Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

New York General Consulting upholds high standards for student service and is dedicated to responding to your questions promptly and thoroughly. Below, you’ll find answers to some frequently asked questions to help guide you. If you have questions not covered in the FAQs, please contact the school directly.

Admissions & Application

1.    What documents are required for my application?

2.    When is the application deadline?

3.    What are the policies and procedures for admissions?

Financial & Payment

4.    What does financial certification mean?

5.    How can I make payments?

6.    What are the policies and procedures for refunds?

Visa & Immigration

7.    How do I get an I-20 form?

8.    How do I apply for a student visa?

9.    What are the immigration rules for F-1 students (F-1 Students' Policy)?

Academic & Student Services

10. What student services are available?

11. What is a placement test?

12. How do I appeal a grade, academic dismissal, or administrative withdrawal?

13. How do I file a student complaint?

Policies and Procedure

14. What is the copyright policy?

15. What is the privacy policy?

Admissions & Application

1.    What documents are required for my application?

1.    A completed NYGC application for admission, signed by the student

2.    Copy of valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining), F-1 visa, and I-94 (after the student enters the U.S.); for F-2 dependents, copies of their passport, visa, and I-94 copies if applicable

3.    Proof of financial resources (an official bank letter or statement in English)

4.    Copy of highest diploma or certificate of academic completion; transcript if applicable

5.    Transfer form (for transfer students only) 

6.    Copies of all previous I-20s (for transfer students only)

2.    When is the application deadline?

NYGC does not have a fixed application deadline. However, we encourage you to begin the process early to receive your admission letter, application form, and I-20 promptly, allowing you to apply for your student visa in a timely manner. 

3.    What are the policies and procedures for admissions?

General Admission Requirement

Applicants seeking admissions to the school must meet all of the following criteria:

· Applicants must be at least 18 years old

· Applicants can benefit from learning

Credit for previous training and education may not be transferred to NYGC.

Job placement assistance is not provided.

For Non-immigrant F-1 Student

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have the ability to benefit from the training. Applicants must provide the following documentation prior to enrollment:

1.    A completed NYGC application for admission, signed by the student

2.    Copy of valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining), F-1 visa, and I-94 (after the student enters the U.S.); for F-2 dependents, copies of their passport, visa, and I-94 copies if applicable

3.    Proof of financial resources (an official bank letter or statement in English)

4.    Copy of highest diploma or certificate of academic completion; transcript if applicable

5.    Transfer form (if transferring from another accredited institution) 

6.    Copies of all previous I-20s (for transfer students only)

7.    $350 non-refundable I-901 SEVIS fee  

8.    $100 non-refundable registration fee

9.    $100 non-refundable I-20 processing fee  

This information will be reviewed by a BPSS Certified School Agent.

Following submission of the above-listed documentation students must participate in an interview with a School Agent. The School Agent will:

·         Provide an overview of the courses and levels offered at NYGC

·         Review the School Catalog and NYGC’s policies with the applicant

·         Provide a tour of the facility

Students currently in legal status in the U.S. who wish to change to F-1 status should contact the school for guidance. Note that tourists under the visa waiver program cannot apply for a change of status and must apply for a student visa in their home country. Students changing from B-1 or B-2 visas may only begin their studies once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves their petition.   

Overseas Students:

For overseas prospective students, once the International Student Office receives your complete application and documents, your application will be processed within two business days. Your acceptance packet and I-20 will then be sent to you. On average, the packet takes about two weeks to arrive. However, we do offer expedited service. Students that are interested in expediting their shipping must check the expedited shipping option on the application and incur an additional fee based on the actual cost. If your application is not accepted, NYGC will notify you or your school agent by email.

Once students receive their I-20, they will then present their student visa application to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their home countries. Students are advised to bring all necessary documents:

1.    A completed NYGC application for admission, signed by the student

2.    Acceptance letter from NYGC

3.    Copy of valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining)

4.    Proof of financial resources (an official bank letter or statement in English)

5.    Proof of SEVIS fee payment

6.    Copy of highest diploma or certificate of academic completion; transcript if applicable

7.    Proof of visa application fee payment

Once the visa is approved, students are required to make timely payment for their first course tuition and materials, in accordance with the agreed payment schedule, and submit a signed “Enrollment Agreement” to NYGC within five days of visa approval.  

