Table of Contents. Page 2 vdci 2016 Catalog published

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Founded in 1997, the mission of Virtual Design and Construction Institute is firmly rooted in our desire to offer a quality education to students and working professionals by providing hands on practical applications in the Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) software programs taught by our practicing professionals. The Virtual Design and Construction Institute will provide students with an up-to-date curriculum which is intellectually challenging, practical and appropriate for the professional and trades environments.

Part of our mission is to convey to students the importance of continuing education. We endeavor to sustain our course offerings by developing an operational environment that is professionally

managed, competently supervised, continually evaluated and appropriately modified thereby

providing course curriculum material that are kept current. Virtual Design and Construction Institute provides onsite and online AutoCAD, Revit, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Navisworks, 3ds Max, SketchUp and other Construction Industry-targeted software training.

In all programs and services, the Virtual Design and Construction Institute respects the value of diversity among our students, our faculty and our support staff.. Therefore, we encourage the participation of individuals from all nationalities, races, and colors.

Virtual Design and Construction Institute - Purpose Statement

The special character of this institution is reflected in its commitment to the study of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) software, including CAD/BIM/Digital Prototyping and Visualization software programs. The purpose of the institution is to help students acquire competency in the use of

Computer Aided Design, Building Information Modeling and other Virtual Design and Construction software.

Virtual Design and Construction Institute - Objectives

All programs at Virtual Design and Construction Institutehave a set of stated objectives which continue to evolve as the sophistication of the design software evolves. Currently, the institution’s objectives are to:

 Provide students with training in the use of architectural, structural, mechanical/electrical/plumbing, visualization and civil design software.  Provide students with a professional atmosphere conducive to learning.

 Ensure programs are delivered by highly qualified and experienced instructors.

 Ensure students obtain the skills and knowledge needed to improve their productivity and enhance their credibility in the workplace.

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Virtual Design and Construction Institute - History

The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) dba cadteacher, was founded in 1997 in San Diego, California by Al Whitley, MBA, AIA. Mr. Whitley, an award-winning, licensed California architect and one of the first people in North America to use the Autodesk software program, AutoCAD, developed the VDCI curriculum to help his colleagues (architects, engineers and contractors) learn how to effectively use AutoCAD in their professional practices. In 2001, VDCI incorporated the onsite student population of the courses taught by Mr. Whitley for the University of California, San Diego into his VDCI onsite program.

In 2004, VDCI expanded its curriculum to include courses in Building Information Modeling (BIM). In 2006, VDCI was approved by the State of California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Vocational Education to train students approved to participate in programs offered by the California Employment Development Department. In 2008, VDCI was approved by the American Institute of Architects as a Continuing Education Provider.

In 2009, VDCI was approved by Autodesk to be a premier-level Autodesk Authorized Training Center. That approval by Autodesk provided VDCI the opportunity to expand their training programs to

include additional courses in CAD, BIM, Visualization, Animation and Digital Prototyping.

In 2010, VDCI was approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education to provide technology certificates and training bundles in CAD, BIM and other Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) technologies. This approval has allowed VDCI to become an active in training people

throughout the United States who are participating with the U.S. Government Workforce Investment Act Program.

In 2011, VDCI was one of the first Autodesk Authorized Training Centers approved to provide online training programs. The rigorous standards required by Autodesk for online training programs ensures that the VDCI online training program maintain the highest standards for quality in online technology software training. In 2012, our firm’s principal, Al Whitley, was asked to sit on the Autodesk Training Center Leadership Council, representing the North American Southwest on the Council. Through Mr. Whitley’s active participation in the Leadership Council, VDCI is at the forefront of helping to direct Autodesk Training at the international level.

As VDCI continues to develop and improve the quality of our curriculum, we will continue to be actively involved with Autodesk, the State of California Education Department and the American Institute of Architects to ensure that our students are best prepared to effectively use CAD, BIM and VDC technologies in their professional practices.

VDCI Approval and BPPE

Virtual Design and Construction Institute is a private institution and is approved to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. (BPPE). Approval to operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in Section §94897 of the California Education Code. With BPPE having

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granted VDCI approval to operate, VDCI is allowed to indicate that it is "licensed" and/or or "licensed to operate" by BPPE. VDCI, as an institution is not allowed to state or imply either of the following: (1) The institution or its educational programs are endorsed or recommended by the state or by the bureau or (2) the approval to operate indicates that the institution exceeds minimum state standards as set forth in this chapter.

(A) Questions: Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at (Physical Address): 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833, (Mailing Address): P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818, www.bppe.ca.gov, (916) 431-6959 or toll free (888) 370-7589 or Fax (916) 263-1897

(B) As An enrolled student, you are required to review, sign and acknowledge the School Performance Fact Sheet and the Catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement.

(C) A student, or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling toll free (888) 370-7589 or (916) 431-6959 by

completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the bureau’s web site www.bppe.ca.gov

Student Records and Transcripts

The policy of this institution requires that student records for all students are kept for five years. All records are maintained in compliance with sections 94803 and 94877 of the California Education Code – Referenced Sections 94885, 94900 and 94900.5 of the Education Code. The student records will be maintained in the State of California. In addition to permanently retaining a transcript as

required by section 94900(b) of the Code, the institution shall maintain, for a period of five years, the pertinent student records described in Section 71920 from the student’s date of completion or

withdrawal. The institution shall maintain records relating to federal financial aid programs as provided by federal law. A record is considered current or three years following a student’s

completion or withdrawal. A record may be stored on microfilm, microfiche computer disk or any other method of record storage only if all of the following apply: (a) the record may be stored without loss of information or legibility for the period within which the record is required to maintained by the

Education Code; (b) for a record which is current, the institution maintains functioning devices that can be immediately reproduce exact, legible printed copies of stored records. The devices shall be maintained in a reasonably close proximity to the stored records at the institution’s primary

administrative location in California. For a record that is no longer current, the institution shall be able to reproduce exact, legible printed copies within two business days. VDCI will have personnel scheduled to be present at all times during normal business hours who know how to operate the devices and can explain the operation of the devices to any person authorized by the Act to inspect and copy records. Any person authorized by the Act to inspect and copy records shall be given immediate access to the document reproduction devices for the purpose of inspecting and copying stored records and shall, upon request, reimburse the institution for thee reasonable cost of using the institution’s equipment and material to make copies of a rate not to exceed ten cents per page. VDCI shall maintain a second set of all academic and financial records required by the Act at a different

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location unless the original records, including records stored pursuant to the aforementioned paragraph are maintained in a manner secure from damage or loss. An acceptable manner of storage would include fire-resistant cabinets.

