Privacy and FERPA
All student records are kept in accordance with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Education records include all files, records, and documents that contain information directly related to a student’s academic and financial records, placement files, and financial aid documents. Transcript information is retained permanently, and other signed documents and specific records are retained according to state and federal regulations.

It is GIA’s policy to release the following directory information to anyone who requests it: student name, fields of study, dates of enrollment, diplomas and certificates and dates conferred, and academic honors and awards received.

Current, active students may submit a written request that directory information not be released. This request must be submitted to the Custodian of Education Records within 30 days of enrollment or within 30 days of receiving notification of this policy. The student must renew this request annually.

Students may examine their own records by submitting a written request to the Custodian of Education Records who will schedule an appointment for them to view their education records within 45 days of receiving the request.

Students who believe their records are inaccurate, misleading, or violate their privacy may submit a written request to the Custodian of Education Records that their record be amended. If the record is not amended, the student may request a hearing to challenge the contents of the record. The student will be informed, in writing, of the decision resulting from the hearing. If the record is not amended as a result of the hearing, the student has the right to place a statement in the record commenting on the contested information in the record or stating why he or she disagrees with the decision of the hearing. The student may also submit a written complaint to the Family Policy Compliance Office, US Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

Transcripts
On campus students will receive one official transcript upon graduation. Students who want to receive or release additional copies of their transcript must complete a Transcript Release Form, available from the Student Services office or the Student Records office. The first official transcript is free; there is a charge for additional copies (See Supplemental Fee Schedule in Schedule of Student Charges on page 100 of GIA's 2007 Education Catalog.) It is GIA’s policy not to issue letters of recommendation for students.

Graduation Announcements
On campus students who complete their course or program, Distance Education students who complete their program, and School of Business students who earn the BBA degree or the JBM diploma will receive a prepared press release announcing their graduation. Students are encouraged to submit these to their local newspapers. Although publication of such notices is not guaranteed, many newspapers are proud to announce the accomplishments of local residents.

Academic Credentials Policy
These usage guidelines apply to all current and former students of the Gemological Institute of America, Inc. and its related entities (collectively referred to as GIA).

Usage Guidelines for Academic Credentials and Other Uses

Applicability

These usage guidelines apply to all current and former students of the Gemological Institute of America, Inc. and its related entities (collectively referred to as GIA).

Usage Guidelines for Academic Credentials

The academic credentials earned at GIA are respected by gem and jewelry professionals around the world. They are the internationally understood symbol for the highest standard of education in the fields of gemology, jewelry manufacturing arts, and jewelry business.

• John Doe, Accredited Jewelry Professional (GIA), or John Doe, A.J.P. (GIA)
• Jane Doe, Gemologist (GIA)
• John Doe, Graduate Gemologist (GIA), or John Doe, G.G. (GIA)
• Jane Doe, Applied Jewelry Arts (GIA), or Jane Doe, A.J.A. (GIA)
• John Doe, Graduate Jeweler (GIA), or John Doe, G.J. (GIA)
• Jane Doe, A.J.P., G.G. (GIA)
• John Doe, G.G., G.J. (GIA)

The following examples refer to the Graduate Diamonds, Graduate Colored Stones, and Graduate Pearls diplomas:

• Jane Doe, GIA Diamonds Graduate
• John Doe, GIA Colored Stones Graduate
• John Doe, GIA Pearls Graduate

Names, Trademarks, and Copyrights

GIA’s names and logos, like those of most organizations, are valid trademarks and as such may not be used in your advertising except as described herein. The same is true for GIA’s copyrighted materials (including all GIA publications, course materials, certain printed forms used by GIA, the GIA Laboratory, and GIA Instruments) which may be used only by obtaining prior written consent from GIA. Some specific examples of GIA’s trademarks and copyrighted material that may NOT be used in your advertising without prior consent are:

• Gemological Institute of America its logo: GIA
• GIA Laboratory and its logo
• GIA Laboratory Grading and Identification Reports, including but not limited to GIA Diamond 
  Grading Report, GIA Diamond Dossier®, GIA Identification Report, and GIA Colored Diamond 
  Identification and Origin Report
• GIA Instruments and its logo
• GIA Education materials and publications in any medium including but not limited to print, web,
  video, or audio.
• Gems & Gemology quarterly journal and its logo

Campus Policies and Recommendations
Part of every student’s experience at GIA includes learning to become a jewelry professional. GIA students are expected to behave in a professional manner at all times, both in and out of the classroom, and to treat others with dignity and respect.

Code of conduct and standards of behavior
Students are required to follow all safety instructions given by instructors or by other GIA representatives. Students who become aware of anything that seems unsafe, improper or illegal should report it to a GIA staff member immediately. Students who exhibit offensive, harassing, disruptive, threatening, insubordinate, or unlawful behavior may be disciplined immediately. This discipline can range from a warning to dismissal from GIA. GIA has a “zero tolerance” policy with regard to weapons, illegal drugs or controlled substances, and threatening or harassing behavior. This means students who are found to be in violation of these policies may be dismissed as a result of the first violation. Students who exhibit disruptive or otherwise unacceptable behavior off campus may also be subject to discipline, ranging from a warning to dismissal from GIA. Students are responsible for being familiar with, and understanding, all GIA student policies.

Dress Code
GIA students are preparing to become jewelry professionals, and dressing appropriately is a crucial part of a professional image. Casual attire is the norm for typical school days. Safety and good taste are also important considerations. Shoes and appropriate undergarments are required. Dresses, shorts, and skirts must be no shorter than mid-thigh. At certain times—for on campus job interviews, for example—students should wear appropriate business attire, such as suits and ties for men, and suits or dresses for women.