If a student requests a withdrawal, transfer, or tuition refund, they should refer to the “Enrollment Agreement” and/or School Catalog for full details and procedures.  

Late Enrollment

NYGC allows new students to enroll in an ongoing course up until the end of week 4. After week 4, registration for that course is closed. Students who join between weeks 1 and 4 are required to complete make-up classes to cover any missed instructional hours.  

Financial & Payment

4.    What does financial certification mean?

Financial certification is official proof that you have enough funds to cover your tuition and living expenses while studying. If any family members will accompany you on F-2 dependent visas, their living expenses must also be covered.

Acceptable forms of financial certification include:

·         A current personal bank statement or an official bank letter in English

·         An affidavit and letter from your sponsor taking financial responsibility, along with their bank statement or letter confirming their ability to support you

·         A letter from your employer confirming your guaranteed income

·         An official scholarship letter from your government or sponsoring organization

We recommend making multiple copies of all documents, as you will need to submit them both to NYGC and for your visa application.

5.    How can I make payments?

All payments to NYGC must be made in U.S. dollars. The following payment methods are accepted:

o   Cash

o   Credit/Debit card

o   Check

o   Electronic Payment

o   Money order

o   Online payment

o   Wire Transfer

6.    What are the policies and procedures for refunds?

Cancellation: 

1.    If NYGC cancels a course subsequent to a student’s enrollment, the institution will refund all monies paid by the student. 

2.    If an applicant is rejected for enrollment by the institution, or if a prospective student has his/her visa application rejected, the institution will refund all monies paid, excluding non-refundable charges. 

3.    If an applicant accepted by the institution cancels prior to the start of scheduled classes or never attends class (no show), the institution will refund all monies paid, excluding non-refundable charges. 

4.    Non-refundable charges include the actual cost for the shipping/courier fee, registration fee ($100 for 12.2-week programs), and I- 20 processing fee ($100). 

Withdrawal or Termination after Start of a Course: 

1.    If a student withdraws or is terminated from NYGC after the start of a course, the student will be liable for tuition based on the last date of attendance (LDA) during the current Period of Financial Obligation as well as non-refundable charges. Non-refundable charges are described in the General Notes section below. 

2.    First Period of Financial Obligation: For students whose last day of attendance occurs before or at the mid-point of their first period of financial obligation, NYGC will retain a prorated amount of tuition for that period. For students whose last date of attendance occurs after the midpoint, NYGC will retain all charges for that period. 

3.    Subsequent Periods of Financial Obligation or Enrollment periods: For students who have completed the first period of financial obligation or extended their enrollment at the NYGC but whose last date of attendance occurs before or at the midpoint of any subsequent period of financial obligation, NYGC will retain a prorated amount of tuition for that period. For students whose last date of attendance occurs after the midpoint of any subsequent financial obligation period, NYGC will retain all tuition for that period. 

4.    Periods of Financial Obligation less than 12.2 weeks: For students whose last day of attendance occurs before the end of their period of financial obligation that is less than 12.2 weeks, NYGC will retain a prorated amount of tuition for that period. 

5.    For an enrolled student, the refund due will be calculated using the last date of attendance (LDA) and be paid within forty-five (45) calendar days from the documented date of determination (DOD). If a student provides advanced notice of withdrawal such that the 45-day window ends before the last date of attendance, the refund will be paid within forty-five (45) calendar days from the last date of attendance (LDA). 

6.    When determining the number of weeks completed by the student, NYGC will consider a partial week the same as if a whole week were completed, provided the student was present at least one day during the scheduled week. 

General Notes: 

1.    Students that have received an I-20 from NYGC must enroll for a minimum of 12.2 weeks. 

2.    Non-refundable charges are itemized in the enrollment agreements and will not exceed $500. Charges include a registration fee ($100), I-20 processing fee ($100), mailing fee (actual cost). 

3.    The failure of a student to immediately notify the school director in writing of the student’s intent to withdraw may delay a refund of tuition to the student pursuant to Section 5002(3) of the Education Law. 

4.    NYGC requests students to provide a written notification of withdrawal. In the event that no notice of withdrawal (written or verbal) is provided, NYGC will automatically administratively withdraw a student after he or she has been absent for a maximum of 30 consecutive calendar days (excluding scheduled breaks) without providing proper notice and supporting documentation. 