Student records are maintained electronically in our student information system as well as in a hard-copy folder for each student enrolled in a technology certificate program. Only personnel with administrative rights have access to this information.

The Program Manager is responsible for creating and maintaining the student records. The principal is responsible for auditing these records once a quarter. There are physical files located in a locked cabinet for each student. There are digital backups located on a secure server that is also backed up off-site. Digital backup files are created immediately after receiving physical files and the server is backed up every Thursday.

Student files are created when the student is considered approved and all necessary paperwork and fees are completed for enrollment. Prospective student files are created and placed into a

perspective student folder immediately after the student has completed and submitted each form. Once the student has completed all the required forms to start and made a successful first payment, the previously completed student documents are placed into a newly created student file. This allows VDCI to keep track of students who have begun but not completed the enrollment process. This also helps keep enrolled student files separate from perspective student files.

All records that the institution is required to maintain by the Act or this chapter shall be made

immediately available by the institution for inspection and copying during normal business hours by the Bureau and any entity authorized to conduct investigations.

If VDCI closes, the institution and its owners are jointly and severally responsible to arrange at their expense for the storage and safekeeping in California of all records required to be maintained by the Act and this chapter for as long as those records must be maintained. The repository of the records shall make these records immediately available for inspection and copying, without charge except as allowed under the above-listed paragraph during normal business hours by any entity authorized by law to inspect and copy records.

Confidentiality of Student Records

Student records are maintained electronically in our student information system. Only personnel with administrative rights have access to this information.

Student records are confidential and only such agencies or individuals authorized by law are allowed access without written permission of the student. Anytime personally identifiable information about a student is disclosed to any person other than the student, such disclosure will be documented in the student’s school file.

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Privacy Act

It is this institution’s intent to carefully follow the rules applicable under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. It is our intent to protect the privacy of a student’s financial, academic and other school records. We will not release such information to any individual without having first received the student’s written request to do so, or unless otherwise required by law.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 entitle all students to review their records, including grades, course deliverables and advising records. The school must permit a student to examine such records within 45 days after the school receives a written request from the student. The school will also permit the student to obtain a copy of such records upon payment of a reproduction fee.

A student may request that the school amend their training records on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights or privacy. In the event the school refuses to so amend the records, the student may, after complying with the Student Complaint procedure, request a hearing. If the outcome of a hearing is unsatisfactory to the student, the student may submit an explanatory statement for inclusion in their training records.

Student records are confidential and only such agencies or individuals authorized by law are allowed access without written permission of the student. Anytime personally identifiable information about a student is disclosed to any person other than the student, such disclosure will be documented in the student’s school file.

Students who wish to file a complaint under FERPA can contact the Family Policy Compliance Office at:

Family Policy Compliance Office U. S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave., SW

Washington, DC 20202-5920

1 -800-USA LEARN (1-800-872-5327) Tuition and Fees (U.S. Dollars)

All fees are subject to change from time to time, without notice. Courses at VDCI can be taken as Professional Technology Certificates or as individual courses.

Payment Options

Students attending VDCI can pay for their Professional Certificate Programs or individual courses in full at the time of enrollment.

Scholarship Programs

VDCI does not participate in any federal or state financial aid programs.

VDCI also offers payment plan options. With our payment plans, the costs of your Professional Technology Certificate extends through the duration of your training. There are equal monthly payments, charged to your credit card and there are no interest charges.

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The specific payment plan amounts and schedules are detailed in the Payment Plans Section listed for each Professional Technology Certificate.

The following tuition and fees pertain:

Certificate Programs (1) T ota l Cl oc k H ou rs T ui ti on Regi s tr at io n (Non Ref un da b le) S T RF A s s es s me n t T ota l B oo k s & Ma teria ls (2 )

CAD/BIM Technology Certificate Program Payment Plan -- 10 payments of $485.00**

280 Hrs $4,800.00 $50.00 $ 0.00 $ 4,850.00 $ 555.00

Architectural CAD Technology Certificate Program Payment Plan -- 6 payments of $470.00**

188 Hrs $2,770.00 $50.00 $ 0.00 $ 2,820.00 $ 215.00

BIM Technology Certificate Program

Payment Plan -- 8 payments of $475.00**

184 Hrs $3,750.00 $50.00 $ 0.00 $ 3,800.00 $ 415.00

Civil 3D Technology Certificate Program Payment Plan -- 6 payments of $460.00**

184 Hrs $2,710.00 $50.00 $ 0.00 $ 2,760.00 $ 220.00

Digital Arts / Visualization Certificate Program Payment Plan -- 6 payments of $475.00**

184 Hrs $2,800.00 $50.00 $ 0.00 $ 2,850.00 $ 365.00

** NOTE: Payment Plans do not include Textbooks and materials. First payment is due at the time of purchase. Note (1) New Program Clock Hours Effective 15 October, 2015

Note (2) Required Text Books and Materials, including Autodesk Certification Exams. Citing average textbook costs. These costs are not included in the cost of the Tuition.

STRF Assessment is $0.00 per $1000.00 of Tuition and it is non-refundable.

Note: No grades or documents will be released if there is an outstanding balance. The institution may refuse any type of service to students who have an outstanding balance. The institution may also refuse re-admission to a student who has left the institution with an outstanding balance. All fees are subject to change.

