Gnomon School of Visual Effects

Course Delivery

• Classes are either 10-weeks, 5-weeks or 1-week in length
• Most courses consist of three hours of in-class lecture and demonstration and nine hours of guaranteed Studio Lab time per week
• Online classes may be an option for some courses
• Class assignments are project-based and revolve around the student's personal direction and creation.

International Students

• Gnomon is not able to issue I-20's for students enrolled in the Professional Studies program.
• International students interested in taking classes should check with their embassy to inquire about the length of a visitor's visa. A visitor's visa may allow enough time to complete a term or two at Gnomon.

• Tuition ranges are from $278 to $1768 per course
• The majority of 10-week Digital courses are $1663
• 5-week Digital courses are $866
• One-week Digital courses are $1650
• Traditional courses are $505 for 10-weeks and $278 for 5-weeks

Payment/Gnomon Accepts

• Checks: company / personal (a $25 processing fee will be charge for any returned unpaid check)
• Visa, MasterCard
• Money Orders
• Corporate Purchase Orders
• Gnomon Payment Plans
• Wire Transfers
• Federal Funding and Sallie Mae Career Training loans

Gnomon Payment Plans

• Tuition is broken up into three installments with a 3% service charge applied.
• The first installment is due at the time of signing the Payment Plan.
• Remaining installments are due over the course of the term.
• Students paying via a Gnomon Payment Plan are obligated to fulfill the agreement if they fail to properly drop a class.
• Payments made more than five (5) business days after a scheduled due date are subject to a 2% late fee.
• Payments seven (7) or more business days late are subject to the student’s computer account being frozen until payment is rectified.
• A $25 processing fee will be charged for any returned unpaid check and in addition, is also subject to a 2% late fee.

Student Loans

• Gnomon offers "Career Training" loans through SLM Financial, a SallieMae Company.
• Students interested in enrolling at Gnomon may apply for low-interest financing through SLM to pay their tuition.
• Students interested in a SallieMae loan may contact the Financial Aid office for more details financialaid@gnomonschool.com
• Prior to submitting a loan application, students must speak with Gnomon’s Admissions Counselor as well as our Financial Aid representative.
• Students must be a U.S. citizen, a US national, or a permanent resident and must be creditworthy.
• The deadline to apply for a SallieMae Loan is 7 business days prior to the start of the term.

Withdrawal/Refund Policy

• Tuition refunds will be based on the date the drop request is received in writing via email. Please address your email requests to register@gnomonschool.com

View the Courses section for specific course tuitions.

• Admission is based on space availability and experience
• Class advisement is available through the Admissions department
• Tours are available weekdays
• Please contact our Admissions office to make an appointment for a campus tour or class advisement

Accredidation

The Council of Occupational Education (COE), a national accrediting agency committed to assuring quality and integrity in career and workforce development, accredits Gnomon. COE is located at 41 Perimeter Center East, NE, Suite 640, Atlanta, GA 30346. Telephone (local): 770-396-3898, (toll free): 800-917-2081, FAX: 770-396-3790.

Personal Conduct

Gnomon is an educational facility. Our environment is geared towards a real-world production atmosphere, complete with Instructors that are working professionals. Programs are structured to develop your work ethic both professionally and personally. As a student it is your responsibility to attend class, be prompt, complete projects, meet deadlines, and exhibit professional behavior towards the instructors, staff and peers.

Academic Integrity

"Plagiarism is representing someone else's ideas, writing or other intellectual property as your own." The Visual Effects industry is driven by collaboration and networking. Plagiarism will not be tolerated at Gnomon and could negatively impact your career in the industry. Gnomon will take disciplinary action resulting in suspension or dismissal at the discretion of the Director.

Non-Discrimination Policy

• Gnomon offers "Career Training" loans through SLM Financial, a Sallie Mae Company.
• Gnomon admits students regardless of race, creed, color, sex, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin.

Student Work

• Gnomon reserves the right to retain any and all student work for exhibition, publication, or for our student gallery.
• Gnomon's facilities may not be used for paid production work.

Guidance Services

• Class advisement is available through the Admissions department for students.
• Career guidance and placement is available through Gnomon's Director of Advancement.
• Placement assistance is provided, however it is not guaranteed.