5.    NYGC does not bill for a period in excess of twelve (12) months.  

6.    NYGC does not deny refunds to or on behalf of students who are terminated due to violations of NYGC’s disciplinary and/or attendance policies or local, state, or federal law. 

7.    NYGC follows all applicable state and federal regulations, including those related to student refunds. 

8.    Students may enlist the help of external agencies to fill out forms and process payments to NYGC on their behalf. Students should be aware that if they are entitled to any refunds pursuant to the Cancellation and Refund Policy, monies paid by external agencies will be refunded to the agency, not the student. NYGC will not be held responsible for engagements students enter with the external agencies. However, NYGC will ensure and document that the refund has been made on behalf of the student to the agent. 

9.    If an authorized overseas agent for recruiting students is utilized, NYGC must inform the student of its contractual relationship with the agent and how that relationship will affect the ability of the student to obtain a refund. In addition, NYGC must document that the refund has been made on behalf of the student to the agent. 

Student Weekly Tuition Liability Table for 12.2 Weeks Courses: 

For students who withdraw or are terminated at any point in the first six weeks, NYGC will retain the tuition applicable as outlined in the tables below: 

For ESL 1, ESL 2, ESL 3, ESL 4, ESL 5, Connecting in English, Introduction to Writing, Accent Reduction, Socializing in English, English Grammar in Use, Public Speaking for International Students, Advanced Socializing in English, Advanced Writing Skills, Business English, American Culture, Accurate Pronunciation, Oral Presentation, Compelling Conversation, TOEFL Pro, TOEFL Star, and GRE Prep. 

Definitions: 

Cancellation: A student who never attends classes at the institution after enrolling and informs the institution in advance. 

No Show: A student who never attends class at the institution after enrolling and does not inform the institution. 

Withdrawal: A student who has attended at least one class at the institution but does not complete the course he or she signed up to take. 

Termination: A type of withdrawal initiated by the institution due to the student’s failure to meet one or more institutional policies. 

Date of Determination (DOD): The date: (1) the student gives notice of withdrawal to the institution, (2) the institution administratively withdraws the student (when no notice of withdrawal is provided, a student will be automatically administratively withdrawn after he or she has been absent for a maximum of 30 consecutive calendar days (excluding scheduled breaks) without providing proper notice and supporting documentation), or (3) the date the institution terminates the student due to the student’s failure to adhere to the institution’s attendance, conduct, or student progress policy. 

Last Date of Attendance (LDA): The final date the student attends class. 

Period of Financial Obligation: The training period for which a student is legally obligated to pay (e.g. month, term, or session), which may be less than the total period of enrollment, if tuition is charged in smaller increments, such as by the month, term, and/or session. The period of financial obligation will not exceed 12-months. 

Visa & Immigration

7.    How do I get an I-20 form?

You can request an I-20 when you submit your application for admission to NYGC. We require appropriate documentation to demonstrate that you have the financial means to cover your tuition, living expenses, and other costs for a minimum of one session. 

8.    How do I apply for a student visa?

NYGC is authorized by Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students. According to U.S. immigration laws, if you wish to study in our courses, you must enter the U.S. on an F-1 student visa.

To obtain an F-1 visa, you will need to provide documentation that proves to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that you intend to study in the U.S. and will return to your home country upon completing your studies. The required documents include:

o   An I-20 form issued by NYGC

o   Proof of financial resources

o   A valid passport

o   Evidence of ties to your home country

o   A personal interview with a visa officer may be required

If an interview is necessary, we recommend scheduling it at least 60 – 120 days before your planned start date. For more information on any of these requirements, please refer to the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate website at https://www.usembassy.gov/

9.    What are the immigration rules for F-1 students (F-1 Students’ Policy)?

1.    Students are required to submit all necessary admission documents before the start of their classes. Students must ensure that all tuition payments are made on time.   

2.    Students must be enrolled in a full course of study and attend a minimum of 18 clock hours per week.  

3.    If a student is unable to maintain full-time attendance due to medical reasons, they must inform the school’s DSO immediately and provide a medical letter from a doctor to request a leave of absence. 

4.    Students are required to inform the school’s DSO of any changes to their address, legal name, or financial sponsor within 10 days of the change. 