STRF Disclosure

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Students must pay the state-imposed assessment for the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) if all of the following applies to you:

1. You are a student, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program and prepay all or part of your tuition either by cash, guaranteed student loans, or personal loans, and

2. Your total charges are not paid by any third-party payer such as an employer, government program or other payer unless you have a separate agreement to repay the third party.

Students are not eligible for protection from the STRF and are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if either of the following applies:

1. You are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program, or

2. Your total charges are paid by a third party, such as an employer, government program or other payer, and you have no separate agreement to repay the third party.”

“The State of California created the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic losses suffered by students who are California residents, or are enrolled in a residency program attending certain schools regulated by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.

Students may be eligible for STRF if you are a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

1. The school closed before the course of instruction was completed.

2. The school’s failure to pay refunds or charges on behalf of a student to a third party for license fees or any other purpose, or to provide equipment or materials for which a charge was collected within 180 days before the closure of the school.

3. The school’s failure to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federally guaranteed student loan program as required by law or to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the school prior to closure in excess of tuition and other cost.

4. There was a material failure to comply with the Act or this Division within thirty days before the school closed or, if the material failure began earlier than 30 days prior to closure, the period of decline determined by the Bureau.

5. An inability after diligent efforts to prosecute, prove and collect on a judgment against the institution for a violation of the Act. Sections 94803, 94877 and 94923, Education Code. Reference: Section 94923, Education Code.

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Business Operations

School Location and Facilities

cadteacher / Virtual Design and Construction Institute 3904 Groton Street

San Diego, California 92110 Phone: 619-758-9300

Website: www.vdci.com

Website: www.cadteacher.com

The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) is located in a two-story professional office building, approximately one mile from the Pacific Ocean, in the Point Loma area of San Diego. The building has been completely remodeled and is approximately 40 years of age. The renovated facility fully complies with all current building codes and with all ADA code requirements. Our training

facilities were specifically designed as a technology training institution. The building accommodates two state-of-the-art technology labs accommodating up to 32 students and the school’s administrative offices. Our onsite labs can accommodate up to 50 people at the same time. We typically offer our onsite classes in the afternoon and in the evenings. All of our classrooms include state-of-the-art computer hardware for each student including projection systems to facilitate instruction. VDCI teaches using the latest CAD, BIM and VDC software to provide our students relevant, hands-on training of how industry professionals are applying the use of current software technology.

All onsite students are provided the use of their own Citrix-based, high-performance computers using the current version of today’s CAD, BIM and VDC software programs.

All online students work on their own systems, using the VDCI learning management system. Students are provided access to the current version of today’s CAD, BIM and VDC software

programs, using our online virtual servers. It is imperative that our online students have as close as possible to broadband web access, to ensure that our online students can successfully interface with our online instructional processes.

Both onsite and online students work closely with their instructors and also the online Learning Management System, the VDCI Portal. The contents of our VDCI Portal is managed and developed here in our San Diego (Point Loma) facility. All of our onsite classrooms provide broadband internet access to our student information system and to other of our online resources.

For our onsite environment, all of our computers and equipment are constantly monitored and updated to be current with today’s technology requirements. On a biannual basis, the Curriculum Coordinator, the IT manager and the VDCI principal evaluate and recommend changes to improve

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Library Resources

No library is needed to meet the instructional needs of the students. The programs offered are all computer based and require the development of skills in the acquisition of knowledge. Library materials would not be compatible with these types of programs for professional designers, architects, engineers and others seeking job transition or professional advancement through the acquisition of computer design skills.

Institutional Ownership

The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI)/cadteacher is a privately-held sole

proprietorship, owned by Al Whitley, MBA, AIA. The Governing Board Members are Al Whitley, Principal/Owner, and Ted Struck, Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

The VDCI has never had a pending petition in bankruptcy, is not operating as a debtor in passion, has not filed a petition within the preceding five years and has never had a petition in bankruptcy filed against it within the preceding five years that resulted in reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Court.

Administration Name

Chief Executive Officer, Chief Academic Officer Al Whitley, MBA, AIA

Name

Program Manager David McClain Name

Chief Financial Officer J. T. Struck

Name

Assistant to the Principal Ianthe Y. Smith

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Faculty

Name of

Instructor Specific Courses To Be Taught College or Work Qualifications Trevor Cornell Navisworks, Revit B Arch Woodbury University

LEED Certified

6 years experience as Architectural Project Manager Autodesk Certification AutoCAD and Revit

Tyler Grant AutoCAD, Revit , Navisworks B Arch, New School of Architecture

7 years experience as Architectural Project Manager Autodesk Certification AutoCAD and Revit

Michael Kinnear, PE

AutoCAD Civil 3D BS Civil Engineering, University of California, Davis Registered PE, State of California

5 years experience as Civil Engineering Project Manager Autodesk Certification AutoCAD Civil 3D

Jorge Mata SketchUp B Arch Woodbury University

5 years experience as Architectural Project Manager John O’Malley

Jamie Schwering

AutoCAD

AutoCAD Civil 3D, Revit

BA History, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth

5 years experience as Architectural CAD and BIM Project Lead Autodesk Certification: AutoCAD

BA Economics and Political Science, San Diego State University 4 years experience as Architectural CAD and BIM Project Lead Autodesk Certification AutoCAD and Revit

Al Whitley, MBA, AIA

AutoCAD, Blueprint Reading & Detailing BBA College of William and Mary MBA San Diego State University Registered Architect, California C25526 Autodesk Certification AutoCAD and Revit Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI)

Mike Wilson Revit, 3dsMax B Arch New School of Architecture San Diego. 10 years experience as Architectural Project Manager Autodesk Certification Revit and 3dsMax

Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI)

Admissions Requirements and Process

Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) Admissions Office is located at: 3904 Groton Street, Suite 200

San Diego, CA 92110

Telephone: 619-758-9300 Extension 6#

Web Site: www.cadteacher.com

E-mail: learn@cadteacher.com

Recruitment Policy

VDCI does not guarantee a job, certification, or anything similar during or after completing their Technology Certificate or passing their Autodesk certification exam(s).