Class Cancellation

• Gnomon reserves the right to cancel/re-schedule a class or change faculty. In the event of a class change, students will be notified immediately.
• If the school cancels or discontinues a course or educational program, the school will make a full 100% refund of all charges. Refunds will be paid within 30 days.

Make Up Classes

Should a class be canceled during the term, we will make all possible efforts to reschedule the class. Make-ups are usually scheduled during the first week of the break. Please keep this in mind when making plans and travel arrangements.

Class Evaluations

At the end of each term, students are asked to evaluate their classes and instructors through an evaluation form. Your responses help us become aware of what areas are working and where there may be room for improvement. We take our evaluations seriously and ask that you do, too.

Holidays

Gnomon traditionally observes Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Notifications will be posted if any other holidays will be observed.

Grading

Grading is based on conceptual and aesthetic merit as well as technical execution and effort (as in any arts course); just doing the assignment is not enough. Assignments may be given in two forms: weekly assignments and/or a final project. Late assignments may be significantly downgraded.

Definition of a Letter Grade

• Excellent work exceeding expectations. Outstanding participation, Attendance, and assignments
• A student producing work in the top 20% of her or his class
• Above average assignments and mastery of tools and concepts, participation and attendance
• Average execution of assignments, participation and attendance
• Well below average work, participation and attendance
• Unsatisfactory work, participation and attendance

Grades are configured on a 4.0 scale +'s and -'s may be used to accentuate a grade in either direction.

Grades May be Evaluated From the Following Components

• Weekly Assignments
• Midterm Exam
• Final Exam
• Term Project
• Presentation of the Term Project

Withdrawal/Refund Policy

Tuition refunds will be based on the date the drop request is received in writing via email. Please address your email requests to register@gnomonschool.com

Transcript/Letter Requests

Official transcripts/verification letters will be provided by written request and are subject to payment of the prescribed fee, if there is no outstanding financial obligation due. Transcript requests/verification letters forms may be obtained from the administrative office or can be requested via email with required information to register@gnomonschool.com. Please allow 72 hours for processing.

Studio/Lab Etiquette

In that you will be spending many hours in a shared lab space, please observe the following rules/courtesies:

• Eating /Drinking is prohibited in the labs. PERIOD! Please use the lounge for consumption of all food and beverages. Keep in mind you are not the only person utilizing the lounge, so clean up after yourself.
• We realized the importance of music as inspiration, however not everyone shares your musical taste. Please listen to your music with headphones. No headphones, no music.
• If you are taking a break and conversing with friends, please be respectful towards other students who are working, and use your indoor voice.
• The phone in the lobby is for convenience. Please limit your call time to 5 minutes, as the Administrative staff often uses this as a way to contact students or lab techs.
• If you bring food to Gnomon and store it in lab refrigerator, please clean up after yourself by throwing away old food. We are sensitive to the fact that a lot of information is given in class lectures. Because of this, we encourage you to audiotape the lectures, however videotaping is not allowed under any circumstances.
• Remember to back up your work. Gnomon will not be responsible for any lost work. If you have questions about how to back up your work, ask a lab tech for assistance/instruction. Drives will be cleared following the final day of scheduled make-ups. To be safe, back up often, and in your final class of the term.

Studio/Lab Hours

Labs open everyday at 9:00am and close at 1:00am (excluding some holidays).

• Lab doors close promptly at 1:00am.
• Students will receive a warning from the on-duty lab tech at approximately 12:30am to begin saving their work and begin to clear out of the labs.
• Students are expected to be out of the labs by 12:50am, allowing the lab tech enough time to perform a final cleaning and security sweeps.
• If a student fails to follow the instructions from the lab tech, the student will be forcibly logged out of their system.

Checking Out Equipment

• Students wishing to check out equipment must see the Studio Lab technician on duty.
• The Studio Lab Tech will collect a form of valid ID and or valid Credit Card, which will be returned after the equipment is returned.
• Equipment must be returned in the same condition as it was at check out.
• Students are financially responsible for any loss or damage to the equipment.