5.    Students are expected to attend all classes regularly, maintaining a minimum attendance rate of 80% for each term of enrollment. Failure to meet this requirement by the end of a term will result in the student being placed on academic probation. During the probationary period, the student must achieve an attendance rate of at least 80% by the end of the following term; failure to do so will result in dismissal.  

6.    Students are expected to maintain normal academic progress. If a student receives a final grade below a D (70%) in a course, they will be placed on academic probation for the following term and required to retake the course or level. A course may be attempted no more than twice, including unsuccessful attempts. If the student does not achieve a grade of D or higher on the second attempt, the student will be subject to dismissal from the program.  

7.    Students intending to transfer to another SEVP-certified school must inform the DSO of their plans. They are required to submit a transfer form and an admission letter from the school to which they plan to transfer.  

8.    All students must complete the Leave of Absence/Vacation Request Form in advance before taking any leave or vacation. Students should also review their attendance and academic records before the end of the course to confirm their eligibility. 

9.    Students must apply for a program extension at least 30 days before their I-20 expiration date.  

10. Students should inform the DSO of their intention to withdraw or complete their program. If you withdraw or do not complete your course or term of obligation, you must leave the country within 15 days of your last date of attendance. If you complete your course or fulfill your term of obligation, you are allowed a 60-day grace period to depart the U.S.  

11. Off-campus employment requires prior approval from the DSO and in most cases, authorization from USCIS.  

12. While health insurance is not obligatory for F-1 students, it is strongly advised that international students acquire student health insurance during their stay in the United States. Medical expenses in the country can be costly, and the absence of health insurance can have severe repercussions, potentially jeopardizing their F-1 visa status and hindering their studies.   

Academic & Student Services

10. What student services are available?

New York General Consulting offers comprehensive student support services to ensure a fulfilling educational experience. Students have access to personal, academic, and professional development guidance from school directors, faculty, and staff.  

Orientation Program:  

NYGC provides orientation - delivered verbally, in print, online or through other media on or before the first day of class. The orientation program provides: 

·         information about the instructional course or program 

·         the educational objectives of each course or program 

·         administrative policies affecting students and support services available to students 

Ongoing Support Services:

Throughout their studies, students receive: 

·         Academic, personal, and immigration advising  

·         Referrals for additional professional support as needed 

·         Internet access on campus  

·         Information regarding extracurricular, social, and cultural events 

·         Support in their adjustment to the program or institution and to the surrounding culture and community 

·         Guidance on immigration policies and regulations 

·         Health insurance information 

·         Access to the NYGC Internal Grievance Procedure for resolving complaints  

Individualized Counseling 

NYGC welcomes students from diverse cultural backgrounds and recognizes that a multicultural environment enriches learning for all.   

Students benefit from individualized academic, personal, and immigration counseling. Our faculty and staff work closely with students and are committed to supporting them in achieving their personal, academic, and professional goals.  

·         Our curriculum and school community provide students with a supportive environment to expand their English skills.

·         The instructors work closely with each student to develop a course of study based on the student’s abilities and academic goals. 

·         Students receive assistance regarding I-20 forms and visas, if needed. 

·         Students receive help in accessing local resources. 

·         The instructors assist students with the transition into the mainstream classrooms and American culture. 

·         For students pursuing admission into a university, advising and help with TOEFL/GRE preparation is available. 

NYGC also provides other services for students (i.e., opening a bank account, applying for a driver's license, transportation information, etc.). Additional assistance is extended to students who need verification of their student status. 

Procedures of Consultative Advising & Referral Policy 

1.    When students are in need of personal, academic, and immigration consultative advising, they may first consult with school agents or instructors 

2.    During the meeting, if students’ needs are beyond the capability of school agents or instructors, the school agents or the instructors make an advising request form completed with a possible schedule and the issue addressed and submit it to the school director or the academic director.  

3.    Once the submission is made, the school director or the academic director holds a meeting within 72 hours, and a meeting log is completed with narratives and placed in the company private web-based platform. 

4.    In the event that the school director or the academic director agrees that students’ needs exceed their capability, then the school director or the academic director refers students to qualified professionals in that field. 