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VDCI does not use outside recruiters, lead generation, and cold calling. We do not solicit to students. Students are only contacted after their having initiated contact with the Institute or filling out the

“Contact Us” form located only on www.cadteacher.com or www.vdci.com.

Promotional material does not state any claims regarding certification, licensing, or job prospects. VDCI follows all required checklist items from ACCET and BPPE. If a catalog requirement is duplicated, the requirement that is stricter is used.

Students must pass the reading, writing, and mathematical portions of the Ability to Benefit exam (ATB) with passing scores to be considered for admission. The Minimum passing scores are Reading: 55, Writing Skill: 60, Math: 34.

Interview with School Representative

Prospective students planning to participate in Technology Certificate Programs must have a

personal or phone interview with a school representative. If the student is international and a phone call cannot be made, a dialogue via email will be created. Participation in individual courses does not require an interview with a school representative. After the interview, the Program Manager is

responsible for creating an interview report form detailing the students training goals and professional history.

Enrollment Policy

VDCI enrollment policy requires students to have a minimum education of a high school diploma or GED equivalent. For international students, a high school or equivalent from their country is needed to satisfy minimum education requirements. Students may enroll at any time using our online enrollment system.

Ability to Benefit Exam

When a student does not meet the minimum education requirement, the only test that can be taken in lieu of the minimum education is the “Ability to Benefit” (ATB) exam. Students must earn a passing score according to the ATB exam in order to begin taking courses at VDCI. The Minimum passing scores are Reading: 55, Writing Skill: 60, Math: 34.

All certificate programs start at the basic level so there is no need to confirm any prior learning or training before beginning a program.

The technology software programs provided at VDCI begin “at the beginning.” VDCI is aware that students come from numerous previous-experience backgrounds, including those with little or no previous experience. The enrollment agreement includes verification of a high school or equivalent education at a minimum. The enrollment agreement also verifies computer hardware technical requirements to ensure that the upcoming VDCI student can best learn the skill sets offered by the VDCI training experience.

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Proof of Education

Students who sign up for the Technology Certificate programs are required to provide proof of their education by submitting their transcripts or copy of diploma, certificate, or degree to the registrar via email or mail. Students who do not submit proof of education will not begin their program until all documents are received by VDCI.

The only test required for entrance is the “Ability to Benefit” (ATB) test. Students must earn a passing score according to the ATB exam in order to begin taking courses at VDCI.

Computer Hardware Requirements

Students attending VDCI participate in the courses either onsite and/or online. For our onsite

students, computer hardware is provided when you are attending at our facility in Point Loma. One of the strengths of the program at VDCI is that we integrate a comprehensive Learning Management System (the VDCI Portal) into our courses which is normally accessed remotely. Work being

completed on the VDCI Portal requires the use of (relatively current) computers. Students attending the courses online will be completing all of their work remotely, and for them, a current, state-of-the-art computer is definitely encouraged. If you are planning on pstate-of-the-articipating in our courses, pleaseclick hereto see a link of the current computer hardware requirements specified by Autodesk for the

successful use of the CAD, BIM and VDC software programs. Tuition Payment Arrangements

We have two options available for tuition – payment in full and/or payment plans. Our payment plans are interest free. With the payment plans, your credit card is charged on a monthly basis. The

scheduling for the payment plans is such that you will be paid-in-full when you complete your Technology Certificate. The first payment is charged upon registration. Each individual payment is charged every thirty days, based on the date of registration, until the financial obligation is satisfied. Student Financial Records

Certificate students who do not pay in full are required to fill out a payment agreement form as well as sign up and pay the first installment of the certificate program. Once a student signs up for the

certificate program, the Program Manager creates all necessary student account information and places the student into the next course. Every 30 days from the date of the original enrollment, a third party payment processor charges the student’s provided card on file with the next payment. This recurring payment will be completed every 30 days until the student’s program is paid in full. Students who begin an approved leave of absence will not be charged during this time unless the student is behind on payments.

If a student cannot make a payment, or their card on file is declined, or if the student falls behind on payments, the student will be contacted by the school and notified of the non-payment. Students have until the end of their current course to update their payment information and make a successful

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course unless the students ledger shows a credit for one course. Students with a declined or non-payment may exhaust any credits they have on their ledger, but will not begin a new course until a payment has been made.

Payments are processed on the dates the student signed up; monthly payments are created by the third party payment processor and deposit confirmations are sent to the student and to the Program Manager. The Program Manager monitors these statements and collects them digitally. If a student’s card is declined for whatever reason, the processor will automatically attempt to charge the card two more times that day, then three more times in three days. The Program Manager is sent notification that a $0.00 charge has been made. This is the notification that a card has been declined. The

Program Manager will check the third party processor’s website and find the declined date next to the student information in the declined section. The student is notified that their card has been declined by the Program Manager and the student remains in the current course. If the student has not fixed the card issue, or the student cannot be reached via phone or email by the next course, the students account is noted and placed on hold until the student can make the next payment. If a student cannot be contacted for non-payment for more than two weeks, the student is considered withdrawn and the withdrawal process will begin. All recurring statements are housed digitally with a third party payment processor. After each transaction, both successful and failed, the student’s ledger is updated

immediately. All original payments, both full and payment plan are kept digitally and a physical copy is placed in the student’s folder.

Policies and Procedures Regarding Financial Aid

The school does not provide either State or Federal financial aid.

If a student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund, and that, if the student has received federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the moneys not paid from federal student financial aid program funds.

VDCI operates on clock hours only. There is not any conversion to credit hours used at the institute VDCI offers interest-free payment plans. The cost of the training program will be satisfied in full prior to the completion of any Technology Certificates.