Checking Out Media Resources

• Students are welcome to check out any library resources available on the Gnomon campus.
• Media is distributed from 9:00am to midnight by the Studio Lab Techs, who are reachable at: 323-466-6712 or media@gnomonschool.com.
• A compendium of entertainment and training DVD's, games, films, periodicals, books, and manuals is available in the Student Lounge/Media Center.
• Students must leave a Drivers license or credit card as a security deposit for the items checked out.
• Materials must be returned the same day they were borrowed.
• There is no overnight check out or viewing.
• Materials must be used on premises.

Media may be viewed:

• In the Student Lounge/Media Center via DVD/VHS player or kiosk computer.
• At studio/lab from 9:00 am through 7:00pm and from 10:00 pm to midnight and/or when class is not in session.

International Students

Gnomon is authorized under Federal Law to enroll non-immigrant students. We are eligible to issue I-20's for students accepted into the Certificate in High-End CG and Maya Fast Track Program. We are NOT able to issue I-20's for Professional Studies Courses.

ESL

Gnomon does not offer English-as-a-second-language (ESL) programs.

Housing

Gnomon does not provide housing. However, we recommend using the following resource: www.places4students.com

Parking

• Street parking is available - Refer to posted signs for hours.
• Parking is available in the parking lot off of Cole Street: Weekdays after 5pm and all day Saturday and Sunday.

Student Mail

Gnomon is not responsible for student mail and packages delivered to our business address. All mail should be sent to the student's resident address. Packages should be held at FedEx or UPS and NOT delivered to the school. If out-of-state or international students need a mailbox before they relocate to a resident address, we suggest that students rent a P.O. Box from one of the post offices in the Hollywood area.

Student Liability

Physical injury and /or medical problems, as well as loss of or damage to personal property resulting from natural disasters, theft or other causes are not the responsibility of Gnomon School of Visual Effects. Gnomon recommends that students carry personal insurance.

Gnomon is located in an industrial complex. As such, student's need to "watch their step" when occupying the facilities. This extends to time spent in Gnomon facilities as well (i.e. do not rock back in your chairs while you are in the lab, do not lean over railings, always use handle rails walking up stairs, and watch your step). Additionally, students are advised to use common sense, be aware of their surroundings, and take simple precautions:

• Do not walk to your car late at night after class/lab by yourself.
• Walk in groups to your cars.
• Call/notify the Security officer on duty should you see anyone or anything suspicious.
• Avoid taking short cuts and going down poorly lit areas; stay in places where you are visible and can see those about you.

Preventive Health & Safety Measures

Gnomon complies with the standards set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Gnomon conforms to the standards regarding Working Safely with Video Display Terminals. Our facilities provide ergonomically designed workspaces, low reflection wall paint, low frequency lighting which reduces screen reflectivity and glare, along with ergonomically designed chairs at every workstation. Safety precautions are considered when setting up all office and lab spaces at Gnomon. Handouts are available in the Administration office to provide you with further information regarding the prevention of Repetitive Motion Injuries and workstation layouts.

Accidents and Injuries

If you receive an injury, no matter how slight, report it to an instructor, lab tech or the administrative staff immediately. A "GNOMON ACCIDENT INJURY AND ILLNESS" investigation form must be filled out with the Director (or senior staff person on duty) if an accident or injury occurs in the classroom or laboratory. If an accident occurs outside of the school premise (but within the Television Center facility), please report the issue immediately to the on-duty lab tech or administrative staff. A "GNOMON ACCIDENT INJURY AND ILLNESS" investigation form must be filled out along with an incident report from TVC.

• If First Aid is required, there are First Aid Kits located in the System Administrator's office upstairs, in the main lab area, as well as in the main office downstairs.
• If the injury appears to be life threatening, call Emergency Services at 911 immediately.

Drugs

DRUGS ARE NOT ALLOWED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Gnomon firmly adheres to the laws set forth by the state of California relating to the consumption of illegal substances.

Smoking, Food & Beverage

Smoking is prohibited in any of the enclosed spaces including labs, classrooms, and common areas. Smoking is only allowed outside in areas that do not constitute a fire hazard. Food and Beverage is prohibited from all classrooms and labs except as designated by the Director. Only the Director may act to authorize exceptions.

Weapons

No firearms or lethal weapons of ANY type are permitted at Gnomon.