5.    In the event that students are referred to qualified professionals, NYGC administrators closely monitor and regularly meet with the students to make sure the students’ needs are met. All meeting logs are completed with narratives by administrators in charge and placed in the company private web-based platform. 

Health Insurance 
While health insurance is not obligatory for F-1 students, it is strongly advised that international students acquire student health insurance during their stay in the United States. Medical expenses in the country can be costly, and the absence of health insurance can have severe repercussions, potentially jeopardizing their F-1 visa status and hindering their studies.  

International students holding F-1 visas have the option of purchasing Compass Student Health Insurance, or ISO's International Student Health Insurance. 

Metro Plus Health: Free or low cost for New York residents.  

Culture Recreation/Social Events 
While attending NYGC, all students have access to many fun, educational, social, and recreational activities. Throughout the course of study, students are offered extra-curricular cultural outings/field trips within the tri-state area, ranging from museum visits to outdoor activities, cultural parades, and free concerts. To further enhance student's social and cultural experiences, our friendly staff plans holiday parties to foster school spirit and introduce students to American culture and holidays.  

Field Trip Safety Procedures 

1.    In the first week of the semester, the instructor submits the field trip request form for approval. 

2.    Prior to field trips, the instructor takes attendance on campus. 

3.    All students bring their cellphones with them. 

4.    The instructor makes sure the students have the school contact number, along with the instructor’s Microsoft Teams account. 

5.    The instructor clearly explains to students the route, address, and direction of the field trip before leaving the school. 

6.    Students must not separate from the instructor or the group. If the student separates from the group, the student should contact the instructor through Microsoft Teams directly. 

7.    In an emergency situation, students must call 911 and contact the office at 212-268-6262. 

8.    At the end of the field trip, the instructor must take attendance again to make sure all students safely return to the school or home. 

9.    At the end of the field trip, the instructor must notify the school that all participants have returned safely.

Student ID Card 
All NYGC students are eligible to receive a student ID Card at no charge. Having a student ID card is helpful for receiving discounted admission to many museums in NYC and other benefits. In the event that a student loses a card, $10 is charged for the second ID. 

Living Accommodation Assistance 

NYGC does not provide on-campus housing or arrange housing accommodations for students.

Security and Safety 

NYGC prioritizes the safety and well-being of all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. We are dedicated to creating a secure environment, recognizing that no campus is immune to potential incidents. To ensure the utmost precautionary measures, NYGC has implemented a comprehensive set of policies and procedures designed to protect everyone on campus. 

While we have been fortunate to have had no significant crimes occur, we acknowledge the existence of various types of crimes. Therefore, we maintain a competent and trained school administration office that is committed to preventing such incidents to the best of their ability. However, it is the shared responsibility of faculty, staff, and students to adhere to certain measures that guarantee personal and property safety. 

The Administration Office at NYGC is responsible for maintaining campus safety, responding to emergencies, and enforcing regulations and laws. It also provides support services such as:

·         Testing and maintaining fire prevention equipment and alarm systems

·         Assisting in building safety inspections to ensure regulatory compliance 

·         Enforcing state and federal statutes

In the event of a crime or emergency, please call 911 or contact the Office at 212-268-6262. We maintain close collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies and components of the criminal justice system. Regular efforts are made to promptly inform the campus community about campus crimes and related issues. We strongly encourage faculty, staff, and students to report any crimes or suspicious activities immediately. 

During regular business hours, Monday to Friday, and limited designated hours on weekends when the school is in normal operation, the institution's building is accessible to members of the campus community, guests, and visitors. 

Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy  

NYGC upholds students' right to reside in an environment free from sexual harassment and assault, as well as harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristics. This includes sexual harassment, verbal abuse, threats, or any behavior that makes others feel unsafe or unwelcome. If a student encounters any circumstances that may be interpreted as harassment, discrimination, or sexual offense, they should report the situation to the campus security authorities. These authorities can be found in the Administration Office, Academic Office, and International Student Office. Students also have the option to notify the appropriate law enforcement authorities and can receive assistance from campus authorities in doing so. 

In the case of an alleged harassment, discrimination, or sexual offense, on-campus disciplinary action procedures include the following provisions: Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to equal opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding. The outcome of any campus disciplinary proceedings shall be communicated to both parties. Possible sanctions may include fines, disciplinary probation, or expulsion. NYGC strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports harassment or discrimination. 