Academic Transfer of Credit Policy

The transferability of credits you earn at VDCI is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the certificate you earn in VDCI certificate programs is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the certificates that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason, the student should make certain that their attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending VDC Institute to determine if your certificate(s) will transfer.

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This institution has not entered into an articulation or transfer agreement with any other college or university.

If a current or prospective student feels that coursework they have taken at another training institute should be considered as applicable to the coursework at the VDCI and wish to petition for

transferability of credits, the individual requesting the review must demonstrate the following:

(a) A statement by the applicant explaining why the coursework is applicable and the reason it

should be considered.

(b) The Coursework must have been taken at an accredited secondary, vocational or

post-secondary institution which is accredited by an agency recognized by either the U. S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The types of courses that will be considered include any courses offered outside of an institutional setting, including those offered by the military, in the workplace, through apprenticeship and/or training programs, or other such programs recognized by the American Council on Education’s (ACE) Center for Adult Learning and Education Credentials programs, or an Autodesk-approved course offered by an Autodesk Authorized Training Center.

(c) A transcript must be submitted, showing the course title, percent of course completed, numeric

and letter grade for the course.

(d) The applicant must have earned an “C-”/2.0 or greater in the Course to be considered for

transfer.

(e) A course syllabus (or appropriate information from the school catalog) must be submitted.

(f) A complete description of the course must be provided to include:

1. Contact hours for the course

2. Lab/lecture hours for the course

3. Learning objectives

4. Technical skills covered

(g) Students can transfer in approved credits in lieu of CAD101, CAD201, BIM101 and BIM201.

At a maximum, only two courses per software program will be acceptable for transfer, and those courses must have been completed within the past three calendar years from the date of requesting a transfer of credits.

(h) VDCI does not accept credit transfers through examinations such as the ACT Proficiency

Examination Program (PEP), the Regents’ College Examinations, the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) program and College-level Examination Program (CLEP), the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES) Subject Standardized Testing (DSST), or similar organizations.

(i) The student will pay VDCI a non-refundable $25.00 per course for the review of each course

which the students wishes to transfer into VDCI.

These requirements and all associated documents must be submitted to the Academic Manager in a comprehensive proposal packaged for review prior to the first day of class. If any of the above

mentioned requirements are not provided or met, the request for transfer of credits will not be considered. The Academic Manager will review the submission, evaluate the course and related material, compare it with the VDCI course offering and standards at VDCI and discuss his/her findings with the VDCI’s President. A decision will be made by both VDCI’s President and the Academic Manager. This decision can be appealed.

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The decision as to the transferability of credits will be issued to the applicant within 10 business days of receiving the request to transfer credits into VDCI. If the credits are accepted for transfer, the portion of tuition directly related to the coursework being transferred will be adjusted and deducted from the total cost of the program.

If the request for transfer of credit has been denied, the student will be notified and will be instructed to appeal the denial. The student can appeal the denial by completing the Transfer of Credit Request Form and selecting the "Appeal" selection from the question "Original Request or Appeal Request" at top of the form. To successfully challenge a denial, the student is encouraged to respond to the Comments provided by the school administrators. Those comments will be located at the bottom of this form after the findings of the initial request is provided to the student.

Veterans applying for entrance to VDCI will have their prior coursework evaluated according to Federal requirements. Veteran transfer of credit policies will adhere to the same parameters detailed in items (a) through (h) detailed above.

VDCI will maintain a written record of the previous education and training of veterans and eligible persons, the record will clearly indicate that credit has been granted, if appropriate, and the student will be notified accordingly of VDCI’s decision as to the transferability of credits.

The Process of Establishing Equivalency

Notice Concerning Transferability of Units and Degrees Earned at VDCI

“The transferability of credits you earn at this institution is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the credits you earn in our institution’s technology certificates is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason you should make certain that your coursework completion deliverables at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending our institution to determine if your credits will transfer.”

This institution has not entered into an articulation or transfer agreement with any other college or university.

Applicability towards Professional Licensure

The courses taught at Virtual Design and Construction Institute are designed to facilitate improved technical skill competencies within the construction industry. The courses taught at the Institute are not required for professional licensure.

Prior Experiential Learning

The Virtual Design and Construction Institute has developed a strong, industry-recognized curriculum. To ensure that our students’ learning is optimized, the Institute requires that our students complete all courses in our required curriculum at the Institute, so that the Institute can ensure our students’

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successful understanding and application of all relevant subject matter. There are not any provisions for appeal.

Transcripts

Each student's file will contain student's records, including a transcript of grades earned. The first copy of the official transcript is provided at no charge. Subsequent copies are available upon advance payment of the transcript fee of $25.00 for two copies. Transcripts will only be released to the student upon receipt of a written request bearing the student's live signature. No transcript will be issued until all tuition and other fees due the institution are paid current.

Enrolling I-20 Foreign Students

At this time, VDCI does not enroll I-20 Foreign Students. Externships / Internships

VDCI does not participate in any externship/internship programs.

Training Definitions

Course – An individual course. When taken independently, an avocational course. When combined into a Program, the collection of courses creates a vocational Certificate Program.

Bundle – A grouping of related individual courses, creating an avocational Training Bundle, bundled to save the student money.

Program – A vocational Certificate Program. Student’s Right to Cancel

Students enrolled in a technology certificate program at VDCI have the right to cancel their enrollment agreement at any time. The VDCI refund policy allows the student to withdraw from the current

course at any point and receive a refund, less any previous courses completed.

Cancellations can also be effected due to: (a) rejection of an applicant by the institution, (b) program cancellation by the institution, (c) cancellation by a student during an established cancellation period or (d) no show/student never began their training program.

If the student chooses to withdraw from the program, please contact registrar@cadteacher.com and notify the institute the student is withdrawing from the program.

Any questions a student may have regarding their enrollment agreement that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818. www.bppe.ca.gov (phone) 916-574-7720 (fax) 916-574-8646.