GIA has also established specific safety policies for Jewelry Manufacturing Arts classes, where hot metal, sharp tools, chemicals, and highspeed machines present special safety requirements. See “Classroom Lab Policies” on page 82 of GIA's 2007 Education Catalog.

Emergency Procedures
In the very unlikely event of an emergency that closes the school, such as an earthquake or fire, students should visit the GIA website or call the GIA main phone number and listen to the recorded message for further instructions and information. For Carlsbad, please call 800-421- 7250 or 760- 603-4000; for New York 800-366-8519 or 212-944-5900; for Los Angeles, 866-702-2088 or 310-670-2100, or visit www.gia.edu.

Food and Beverages
Students have several choices for snacks and meals. Food can be purchased on campus or from a variety of nearby off-campus locations. Refrigerators and microwaves are available for those who prefer to bring their own food. The student lobby is furnished with tables and chairs; outdoor seating is also available. Refuse containers for proper disposal of food and beverage trash are plentiful in each of these areas. Eating is not permitted in GIA classrooms. However, drinks in closed containers are allowed. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on campus and during Lab classes and Student Workrooms, regardless of location, except when served at official GIA functions. Persons under 21 years of age will not be served alcohol.

Parking
There is no charge for student parking in the Carlsbad general parking lot. All vehicles must display a current parking pass. The parking lot is secured every night after 6 p.m.; vehicles may not be left in the lot overnight. The speed limit in the parking lot is 5 mph. Students are not allowed to park in areas marked “Reserved,” “Visitors,” or “Staff.” Students who violate the parking policy will be warned and are subject to dismissal for repeated violations.

Parking at GIA’s New York facility is available in nearby parking garages; fees are charged by the individual parking facility. Parking at GIA’s Los Angeles facility is available at a special validated and discounted rate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cars should not be left overnight. There may be a charge for parking at other class locations.

School and Classroom Hours
The Carlsbad facility is open to all students from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. New York hours are 8 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. Monday through Friday. Los Angeles hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lab classes and Student Workroom hours at other locations vary. Only students enrolled in classes with evening hours, or by special permission, may be in the building after these hours. The Carlsbad student computer lab is open daily to students until 5:30 p.m. There is a scheduled lunch break every day. Other breaks may be given at each instructor’s discretion. Classrooms are secured and students are required to leave the classroom during these breaks, unless otherwise advised by the instructor. Students should expect to spend several hours each day outside of class on homework and other assigned projects. Carlsbad on campus class hours (except School of Business). Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Carlsbad School of Business on campus class hours. Classes are in session Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. Each class consists of 4.5 hours of classroom time per week. Four classes is a full-time load. Class meeting days and times will be made available upon enrollment.

Carlsbad School of Business Online Class Hours
The School of Business online classroom is available to enrolled students at any time during the 10 week course, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. All coursework must be completed online according to the assigned due dates. Some courses also hold online meetings that are arranged according to student availability. Each course syllabus is published online for enrolled students.

Search and Seizure
If warranted in its judgment—for example, to secure health and safety or property—GIA may open and inspect the contents of any student’s desk, locker, computer software, or other furnishing. GIA, an independent security service, or law enforcement may conduct inspections or searches at any time without notice, including at times when the student is not present. In light of this policy, students should not bring or store on GIA premises any documents, materials, or other item for which they desire privacy. Failure to cooperate in any inspection may subject a student o discipline up to and including dismissal.

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited inside GIA buildings. Each campus has designated outdoor smoking areas. Please help to keep our facility clean by pacing package wrappers, cigarette butts, and their debris in the designated containers.

Student Photo ID Badges
At the beginning of class, a photo ID badge will be issued to all on campus students. It must be displayed at all times while on campus. There is a fee for lost badges. (See Supplemental Fee Schedule in the Schedule of Student Charges for on campus on page 100 of GIA's 2007 Education Catalog.)

Substance Abuse
GIA is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy campus. The use, sale, purchase, transfer, distribution, or possession of illegal drugs or controlled substances, including alcohol, on campus is prohibited.

Violation of this policy will lead to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. In addition to GIA-imposed sanctions, students may be subject to federal, state, and local prosecution.

Students who are aware of the use or presence of any such abuse at GIA should notify a staff member immediately. The terms “illegal drugs” and “controlled substances” include all chemical substances or drugs listed in any controlled substances laws or regulations such as the Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1988.

Prescription medications that have not been properly prescribed to the individual by a doctor are included in this policy. GIA may require a blood test, urinalysis, or other screening of those persons reasonably suspected of using or being under the inf luence of a drug or alcohol. “Reasonable suspicion” may be established by any combination of a student’s appearance, body odors, behavior, an accident, a physical and/or verbal altercation, or possession of drugs and/or alcohol. Failure to submit to such a screening can lead to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from GIA.

Students who believe they have a chemical dependency or substance abuse problem and who want help can learn about many helpful resources from our Student Services staff. Additional resources may be found in the yellow pages of a local phone directory under “Alcoholism.”

Video Surveillance
Students are advised that because of the nature of the jewelry industry and the goods we handle on campus, video surveillance is a normal part of GIA’s business practice. GIA’s security team monitors and records activity throughout the campus on a regular basis. Thus, students should not expect privacy in their activities on campus.

Visitors
Visitors to GIA facilities must register with a security officer prior to being admitted. Please be prepared to show photographic identification. If you are coming to a GIA facility for a class, to take an exam, or to use the Student Workroom, please arrive early to allow a few extra minutes for this process to be completed.

Weapons
Under no circumstances are students allowed to possess firearms or other weapons on campus. Students found carrying or concealing a weapon are disciplined, up to and including dismissal from GIA and referral to appropriate law enforcement agencies. Students who carry personal safety devices like pepper spray must inform GIA and keep them out of sight while on campus.

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