Thank you for choosing to attend American Pacific College! It is a pleasure to have you with us! When we started in 1994, we pledged to provide a learning environment that will enable our students to be productive and successful employees. American Pacific College is a private post-secondary vocational school dedicated to meeting the demands of the job market for specialized training in Los Angeles, and the neighboring San Fernando Valley.

Our program curricula are constantly updated to meet the changing technology in today’s working world. Both our instructional and administrative staff care about you and your future. We are here to help you succeed. We not only help you monitor your progress, our school directors regularly meet with each of you individually to discuss your status and evaluate your training. Our goal is to help you meet yours!

The course of study you have chosen will require dedication and hard work in order to successfully enter the working world. Although it will require time and effort, your future will be brighter and you will have more opportunities to succeed.

We look forward to working with you as you build your career path in American Pacific College. The American Pacific College team is here for you. Please take advantage of this great opportunity.

Sincerely,

AUGUSTO V. GUERRA
President

Administration And Faculty Qualifications
Admissions Requirements
Admissions And Registration Procedures*
Academic Policies
Satisfactory Progress
Graduation Requirements
Diploma
Exit Interviews
Appeal Procedures
Leave Of Absence
Code Of Conduct Infractions
Suspension And Termination
Required Study Time
Student Records
Graving System
Student Records
Previous Credit Units Earned
Student Grievance Policy
Student Services
Non-Discrimination Policy And Procedures
Family Right And Privacy Act
Drug And Alcohol Prevention Awareness Policy
Program Changes English as a Second Language Instruction
Calendar And Hours Of Operation
Payment Schedule
School Holidays
Vocational Rehabilitation Department
Placement Assistance
Housting Assistance
Student's Right To Cancel Contract
Refund Policy
Physical Facilities
Class Delivery and Group Dynamics

• American Pacific College is authorized to operate as a private postsecondary institution by the State of California’s Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.

• Active member of ASTD - American Society for Training and Development.

• Approved as a Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS)

• USDLA - United States Distance Learning Association.

• Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)

• Active member of NARPPS - National Association of Rehabilitation Professional in the Private Sector.

• Active member of CARRP - California Association of Rehabilitation & Reemployment Professionals.

• Active member of SCRE - Southern California Rehabilitation Exchange.

• Active member of OBRA - Organization for Bilingual Rehabilitation Associates.

On April 16, 1996 American Pacific College opened a branch in the City of Los Angeles. This campus was located at the corner of Alvarado Street and Pico Boulevard. On November 1, 1999, the Los Angeles campus relocated to its own building on 7th Street and Union Street.

We have since proudly served many students in Los Angeles County for the last 10 years.

From the beginning, our curricula and instructional outlines were developed using various resources. We researched the job market to identify the skills needed to fulfill the jobs available for our students. We also maintain a Program Advisory Committee that consists of employers that provide us real information on their needs in a real world employment situation. We base the validity of our curricula and instructional outlines on the number of graduates successfully placed into the job market.

American Pacific College is recognized by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education since 1994. It has been our mission to build career paths to students that have been displaced, unemployed or injured in their employment situation. Our goal has remained consistent in helping our graduates obtain employment in their field of study.

Augusto V. Guerra, Chairman of the Board of Directors, 50% owner
Esteban Lopez-Blanco, Chief Financial Officer, 50% owner

American Pacific College continually demonstrates through a comfortable and productive training environment its philosophy that students receive thorough and effective training for their chosen careers. We are further dedicated to our students meeting and exceeding their educational goals so that they may be employed as productive, promotable and successful employees in their chosen occupations.

American Pacific College is committed to demonstrating excellence in our performance. Our motto and operating commitment, in everything we do, is setting...

“Benchmarks for Quality”

The following overall objectives represent our focus and philosophy:

1. To provide training in careers of high market demand by remaining aware of current and future industry employment demands.