A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling 800-888-370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the bureau’s website www.bppe.ca.gov.

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Cancellation Policy

A cancellation is defined as an enrollment that notifies the school prior to or during a cancellation period (within 9 calendar days of a course or program start) that the student does not want to attend school. This is applicable to both vocational programs (Technology Certificate Program) and

avocational (Training Bundle and Individual Course) students.

Withdrawal/Drop Policy Definition:

Withdrawal – A student’s request to withdraw, to cease participation in a Course, Bundle or Program. Drop – The determination by VDCI to remove the student as an active participant in a Course, Bundle or Program.

Refund Policy

A refund calculation will be performed on a student who is deemed withdrawn or dropped. Vocational Students – Students who request to withdraw and who have completed less than fifty percent of the current course will receive a full refund for that course.

A less-than fifty percent course completion is confirmed when the student has last logged into the Learning Management System on or before the ninth calendar day of class. After the fifty percent course completion date, the student’s refund is calculated by prorating based on when the student notifies the school of withdrawal or the last date of accessing the learning management system, to establish the date of determination (DOD).

Those courses which have been prepaid, but which have not been taken will be refunded in full. Students in a payment plan will have the amount of money collected and calculated in comparison the courses completed for a refund to be appropriately determined. If the student owes a debt, that debt will be appropriately charged according to the payment agreement.

The student will only be charged the $50.00 Technology Certificate registration fee, a pro-ration for the current course in accordance with this refund policy and for any other previously completed unpaid courses based on the refund calculation worksheet. This refund policy conforms with the California Education Code CEC 94911(e)(1). Students who cancel their program with a debt on their account will be held responsible for the payment of any remaining funds greater than or equal to $50.00 in accordance with the signed payment agreement.

If the institution has collected money that is greater than the amount owed for previously completed courses, the Institution will refund/credit the remaining balance to the payee's account within 45 days of the effective date of determination, in accordance with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary

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Education regulations. The calculation is determined by taking the number of courses completed and multiplying that number by $335 per course. If the number is lower than the total of money paid to VDCI, the student is entitled to a refund.

Avocational Students Enrolled in a Training Bundle or an Individual – Students who request to

withdraw/drop and who have completed less than fifty percent of the current course will receive a full refund for that course or will be given the option to select a future course start date with no negative ramifications to the student’s academic record.

A less-than fifty percent course completion is confirmed when the student has last logged into the Learning Management System on or before the ninth calendar day of class. After the fifty percent course completion date, the student’s refund is calculated by prorating based on when the student notifies the school of withdrawal or the last date of accessing the learning management system, to establish the date of determination (DOD).

For students in a training bundles, those courses which have not been taken will be refunded in full, if those courses have been pre-paid. Students in a payment plan will have the amount of money

collected and calculated in comparison the courses completed for a refund to be appropriately determined. If the student owes a debt, that debt will be appropriately charged according to the payment agreement.

The student will only be charged the $50.00 Technology Certificate registration fee, a pro-ration for the current course in accordance with this refund policy and for any other previously completed unpaid courses based on the refund calculation worksheet. This refund policy conforms with the California Education Code CEC 94911(e)(1). Students who cancel their program with a debt on their account will be held responsible for the payment of any remaining funds greater than or equal to $50.00 in accordance with the signed payment agreement.

If the institution has collected money that is greater than the amount owed for previously completed courses, the Institution will refund/credit the remaining balance to the payee's account within 45 days of the effective date of determination, in accordance with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education regulations.

Collections

VDCI sets high standards of behavior for our students, paralleling those required within the

professional work environment. Students with payment plan arrangements must always make their payments within the due dates as indicated in their Enrollment Agreements.

Students with payment arrangements sign a Payment Plan contract which indicates the dates that their payments are due. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that payments are made on the specified due dates. Those students who come close to the due date without making their payment may receive a reminder either in person, email or phone call from the administrative office. VDCI makes such reminders as a courtesy to our students. It is always the student’s responsibility to make their payments on time and in accordance with their contracts even if, for any reason, they do not receive a reminder.

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Although most payments are made automatically with credit cards, when permission is granted, students can make their payments by check. Those checks can be mailed or delivered to the administration office in person. Normally, a member of our administrative team will be available to receive payments between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday thru Thursday, and 9am to 12am on Fridays. The administrative team will provide a receipt on request. If for any reason none of our administrative team are available when the student brings in their payment, the student can either email the administrative office – learn@cadteacher.com or leave a voicemail 619-758-9888 Extension 6# and advise the administrative team that an attempt was made to render payment in person, and that the payment will be submitted during the morning of the next business day.

VDCI has strict collection requirements on past-due tuition payments because of the contractual relationships the institute has with various regulating bodies. On those rare occasions that payments are not made according to the terms of the contract, VDCI will be forced to terminate the student from the program.

On occasion, a student’s financial situation may change unexpectedly. If a student faces extenuating circumstances, the student should contact the Administrative team and/or the Program Manager to discuss their situation when these circumstances develop. It is our goal to support our students and their educational training and also to ensure that they appropriately satisfy their financial

commitments.

Should student completely default on a debts owed to VDCI, the institute uses all legally appropriate means to collect that debt, which may include, but are not limited to, referral to an outside collection agency, reporting to outside credit agencies, and collection actions as specified in the Arbitration Agreement of the student Enrollment Agreement.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Satisfactory academic progress policies are cumulative. The policies are in effect for the duration of a student attending VDCI. The policies are applied consistently to all students attending courses and/or participating in Technology Certificates.

Quantitative Measurement:

Onsite/Blended: To satisfy VDCI Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), students attending on-site courses can miss no more than one of the scheduled onsite meetings. If a student misses an onsite course, that student must make-up the session within the online modality. The onsite instructor will evaluate the work completed within the online modality. All work completed in the online modality will be transferred onto the onsite server, so the student can continue the course with their onsite

classmates. Students who do not make-up an onsite session will receive an 80% attendance score for that course. If a student misses more than one onsite session, the student must make-up all but one of the missed sessions or be administratively removed from the course.

