Student Rights & Responsibilities Policy

Purpose:

The Student Rights & Responsibilities Policy ensures that every student understands their rights within the Welding Foundations & Industrial Safety program, as well as the responsibilities they must uphold to maintain a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment. This policy supports transparency, fairness, and compliance with Washington State private vocational school regulations.

Student Rights

All students enrolled at FORGE Vocational Training Foundation have the right to:

A Safe Learning Environment
  • A shop and classroom free from hazards
  • Enforcement of safety rules
  • Immediate response to safety concerns

Respect and Dignity
  • Be treated with professionalism and courtesy
  • Learn in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, or intimidation
  • Have concerns heard without retaliation

Clear and Accurate Information
  • Transparent tuition and fee information
  • Clear program expectations
  • Access to all school policies
  • Honest communication about progress and performance

Access to Records
  • Review their own attendance, progress, and financial records
  • Request corrections to inaccurate information
  • Receive copies of records upon request

Fair Evaluation
  • Competency‑based assessments
  • Feedback that supports learning
  • Consistent application of grading and safety standards

Complaint and Appeal Rights
  • File a complaint without fear of retaliation
  • Receive a timely response
  • Appeal decisions through the grievance process
  • Contact state agencies if concerns are not resolved

Privacy
  • Confidential handling of personal information
  • Secure storage of records
  • Limited release of information only as allowed by law

Student Responsibilities

Students share responsibility for maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional training environment. Students must:

Follow All Safety Rules
  • Wear required PPE
  • Use equipment only as instructed
  • Report injuries, hazards, and near‑misses immediately
  • follow instructor directions at all times

Maintain Professional Conduct
  • Treat others with respect
  • Communicate appropriately
  • Avoid disruptive behavior
  • Uphold the Student Code of Conduct

Attend and Participate
  • Arrive on time
  • Attend all scheduled hours
  • Engage fully in training activities
  • Notify the instructor of absences

Complete Required Work
  • Participate in hands‑on training
  • Complete OSHA‑10 General Industry
  • Demonstrate required welding competencies
  • Follow instructions during evaluations

Respect Property
  • Use tools responsibly
  • Keep work areas clean
  • Avoid damaging equipment
  • Report malfunctioning tools

Uphold Academic Integrity
  • Complete their own work
  • Be honest about progress
  • Avoid falsifying records or evaluations

Meet Financial Obligations
  • Pay tuition or comply with payment plans
  • Provide required documentation for agency funding

Communicate Professionally
  • Ask questions when unsure
  • Express concerns respectfully
  • Follow proper channels for complaints or appeals

Shared Responsibility for Safety

Policy Availability

Safety is a partnership. Students and instructors work together to:

  • Identify hazards
  • Maintain clean and organized workspaces
  • Promote safe habits
  • Support a culture where reporting is encouraged

Safety is not optional — it is a condition of enrollment.

Students receive this policy:

  • In the school catalog
  • On the school website
  • During enrollment
  • Upon request at any time

Students are responsible for understanding and following all policies.

Acknowledgment

All students must sign an acknowledgment confirming that they:

  • Have received and reviewed this policy
  • Understand their rights and responsibilities
  • Agree to follow all school rules and expectations

This acknowledgment becomes part of the student’s enrollment record.