Termination / Dismissal Policy

Purpose:
The Termination & Dismissal Policy outlines the circumstances under which a student's enrollment may be terminated and the procedures for such actions. FORGE is committed to providing a clear and fair process, ensuring that all dismissal decisions are made respectfully and in compliance with school policies and Washington State private vocational school regulations. This policy protects both the integrity of the school environment and the rights of the student.

Grounds for Dismissal

A student may be dismissed from the program for any of the following reasons:

A. Safety Violations

Safety is a condition of enrollment. Dismissal may occur for:

  • Repeated failure to follow safety instructions
  • Removal of PPE or refusal to wear required PPE
  • Operating equipment without authorization
  • Horseplay or unsafe behavior in the shop
  • Tampering with tools, machines, or safety devices
  • Any action that endangers self or others

B. Conduct Violations

Students may be dismissed for:

  • Threatening, aggressive, or violent behavior
  • Harassment, bullying, or discriminatory conduct
  • Theft or intentional property damage
  • Disruptive behavior that interferes with instruction
  • Use of profanity or abusive language toward staff or students
  • Refusal to follow instructor directions

C. Attendance Violations

Students may be dismissed if they:

  • Miss more than 20% of scheduled program hours
  • Demonstrate chronic tardiness or early departures
  • Miss mandatory safety briefings
  • Fail to communicate absences appropriately

Attendance is directly tied to safety and competency.

D. Academic / Progress Violations

Students may be dismissed for:

  • Failure to demonstrate required welding competencies
  • Refusal to participate in training activities
  • Failure to complete OSHA‑10 General Industry
  • Repeated unsatisfactory performance after feedback

E. Drug or Alcohol Use

Students may be dismissed for:

  • Attending class under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Possessing drugs or alcohol on school property
  • Impairment that compromises safety

The instructor has full authority to remove a student suspected of impairment.

F. Non‑Payment

Students may be dismissed for:

  • Failure to meet tuition payment deadlines
  • Failure to comply with an approved payment plan
  • Loss of agency funding without resolution

Financial dismissal does not eliminate tuition owed under the Refund Policy.

Disciplinary Process

FORGE uses a progressive disciplinary process unless the violation is severe enough to require immediate dismissal.

  1. Verbal Warning
    1. The instructor identifies the issue and explains expectations.
  2. Written Warning

    1. A written notice is issued outlining:

      • The violation
      • Required corrective actions
      • Consequences of continued violations
  3. Final Warning or Suspension
    1. The student may be temporarily removed from training.
  4. Dismissal
    1. The student is removed from the program.

Immediate dismissal may occur at any step for severe safety or conduct violations.

Immediate Dismissal

Notification of Dismissal

Immediate dismissal may occur for:

  • Violence or threats
  • Harassment or discriminatory behavior
  • Severe safety violations
  • Tampering with equipment
  • Being under the influence in the shop
  • Intentional property damage
  • Any action that creates imminent danger

No prior warnings are required.

 

Students dismissed from the program will receive:

  • A written notice of dismissal
  • The reason for dismissal
  • The effective date
  • Information about refund eligibility (if any)

The last date of attendance is used for refund calculations.

Student Rights After Dismissal

Refunds After Dismissal

Dismissed students may:

  • Request a copy of their attendance and progress records
  • Submit a written appeal under the Complaint & Grievance Policy
  • Request information about re‑enrollment eligibility

Dismissal does not guarantee re‑admission.

Refunds for dismissed students follow the Refund Policy and Washington State regulations.
Dismissal does not eliminate financial responsibility for tuition owed.

Re‑Enrollment After Dismissal

A dismissed student may request re‑enrollment in a future cohort. Approval depends on:

  • Reason for dismissal
  • Safety history
  • Instructor recommendation
  • Space availability
  • Tuition status

Re‑enrollment is not guaranteed.