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Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), students are required to complete at a minimal 80% of the scheduled class hours for each individual course and 80% of the total Program. Online students must complete 20% of the course within the first half of the class to demonstrate interim evaluations of interaction for IDL courses satisfying attendance and academic progress.

Qualitative Measurement:

For onsite and online students, a 70% score or higher is needed to pass the course successfully. If a student fails to meet the minimum qualitative standard, the course must be repeated in order to earn credit.

Increments for Evaluation:

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is reviewed by the Program Manager for every student at the end of each completed course.

Maximum Time Frame:

All VDCI Technology Certificate programs must be completed within the maximum time frame of 150% of the total published program length. Students enrolled in a 9 month program are given 1 year and 15 days to complete their program. Students enrolled in a 12 month program are given a

maximum of 18 months to complete their program. Time spent on an approved leave of absence is not counted against the maximum time frame. All students exceeding the maximum time frame will be administratively withdrawn and must be reenrolled to complete the program.

Review of Standard of Measurement:

During the SAP Review process, the Program Manager evaluates students’ course GPA and accumulative program GPA to ensure SAP standards are being met. Student attendance is also reviewed at this time and the attendance is incorporated into the student’s record to demonstrate satisfaction of SAP. This review occurs at the end of every course.

Failure to Meet SAP Standards: Warning Status:

(i) During the SAP Review by the Program Manager, if a student fails to meet the 80%

attendance or 70% grade average, the student will be placed on warning status for the following month; beginning on the start date of the course after the failed course was taken. During the warning period, the student must re-take and pass the course which was not successfully completed and must also pass the next course in their program.

(ii) Students will be notified via email that they have been placed on warning status for the following month.

(iii) The student will be requested to confirm the receipt of the warning status notice via email. If a student has not confirmed receipt within two days of the submission of that email, then the Program Manager will call the student.

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(v) In the warning notice, the student will be advised of the specific reason why they were placed on warning status, the duration of the academic warning and the start date of the course to be repeated. Students will be provided constructive guidance on how they can improve their performance and meet SAP standards, such as academic counseling or rescheduling their course load.

(vi) During the warning period, the student must pass the repeated course and must also pass the next course in their program. Upon successful completion of the repeated course, the student’s academic record will reflect the passing grade. The academic transcript will not reflect the failed attempt at the course.

(vii) If a student fails to meet SAP standards by the end of the warning period, the student will be notified that they will be administratively withdrawn from the program.

Appeals Process:

(i) Students who wish to appeal being withdrawn from the program must submit a written appeal to the school no more than seven days from the date the school issued the withdrawal notification.

(ii) In the written appeal, the student must provide a clear explanation of why the student failed to meet SAP standards during the warning period and also present how they will be able to achieve satisfactory academic progress in order to successfully complete the remainder of their program.

(iii) The VDCI Principal will review all appeals and determine if the student is allowed to continue their training under a warning status.

(iv) The Principal will send written notification of the appeal decision to the student within ten days of receiving the appeal.

(v) If the student’s appeal is successful, the student can continue their training as long as the student meets the terms of the academic plan, described below.

Academic Plan:

Under the Program Manager’s guidance and with final approval of the VDCI Principal, an academic plan will be given to the student before resuming their normal coursework. The academic plan will include a schedule to which the student can adhere, resources for reaching out to school faculty and staff, and a clear and concise deadline for completing the program within the 150% maximum time frame for program completion.

Academic Probation:

(i) Students who successfully appeal being withdrawn from the school due to failing to meet SAP standards will be placed on academic probation for a total of one month following the date of their successful appeal.

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(ii) The probationary period will last no longer than one month.

(iii) Students must meet the SAP during the probation period. If a student fails to meet SAP standards during their probationary period, the student with considered administratively withdrawn.

Reinstatement/Readmitted Students:

Students who have been administratively withdrawn due to failure to adhere to SAP Standards may be reinstated/readmitted under the following conditions:

(i) Students must present a clear explanation as to why they failed to meet SAP standards and provide documentation that shows the previous issues in training or scheduling have been explained to the school and are not likely to happen again.

(ii) Students must wait a minimum of one month before being reinstated/readmitted into the program.

Once a student has been reinstated/readmitted, and has resumed their coursework, the student will be placed on probation status for no longer than one month following their reinstatement. After that time period, and after successful demonstration of satisfactorily achieving SAP, the student will be returned to “in good standing” status.

Retention of Documentation in Student Records:

All documentation regarding any warning, probation, appeal, and/or reinstatement will be retained in the student records, so that if there is a future audit, that documentation of student progress and achievement of SAP standards is available. When the student successfully completes their program, their transcript will not reflect any information regarding the warning, probation, appeal, and/or

reinstatement.

Additional Elements of Satisfactory Academic Progress:

i. Incomplete grades are not given at VDCI.

ii. Students may withdraw from a course without reason no later than the end of the ninth day of class. Students who withdraw from a course after the ninth day of class must notify the

Program Manager of the withdrawal. The Program Manager notes the students file of all withdrawals after the ninth day of class. Academic credit is not provided for courses from which students have withdrawn.

iii. Students who earn a grade less than a C- or 70% (or below) must repeat the course in order to receive academic credit for that course. When the student repeats a course, their academic record reflects the grade received for the repeated course.

iv. Non-credit remedial course work is not given at VDCI. v. VDCI does not accept incoming credit from other institutions.