2. To provide excellent motivation and pragmatic training in a highly qualified and caring training program.

3. To encourage students to excel as individuals by building a supportive growth environment.

4. To develop positive attitudes of respect towards work.

Instruction is in residence with faculty, accommodating students at an occupancy level of 150 students at any one time. California statute requires that a student, who successfully completed a course of study, be awarded an appropriate diploma or certificate verifying the fact. Prospective enrollees are encouraged to visit the physical facilities of the school and to discuss personal educational and occupational plans with school personnel prior to enrolling or signing enrollment agreements. This school currently does have available sponsored programs, government or otherwise, to provide grants or to pay for portions of tuition and fees.

• Workman’s Compensation (Vocational Rehabilitation)
• Job Training & Partnership Act

Persons seeking to resolve problems or complaints should first contact the instructor in charge. Requests for further action may be made to Mr. Augusto V. Guerra, School Director.

Unresolved complaints may be directed to:

Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education
400 “R” Street, Suite 5000
Sacramento, California 95814-6200

Telephone: (916) 445-3427

All information in the contents of this school catalog is current and correct, and is so certified as true by:

Admissions Requirements are based largely upon the student's ability to meet the requirements of his/her chosen occupational goal. Strong motivations to learn and a desire to pursue a career are important considerations. In general, applicants must fulfill one of the following requirements to be enrolled as a regular student:

• High School graduate or equivalent GED.

• Students who do not have a high school diploma or GED, but are 18 years old or older may be admitted after passing an ATBT test that determines the student's ability to benefit from his/her program of instruction. This test will also determine interest and most suitable level of training to assess test results, prior education, motivation, work experience, placement potential and general aptitude for the chosen career field.

An applicant who has not passed the admissions requirements may appeal the decision. The School Director makes the final determination in such cases.

Applicants not accepted by the school will be refunded all registration and tuition fees paid to the school. Credit for previous training or work experience may be granted in selected circumstances. For specific admission requirements, see each program in this catalog.

* The admission procedures for students with mental or physical handicaps are the same as those for non-handicap students. For information on special facilities for handicap students, please refer to the description of the various campus facilities.

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes in order to achieve their learning goals. Prospective employers are often concerned with an applicant’s school attendance record as well as with his/her academic record. In order to satisfactorily complete each course within a program, the student must be present for a minimum of seventy percent (70%) of the duration of each course. Students exceeding the thirty percent (30%) level of absences at any given time will be placed on probation. In addition, the program must be completed within one and one-half times the length of the course as defined in the enrollment agreement.

TARDINESS

Each student should comply with the academic calendar and schedule established by American Pacific College. Tardiness is defined as arriving for class more than 15 (fifteen) minutes after the start of a class meeting. Each 15 minute increment of tardiness will be allocated as time being absent from class.

For example: If a student is 15 minutes late to class every day for 8 (eight) days in a course or module, the student’s attendance will be recorded as absent for 2 (two) hours during that module.

Students should make every effort to attend each class session on time to avoid poor attendance patterns which could affect their final grade.

ABSENCES

Students absent from class should present reasonable excuses. Except in the case of a student on an official leave of absence, students absent 21 (twenty one) consecutive calendar days will be dismissed. Any student absent for a period greater than 30 (thirty) percent of the days during the program will not be eligible for graduation unless he/she can demonstrate the absences were justified and returns to make up the hours missed.

MAKE UP WORK

Students will be required to make-up all assignments, exams, or other work missed as a result of any excused or unexcused absence. The student must make arrangements with the instructor to ensure that all work is made-up before the end of the module in which the work was missed. The instructor may assign additional outside make-up work if deemed appropriate. Arrangements to take a missed exam must be made with the instructor within two days of returning from an absence. All arrangements are subject to approval by the school’s director.

CLASS SIZE

The average class size is 30 students, depending on the size of the classroom and program. There is maximum student ratio of twenty-five students per instructor.

RE-ENTRY

A student who has canceled or has been terminated and desires to re-enter the course of study must notify the school and follow the required Admissions' procedures. A student who was terminated for any reason must have an interview with the School Director and explain the cause why he/she should be re-instated. Final decision is taken by the School Director.