Drugs, Alcohol, and Weapons Policy 

The possession, use, or sale of firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, or any other weapon is strictly prohibited. Violations are subject to school discipline and may also incur criminal penalties. 

NYGC complies with federal, state, and local laws, including those regulating the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances. The following policies apply to drugs and alcohol at NYGC: 

·         Distribution, possession, or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances are strictly prohibited on school premises or at school-sponsored activities. 

·         Providing and possessing alcoholic beverages to individuals under 21 years of age is prohibited. Illegal possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage, public intoxication, driving while intoxicated, and drinking alcoholic beverages in an unlicensed public place are prohibited. 

To report a crime or emergency, call 911 or contact the Office at 212-268-6262. The Office maintains a close working relationship with all appropriate law enforcement agencies and elements of the criminal justice system. Numerous efforts are made to inform campus community members about campus crimes and crime-related problems in a timely manner. NYGC encourages its faculty, staff, and students to report any crimes and suspicious activities immediately.

11. What is a placement test?

New York General Consulting uses the Cambridge English Unlimited Placement Test, which includes both written and oral components to assess student placement. This test aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an internationally recognized standard developed by Cambridge University to describe language proficiency. The CEFR categorizes language ability into six levels, ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (highest level of proficiency). NYGC has developed a placement scoring system aligned with CEFR standards and continuously reviews its effectiveness to ensure accurate student placement.  

Written Section 
The written section consists of 120 multiple choice questions. Based on the student’s score, which corresponds to one of our five academic levels, a provisional placement will be determined.  

Oral Section 
After completing the written portion of the placement test, the Academic Department conducts the speaking component to determine the student’s initial placement level. The student will respond to five questions based on their provisional placement level. Each response will be scored on a scale of 1 – 3. Based on the majority (at least three) of those five scores, the student will be placed at one level lower (majority of 1), the same level (majority of 2), or one level higher (majority of 3) than the provisional placement level. The student’s initial placement is determined by combining their oral proficiency with their grammar skills demonstrated in the written section.  

Placement Appeal 

Students are administered the Cambridge English Unlimited Placement Test. After receiving their scores, they meet with a School Agent and the Academic Department to review course options and are then enrolled in a course. Once classes begin, instructors informally assess each student’s proficiency to confirm appropriate placement. In rare instances where an instructor believes a student may have been placed incorrectly, the concern is brought to the Academic Director, who then meets with the student to determine a more suitable placement if needed. Students who believe they have been placed incorrectly also have the right to appeal their placement through their instructor. 

Placement Appeal Procedures 

The placement procedure is as follows: 

1.    Students must contact their instructor during the first week of the course and submit a written request for a placement appeal.  

2.    If the instructor agrees with the appeal, they will notify the Academic Director within three (3) business days.  

3.    The Academic Director will review the initial placement test, and any course work completed up to that point.  

4.    A meeting will be held between the Academic Director, the instructor, and the student to evaluate the student’s language ability and determine the most appropriate placement. A final decision will be made within three (3) business days of the review.  

All decisions made as a result of this appeal process are final.  

12. How do I appeal a grade, academic dismissal, or administrative withdrawal?

A student may appeal against the result of a final course grade/academic dismissal/administrative withdrawal by submitting a formal written appeal to the School Director. The procedure of the appeal is as follows:

1.    Student submits a written appeal request.    

2.    The request needs to include supporting documentation explaining why the student failed to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards and what changes will enable the student to meet SAP in the next evaluation.   

3.    Submit the appeal within five (5) business days of receiving the result of the final grade/academic dismissal/administrative withdrawal notice.   

4.    The School Director will review the appeal and provide a decision within five (5) business days of receiving the appeal documentation. If the student is dissatisfied with the decision, they may request a meeting with the School Director within five (5) business days. The decision made following this meeting is final.    

5.    In the case of dismissal or withdrawal, NYGC will update the student’s SEVIS record to reflect the change in status. 