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Grades and Standards for Student Achievement – Satisfactory Progress

Grades are awarded on a traditional A+, A, A-, B+, B, B- ... F system. The minimum passing grade is a C. The minimum allowable grade point average to maintain satisfactory progress is a C, or 2.0. In calculating a student's grade point average, the following policy applies:

Letter Grade Percent Grade Points Letter Grade Percent Grade Points A+ 98 – 100% 4.00 C- 70 – 72% 1.67 A 94 – 97% 3.67 D+ 67 – 69% 1.33 A- 90 – 93% 3.50 D 63 – 66% 1.00 B+ 87 – 89% 3.33 D- 66 – 62% 0.67 B 83 – 86% 3.00 F 0 – 59% 0.00 B- 80 – 82% 2.67 I Incomplete 0% 0.00 C+ 77 – 79% 2.33 W Withdrawn 0% 0.00 C 73 – 76% 2.00 AU Audit 0% 0.00

If the student has not completed the coursework and earned a grade at the end of the course, the instructor may issue one of the following grades.

I Incomplete If the course has not been completed, the instructor may grant an I on a two-month extension of the term, at no additional tuition cost, when the student is making satisfactory progress and the instructor believes that an extension of time will permit satisfactory completion. At the end of this period, a final grade must be recorded.

W Withdraw The student may withdraw from any course before the end of the term. At the end of the term, the instructor may withdraw the student from the course and issue a W when the

instructor believes the student's progress is insufficient to warrant an extension. A student who

withdraws or is administratively withdrawn must retake the course and is responsible for a new tuition payment for that course of study.

Maximum Timeframe for Course Completion

All students are limited to one and one-half times the length of the Program in calendar time, i.e., number of weeks (exclusive of leaves of absence and withdrawals) to complete the program. VDCI will not accept appeals of the Maximum Timeframe requirement.

Dismissal Policies – Termination of Enrollment

VDCI reserves the right to dismiss any student whose conduct or lack of attention is detrimental to the progress of other students.

Student enrollment may be terminated by the following causes (which are included in the Code of Student Conduct):

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1) Drug or alcohol abuse.

2) Violation of the Code of Student Conduct.

3) Failure to meet VDCI standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress. 4) Illegal appropriation of school property.

5) Any form of dishonesty intended to falsify test or grade results.

6) Other causes not stated but that clearly violate the VDCI Code of Student Conduct.

7) The use of any type of abusive or threatening language or the display of any type of threatening behavior towards another student, a VDCI staff member, a VDCI instructor, or a third party in any way connected with participation at VDCI

8) Possession of firearms or concealed weapons on San VDCI property.

9) Students are expected to meet these policies and standards of behavior at any time when the student is on campus.

Code of Student Conduct

Students are expected to behave professionally and respectfully at all times. Students are subject to dismissal for breaches of security, any inappropriate or unethical conduct or for any act of academic dishonesty. Students are expected to dress and act accordingly while attending this institution. Students are respectfully requested to adhere to the student conduct codes identified in the section labeled “Dismissal Policies – Termination of Enrollment.” At the discretion of the school

administration a student may be dismissed from school for reasons including, but not limited to the items identified above, in the section labeled “Dismissal Policies – Termination of Enrollment” – in particular:

Any students found to have engaged in such conduct will be asked to leave the premises

immediately. Disciplinary action will be determined by the Chief Executive Officer of this institution and such determination will be made within 10 days after meeting with both the chair of the

department in which the student is enrolled and the student in question. Academic Probation

The Chief Academic Officer may place a student on academic probation if the student is not making satisfactory academic progress as per this institution's published policy. The student's grade point average will be monitored at the end of each enrollment period when the grades are posted. Should the GPA fall below that required for completion, a student may be placed on academic probation. This will result in a formal advisory, which will be sent to the student, indicating the reason for the

probation. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress may result in dismissal from the program. The Chief Academic Officer will offer assistance in locating a suitable tutor, should such service be requested by the student.

Course Participation Policy and Make-Up Work

For online and onsite students, all coursework for a course in which the student is enrolled must be completed in order to continue on to the successive course in their Program sequence. The minimal passing grade to continue on with a Program is the grade of “C.”

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materials such as course videos, reading assignments, discussion forums, assessments, and project deliverables. For onsite students, the information provided in the VDCI Portal is integral to, reinforces and augments the onsite course lectures. For online students, the VDCI Portal is the vehicle by which all instruction is provided to the online student.

For onsite students, if an onsite student is unable to attend a specific onsite course session, the student must inform their instructor in advance that they will be missing a class session.

Communication via email and/or the VDCI Portal is the preferred method for communicating an upcoming absence with the instructor. In order for the onsite student to satisfy the attendance requirement for them to receive credit for the course material covered during the session for which they will be unable to attend, the student must complete the course material for the onsite class session which was missed using their access to the online learning management system, the VDCI Portal. That coursework must be completed and submitted to the onsite instructor for

review/evaluation before the next regularly scheduled onsite session.

VDCI does not offer instructor-led makeup classes. Students will be responsible for completing the course materials covered during the class being missed via use of the VDCI Portal before the successive class session. Students can use their personal computer or one of the computers provided at the VDCI Open Labs to complete the course assignments.

The course submissions and deliverables which were assigned for the onsite session, but completed via the online modality, must be submitted to the onsite instructor via the VDCI Portal. The onsite instructor will review/evaluate/grade the submission and will copy that information onto the onsite server, so that when the student returns for the next regularly schedule onsite session, the student will have access to all of their completed coursework, and will be able to continue with their

classmates for the duration of the course.

Credit will be given for the course material submitted. When all coursework is submitted to the instructor via the online modality in advance of the next regularly scheduled course session, the student’s attendance will reflect “present,” not “absent.” Successful completion satisfies the requirements for making up absences.

For online students, the students interact with their instructor and their classmates exclusively in the online modality. There is no make-up work available for online students. Students learn and

complete their work asynchronously. Students are responsible to submit their appropriate deliverables by the dates prescribed in the online environment.

For all onsite and online courses, all course deliverables are due when the access to the student information system database for that class closes. For onsite students, all deliverables are due at midnight on the Monday after the last regularly scheduled onsite session. For online students, all courses are of a two-week duration. All deliverables are due at midnight on the second Monday after the course began.