This institution expects its students to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). In order to maintain SAP as established by this institution, the student must:

1. Maintain a cumulative academic average of "C" (70%) or better on all tests, work projects and other required course work.

2. Maintain a cumulative average level of semester credit units earned which are at least two-thirds (2/3) of the scheduled units which should have been earned as defined by the contract period.

For example: A student scheduled to have completed 15 semester credit units by the end of the third month of a six month program would need to have completed at least 10 credit units in order to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

3. Maintain a cumulative average attendance level of at least 28 hours per week (approximately 112 hours per month) out of a typical 160 hours per month for a full-time student. Students scheduled to attend less than 160 hours per month must maintain an average attendance level of at least thirty percent (30%) of the scheduled hours indicated on their enrollment contract.

For example: A student scheduled to attend 40 hours per week would have to maintain an average weekly attendance of at least 28 hours per week (40 X .30 = 28).

Regardless of the average level of attendance, students who have more than three consecutive weeks of absences, (15 class days/21 calendar days) will be dismissed. This standard shall apply to all students except those on an approved Leave of Absence (see below). Students who expect to be absent 15 class days/21 calendar days or more days should request a Leave of Absence from the education office.

In addition to attendance standards relating to Satisfactory Academic Progress, students are also required to adhere to certain other general institutional policies relating to attendance and tardiness. These policies are outlined elsewhere in this catalog.

4. Complete the course within one and one-half (1 1/2) times the length of the course as defined in the enrollment agreement. If the student fails to complete minimum grade point average or fails to complete the training within the maximum time frame, the student must be dismissed.

For example: If the student has contracted to complete the course within 14 weeks, he or she must complete within 21 weeks.

EVALUATION PERIODS:

Student compliance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress is divided into evaluation periods and is assessed at each of the following times:

• the point at which 25% of the course is scheduled to be completed;
• the point at which 50% of the course is scheduled to be completed;
• the point at which 75% of the course is scheduled to be completed; and
• the point at which 100% of the course is scheduled to be completed.

Special Note: The percentage of the course scheduled to be completed is defined according to the terms of the enrollment agreement.

For example: A student enrolled in a 14 week, 18 semester credit unit program would be evaluated for SAP after week 3.5; week 7; week 10.5 and week 14. These dates would correspond to the point at which the student was scheduled to have completed 4.5, 9, 13.5 and 18 semester credit units.

ACADEMIC PROBATION:

At American Pacific College, students who fail to meet the SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) standards during a given evaluation period will be placed on academic probation for one additional evaluation period of one month (30 calendar days). Probationary students who fail to meet SAP by the conclusion of the probation may be terminated at the discretion of the institution. Probationary students, who meet SAP by the conclusion of the probationary period, will be removed from academic probation.

The student must comply with the following requirements in order to receive a diploma:

1. Completion of the total number of hours required by the student’s program.

2. Have a minimum grade point average of 70 on a scale of 100 at the completion of the contracted period of studies.

3. Passing all components of the selected program with a minimum average of 70 points.

4. Meet all financial obligations incurred with the institution.

5. Participate in an Exit Interview with the Job Placement Department.

Students who take longer than originally scheduled to complete must do so within the Satisfactory Academic Progress Guidelines.

American Pacific College awards a Diploma to those students who have met program requirements and their responsibilities to the school. In certain cases, a student may complete his or her program, but is not eligible for graduation because his/her minimum grade point average requirement (70) has not been met. This institution also awards certificates of completion for each of its courses / modules within its curriculum. In addition, the student receives a transcript of grades upon completion of the prescribed course of study at no additional cost. Additional transcripts will be provided upon request at a cost of $12.00.

An Exit Interview will be scheduled with the Job Placement Department whether the student elects to participate in or waive placement privileges. These exit Interviews are essential in explaining APC's extensive student Tracking and Assessment System and the role each student will play in it throughout the coming year. This is a requirement for graduation.