6.    If the student is not satisfied with the Director’s decision, they may escalate the appeal by writing to: 

New York State Education Department

The Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision

116 W. 32 Street 5th Floor, New York, NY 10001

13. How do I file a student complaint?

It is inevitable that students will sometimes disagree with faculty decisions regarding grades, instructional techniques, advising, course content and classroom experiences. When students submit a complaint form to the administrators, the school considers it as a formal complaint. Students with concerns regarding any of the aforementioned are provided with the following grievance process:  

Grievances Regarding Grading:

Each course syllabus must clearly delineate the grading process in a course. The weight given to each assignment should be reflected and adhered to consistently in the class. Students should receive clear instructions regarding the requirements for successful completion of the course, i.e., on what basis a student would not receive a passing grade. 

If a student receives a grade that he or she believes does not reflect his or her performance in a class, he or she has the right to meet with the instructor to discuss the grading process. The student should be prepared to present evidence of work completed in the class. If, after meeting with the instructor, the student reasonably believes that he or she has still been graded unfairly, he/she should meet with the Academic Director to discuss his or her grievance.  

The Academic Director should consult with the instructor to determine if there is sufficient evidence (grades on all assessment materials, copies of all written assessment materials, etc.) to substantiate the grade received by the student. Once the Academic Director consults with the instructor, she/he should decide to either uphold the instructor's decision or ask them to reevaluate the student's grade based on the review. 

The decision of the Academic Director will be final. The Academic Director will issue a written response of disposition to the student and instructor. 

Grievances regarding grading should be filed within one week of the students’ receipt of a final course grade.  

Grievances Regarding Course Requirements: 

Course syllabi should reflect all course requirements. Course requirements must be directly related to the course objectives and student learning outcomes of the approved curricula. Students must not be required to complete any requirement that could prove injurious to their physical or mental health. Any student who believes that he or she is being required to complete and/or adhere to unreasonable requirements should voice his or her concern to his or her instructor.  

If, after meeting with the instructor, the student maintains that the course requirements are inappropriate with respect to the course objectives and student learning outcomes, the student should voice his concern to the Academic Director. 

The Academic Director must meet with the student and the instructor to discuss the student’s grievance. The Academic Director should give due consideration to the student's grievance and speak with other students in the class, if necessary, to determine the validity of the claim. If necessary, the Academic Director should begin an official process of curricular revision under the guidelines of the Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision. 

Grievances Regarding Classroom Atmosphere: 

The classroom should reflect a collaborative environment where both students and instructors engage in the teaching and learning process. Use of profanity, discriminatory, or any form of sexual harassment will not be tolerated. Disruptive behavior, including talking during presentations and lectures, will not be tolerated. Instructors are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner throughout the class period.  

If a student believes the classroom atmosphere is inappropriate or improper as defined herein, he or she should share his or her concerns with the instructor. If the instructor does not address the student's complaint in what he or she considers a satisfactory manner, the student should submit a written grievance report to the Academic Director.  

The Academic Director should give due consideration to the student's grievance and speak with the instructor and other students in the class, if necessary, to determine the validity of the grievance. On the basis of the investigation, the Academic Director will make a decision. The Academic Director will issue a written response of disposition to the student and the instructor.  

Grievances regarding inappropriate classroom conduct should be filed before the end of the session in which the alleged inappropriate behavior occurs.  

Other Grievances: 

If a student has grievances regarding administration and/or other matters, the student should bring his or her concerns to the School Director in writing. The Director will take appropriate action to resolve the complaint. The Director will substantiate any appropriate documentation, make a final decision, and notify the student in writing within two weeks.  

If students are not satisfied with the Director’s action, students can write to: 

New York State Education Department

The Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision

116 W. 32 Street 5^th Floor, New York, NY 10001

Policies and Procedure

14.  What is the copyright policy?

Copyright Policy for Teaching 

This policy is intended to inform teachers and others at NYGC regarding the photocopy use of copyrighted materials and to prevent NYGC’s potential liability for copyright infringement. This policy is provided to all NYGC employees to guide their decisions in complying with copyright law.  

The owner of the copyrighted material has exclusive rights and must authorize any form of reproduction for commercial use. Therefore, permission should be obtained from the copyright owner before any copies are made.  If it is unclear whether copying would require such permission guidance should be requested from NYGC’s School Director.  

In the course of a teacher’s of staff member’s duties, photocopied materials may be used as part of educational delivery in the classroom, following the United States Copyright Law (Title 17 United States Code), ‘Fair Use’ clause and the guidelines in this policy. 

