Privacy and Personal Information Policies

Collection
Student personal information is vital to the survival of Berkeley Adult School. We are required to collect personal information directly from BAS students to get specific program funding from other agencies. This funding enables BAS to provide low-cost and no-fee classes. The information helps BAS make management decisions regarding which courses to offer. It also guides BAS in its communication with students.

Use
BAS keeps students informed about their classes and about similar courses that they may be interested in, using this information. Students can choose not to be contacted by the school.

This information is also used:
to accommodate students in case of a medical emergency,
to inquire about attendance or academic issues that may prevent a student from completing a course,
Career Technical Education students may be contacted later for course evaluations or employment information.

Privacy Notice
BAS has video surveillance in strategic locations on campus.

Disclosure
Berkeley Adult School keeps the individual identity of students private when their personal information is shared with other agencies. Only authorized auditors are allowed to view original files, which disclose personal information with names. Students' personal information is protected and will not leave the Berkeley Adult School campus without student consent, except as listed below.

Exceptions
Some groups, such as law enforcement agencies and journalists, have a lawful or investigative need to collect, use and disclose personal information without having to obtain the consent of the concerned individuals.

For these reasons, certain exemptions are included:
if the action clearly benefits the individual,
if obtaining permission could infringe on the information's accuracy,
where such data can contribute to a legal investigation or aid in an emergency where lives and safety could be at stake,
if disclosure aids, in times of emergency, matters of legal investigation, or facilitates the conservation of historically important records,
when personal information collected, used or disclosed is solely for journalistic, artistic or literary purposes.
Refunds and Other Policies

Refunds
Please note: Classes registered online MAY NOT be cancelled for refund online. You must call (510.644.6130) or come into the office to request a refund for a class registered online.

Please choose your classes carefully. Refunds will be offered up to 24 business day hours before a class begins. After that, no refunds or transfer of fees are available unless a class is cancelled by the school. No exceptions to this policy. A visitor's pass (good for 30 minutes) is available from the Main Office if you're unsure of a class. Speak with the instructor if you have questions about the class or your particular situation. An instructor may drop a student who misses five or more class hours, and no refund will be issued.

Admissions
Classes are primarily for adults 18 years and older.

Accessibility
Classes are wheelchair accessible via two elevators. If you require specific accommodation due to a disabiltiy, please call 510-644-6130 and make your request at least two weeks in advance of your start date.

Class Closures
Classes with low enrollment or attendance may be cancelled by the administrator throughout the session. Career Technical, ESL, Academic, Lifelong Learning, and Adults with Disabilities classes are funded by state allocated monies based on attendance. Minimum class size is 15 students, except for fee-based classes. Students must share the responsiblity of keeping the class going by maintaining consistent attendance. If your class is cancelled, please apply for your refund within 5 days of the cancellation date.

Equal Opportunity
Berkeley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or sex in any of its policies or procedures related to admissions, employment, financial aide, educational services, programs or activities.

Fees and Class Size
ESL, Adult Basic Education, High School Diploma/GED, Lifelong Learning, and Adults with Disabilities are free. Fee-based classes (community service classes) are listed with class fees in the catalog and on the website in the class listings. Citizens 55 years of age or older receive a Senior Discount of 25% for most classes. Fees are based on the number of students needed to cover class cost. Classes with low enrollment may have the fees and/or hours adjusted, or may be cancelled. Note: Online registration has an additional $2.95 fee per transaction per student. Also, online registration is not capable of offering the Senior Discount.

Foreign Students
BAS does not require a visa to attend classes. BAS cannot issue visas or validate visas. All necessary travel documents should be handled by the issuing agency in the student's home country before travelling to the United States.

Notice About Checks
There will be a service charge of $25 on all checks which fail to clear through your bank.

Registration
Pre-registration is required for career technical and fee-based classes. Classes risk cancellation if the minimum number is not reached BEFORE the first class session. Our fee-based classes are not tax supported. We price our classes affordably to cover our costs for teachers' salaries, teaching materials, and classroom facilities. These classes must be self-supporting. If we do not have the minimum number of students in a class, we will give the students the option of paying a slightly higher class fee, reducing the number of hours of instruction, or cancelling the class. We do not like to cancel a class, so register NOW and attend.

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all BAS buildings and in posted areas.

Uniform Complaint Procedure
In accordance with state guidelines, the District has adopted Uniform Complaint Procedures which shall be followed when addressing complaints alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment or intimidation, or failure to comply with state and federal laws related to adult basic education programs, consolidated categorical programs, vocational programs, and special education programs. A copy of the Uniform Complaint Procedures may be obtained from the Principal's Office.

Waiver
Registered students or legal guardians of registered students participating in Berkeley Adult School programs agree to hold Berkeley Unified School District free and harmless from any claim or expense that may arise from participation in the program(s). Berkeley Unified School District does not carry medical insurance for its students.

Updated 05/01/08