Visitors/Minors at Gnomon

Visitors are welcome at Gnomon, However, if it is for an extended period of time, permission must be granted by the Administration. For insurance purposes, we are unable to have unattended minors on the premises. Lab techs have authorization from management to ask anyone who is being disruptive or disrespectful to leave the premises.

Pets and Other Animals

Gnomon does not allow animals/pets in the enclosed spaces of Gnomon. If you anticipate bringing an animal to school, you must receive approval from the Administrative staff.

Student ID Cards

Every Gnomon student is eligible to receive a student ID card. Please contact the lab tech on duty to have one made.

Record Retention

Enrollees are advised and cautioned that state law requires this educational institution to maintain Institute and student records for minimum period of five (5) years.

Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)

The state of California created the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic losses suffered by California residents who were students attending schools approved by, or registered to offer Short-term Career Training with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (Bureau). You may be eligible for STRF if you are a California resident, prepaid tuition, paid the STRF fee, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

• The school closed before the course of instruction was completed.
• 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.
• 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 costs.
• The school's breach or anticipatory breach of the agreement for the course of instruction.
• There was a decline in the quality of the course of instruction within 30 days before the school closed, or if the decline began earlier than 30 days prior to closure, a time period of decline determined by the Bureau.
• The school committed fraud during the recruitment or enrollment or program participation of the student. You may also be eligible for STRF if you were a student that was unable to collect a court judgment rendered against the school for violation of the Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education Reform Act of 1989.

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

• You are a student, who is a California resident and prepays all or part of your tuition either by cash, guaranteed student loans, or personal loans.
• Any third-party payer such as an employer, government program or other payer, does not pay your total charges unless you have a separate agreement to repay the third party.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF fee if either of the following applies:

• You are not a California resident.
• A third party, such as an employer, pays your total charges government. It is important that you keep copies of the enrollment agreement, loan paper(s), receipts or any other information that documents monies paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, 400 R Street, Suite 5000, Sacramento, CA 95814-6200, (916) 445-3427.

*NOTE: STRF fee calculations. STRF fees are $2.50 per thousand rounded up to the nearest thousand dollars.

Complaints

To ensure the quality of education at Gnomon, students are encouraged to verbally communicate their concerns to members of the faculty and administration for amicable solutions.

Should you feel your concern/problem has not been adequately addressed; you may file an official written grievance. This grievance should be addressed to the school director or grievance@gnomonschool.com and must be received in the Administrative Office within 48 hours after the incident occurs. The director will verify that the student has made a verbal attempt to resolve the concerns with the instructor or other staff member. If the student has followed the above steps, the director will call a grievance committee hearing within 24 hours of receipt of the report. Such committee will include the director, instructor, and/or appropriate staff member. The hearing may be scheduled on-line or via teleconference to accommodate those involved. In addition, all persons involved with the incident must be present at the scheduled time of the hearing. The committee will immediately meet in the absence of those involved to review the evidence and vote on a decision. The decision of the committee will be communicated immediately.

If the decision is unacceptable to the student, the student may appeal the decision with the Bureau. To do so they must submit the appeal, within 24 hours of the hearing, to the Bureau with copies of all documents including a cover letter explaining why the decision is unacceptable. Unresolved complaints may be directed to: Bureau For Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, 1625 North Market Blvd., Suite S 202, Sacramento, CA 95834,. Unresolved complaints may also be directed to COE, 41 Perimeter Center East, NE, Suite 640, Atlanta, GA 30346. Telephone (Local): 770-396-3898 (Toll-Free): 800-917-2081 (Fax): 770-396-3790.

The Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act (FERPA)

Is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools the receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students." Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies. Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records in which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information. Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):

• School officials with legitimate educational interest
• Other schools to which a student is transferring
• Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes
• Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student
• Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school
• Accrediting organizations
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
• Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies
• State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law

Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the direction of each school. For additional information or technical assistance, you may call 202-260-3887 (voice). Individuals who use TDD may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Or you may contact us at the following address: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

Reservation of Rights

Gnomon reserves the right to change tuition fees, scheduled dates of classes, course offerings, instructors, policies and procedures, at its sole discretion without limitation of any kind. Gnomon also reserves the right to deny enrollment in classes to any student, and the right to withdraw any student whose conduct fails to comply with the policies, rules and standards of Gnomon.