NYGC’s guidelines include: 

·         Copyrighted material may be used in the classroom or for the teacher’s own academic research. The teacher may make no more than one copy for each member of his/her class, in addition to a copy for him/herself.  

·         Teachers may copy copyrighted materials for the class if (a) the copied material is used only for one course in the school; (b) during the class session, no more than one short poem, article, story, essay, or two excerpts are reproduced from the same author; and (c) during a single class session there should be no more than 9 (nine) instances of multiple copying for the course.   

·         If the copyrighted work exceeds 2,500 words, the teacher may not reproduce more than 1,000 words or 10% of the total work, whichever is less.  If the teacher intends to use more than the 10%, the teacher should find out from his/her supervisor whether NYGC could purchase the material for classroom use. 

·         Copying shall not be used to create or to replace or substitute for anthologies, compilations or collective works.  

·         There shall be no copying of or from works intended to be "consumable" in the course of study or of teaching. These include workbooks, exercises, standardized tests and test booklets and answer sheets and like consumable material unless otherwise stated “Photocopy-able.” 

·         Copying shall not substitute for the purchase of books, publishers’ reprints or periodicals. 

·         Copying is allowed of un-copyrighted published works that have entered public domain (any work published before January 1, 1978, without a copyright notice), works that have expired copyrights, or U.S. government publications.   

·         Videos may be shown in the classroom as long as it is part of the instruction, not solely as entertainment or recreation. Subject matter must relate to the instruction topic.   

·         Students may not be charged more than the actual cost of photocopying for any copyrighted materials provided by the instructor under this policy. 

Students are encouraged to purchase textbooks, workbooks, and other materials to be used in their courses within the first week of class. Students who choose not to purchase the course materials are loaned a textbook and other materials for use during class. 

Any employee who violates this policy may be subject to discipline, including termination. 

 Notice of this policy is to be posted by computers, printers, scanners, copying machines, and any other device which could be used to make copies of copyrighted materials. 

Digital Copyright Infringement Policy 

NYGC provides that all copyrighted materials "must be used in conformance with applicable copyright and other laws." Downloading or distributing copyrighted material, e.g. documents, books, programs, music, movies, videos, text, etc., without permission from the rightful owner violates the United States Copyright Act. Further, the copying of digital copyrighted materials, such as third-party software, without the express written permission of the owner of the proper license is illegal. Consequently, NYGC’s Wi-Fi network is configured to block the use of Peer-to-Peer file sharing networks that are used to share copyrighted materials. These include and are not limited to music, software, movies and television programs that are in violation of the Federal Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and other Federal Copyright laws. Students and teachers are prohibited from using these file-sharing networks on any NYGC provided network, including the Wi-Fi network. 

Allegations of copyright infringement by NYGC students or teachers that violate the DMCA will be investigated. If NYGC determines that any users have violated any copyright laws, the offending user's access to online services may be terminated or the student may be dismissed. NYGC reserves the right to choose how to address or respond to any allegation of copyright infringement received. 

 Federal law provides severe civil and criminal penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or exhibition of copyrighted materials. Criminal copyright infringement is investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The penalties may depend upon the amount and the willfulness of the infringing activity and can range from civil liability, criminal liability, money damages, including reimbursement of attorneys' fees and costs. In a civil lawsuit, the penalty for copyright infringement can range from $1,000 to $30,000 per copyrighted work infringed. This penalty can be increased to $150,000 per infringed work in cases of particularly flagrant infringement. In the most serious and widespread cases of copyright infringement, criminal prosecution is possible. 

15. What is the privacy policy?

NYGC follows FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99.) rules and regulations, a Federal law, issued by U.S. Department of Education, to protect the privacy of student education records. 

The FERPA gives students certain rights with respect to their education and privacy records. 

1.    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 students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies. 

2.    Students have the right to request that a school correct record which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information. 

3.    Generally, schools must have written permission from the 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; and 

·         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 dates of attendance. However, schools must tell students about directory information and allow students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify 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 discretion of each school. 

For additional information, they may call 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327) (voice). Individuals who use TDD may call 711 to access telecommunications relay services or visit Federal Communications Commission for more information about relay services.  

Or contact us at the following address: 

Family Policy Compliance Office 
U.S. Department of Education 
400 Maryland Avenue, SW 
Washington, D.C. 20202-8520