American Pacific College offers the option to students who wish to appeal the decision that they are not making Satisfactory Academic Progress. These students must submit a written request to the SAP Review Committee. The SAP Review Committee is comprised of the Instructor and the Curriculum Specialist and the Campus Director. The letter should describe any circumstances related to the student's academic standing which the student believes deserve special consideration. The SAP Review Committee shall evaluate the appeal within a reasonable time-frame and notify the student in writing of its decision. The decision of the committee shall be final.

At American Pacific College, students who find it necessary to take a Leave of Absence (LOA) from school for personal, medical or other reasons must request such LOA's in writing. Generally, such leaves will be granted only for up to 30 days. If you believe you will need a longer LOA you must make special request to the School Director. At no time will students be allowed LOA's of longer than 60 days for non-medical reasons. LOA's for medical reasons may be granted for up to 6 months with a note from the student's physician. The Leave of Absence may not be granted for a period of time which would cause the student to take longer that one and one-half (1 ½) times the normal length of the enrollment period to complete. Should a student know in advance that a leave will be necessary, the request must be submitted prior to its beginning, and then the student should immediately call the school and make a request.

If the student fails to return to school after the Leave of Absence, the student will automatically be terminated. All insurance agencies and rehabilitation counselors will be notified.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to a professional work environment. Violations of the school’s student conduct policy include, but not limited to, the following:

1. Incidents of an intoxicated or drugged state of behavior.
2. Possession of illegal drugs or alcohol upon school premises.
3. Possession of weapons or instruments construed as weapons upon school premises.
4. Behavior creating a safety hazard to other persons or to the facilities.
5. Defacing or destruction of school property.
6. Disrespectful or lewd behavior towards another student, school administrator or faculty member, including profanity and/or illicit sexual advancements.
7. Stealing; evidence of acting in a conspiracy or as an accomplice in a crime on school property.
8. Cheating or changing grades on tests.
9. Any other stated violation or infraction to the Code of Conduct as determined by the Director.

Students in violation of the policy relating to conduct may be subject a suspension or termination from the school. Please see suspension and termination policy below.

American Pacific College reserves the right to suspend or terminate any student whose attendance, academic standing, or personal behavior does not comply with the standards, rules and regulations of the school. Students who have been suspended or terminated may be reinstated only upon approval of the School Director.

In order to successfully complete the required course assignments, a student is expected to spend outside time studying. The amount of time will vary according to the individual student's abilities. Students are responsible for reading all study materials issued by their instructors and must turn in assignments at the designated time. "In general, there will be approximately two hours of study for every one hour of class."

Finally, if the student continues to feel it necessary to dispute the judgment of the School’s President, the student may contact the:

Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education
400 “R” Street, Suite 5000
Sacramento, California 95814-6200
(916) 445-3427

Students lacking such written proof from other institutions still have the recourse of taking a challenge examination to validate sufficient knowledge to forego a particular subject. Students seeking this credit unit recognition must make a written request prior to or at the time of enrollment addressed to the School Director. These situation will be examined on a case-by-case basis and are subject to approval or denial at the discretion of the management of American Pacific College. Under no circumstances will the student be able to challenge or transfer credits equivalent to more than 25% of the program.

Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Instructional Hours:

Day Schedule 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

For those students paying tuition on a weekly basis, should he/she be one week late in payments, American Pacific College will advise the student to make payment arrangements to be approved by the School’s Director. Should the student become delinquent for more than three weeks and is unwilling or unable to make any payment promises or other arrangements, the school will terminate the student immediately.

New Year’s Eve
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King's Day
President's Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
the Friday following Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day

In 2005, the school will be closed on December 24 until January 2, 2006
In 2006, the school will be closed on December 23 until January 2, 2007

Its objective is to provide assistance to those students who are being vocationally rehabilitated.

Applicants desiring to attend American Pacific College under Vocational Rehabilitation programs are required to apply for these programs through their respective agencies. Upon receiving letter of approval, American Pacific College will invoice the student’s respective insurance company.