classes.
    • FCAAE will no longer send an email about these cancellations as the school district announces closures on its website, social media, and local news outlets.
    • If weather worsens later in the day, FCAAE will email and post updates after 5 p.m. at fcaae.org and on the voicemail at 412-696-1410.
  • Students must monitor email, website, or phone line.
    • Staff will no longer send texts or call individually.

Attendance & Absences

  • We encourage you to attend all sessions to receive the full benefit of your class.
  • Some classes require attendance at specific sessions; missing the required session may mean you cannot continue (no refund).
  • Absences do not qualify for make-ups or prorated refunds.
  • A registered student may send an adult substitute if FCAAE is notified in advance (substitute must complete registration/general waiver and release form).

Class Modifications: Student Health and Safety

  • If you have a health concern, talk to your medical provider before registering.
  • Instructors are permitted to suggest modifications that increase or decrease the intensity of the lesson.
    • Instructors are not permitted to provide injury-related modifications or other medical advice.

Course Materials

  • Students are responsible for purchasing required supplies unless otherwise noted.
  • If an instructor provides materials for a fee, this will be listed in the course description and students should pay the instructor on the first night of class.

Instructors

  • Instructors may be community volunteers or professionals; certification is not guaranteed.
  • FCAAE reserves the right to substitute instructors when necessary.

School Events

  • There are times throughout the semester when parking at Fox Chapel Area High School may be challenging due to district events.
  • It is your responsibility to learn if district events will impact parking for your class.
  • FCAAE will no longer send an email about possible parking issues.
  • Many district events are scheduled in advance (i.e. concerts, plays, regular season games). Athletic playoff games are scheduled with very short notice.

Contact Information