School Policies

Progress Reports and Grading

The instructors of the Institute of Structural Medicine grade all classes on a pass/fail basis, with a passing grade requiring scores of 80% or better. Grades are provided on paper.

During the first two days of the first segment of every SMS™ Training Program, the instructors will test students on the course’s prerequisites. During the first two days of every subsequent segment, the instructor will administer a test covering the previous segment’s topics and homework. This test will consist of a practical examination supplemented by a short essay. The student must pass the test with a score of 80% or better. If a student fails with a score better than 60%, that student may retake and attempt to pass the test three times.

At the end of each segment, instructors will administer an ungraded pre-test to prepare students for the next segment. The instructor will give progress reports to each student at the middle and end of each segment. These progress reports will consist of short notes and private meetings outside of class time. At this time, students will have the opportunity to evaluate their instructor during their private meetings and by written evaluation.

At the beginning of each course, students will receive an Independent Study Notebook and a Business Manual which they can download containing the assignments for the Independent Study segment of the training. During the training, students give their completed assignments directly to their advisor. The advisor reviews the assignment, consults with the students, and reports progress directly to the training faculty for evaluation.

In order to graduate from the Institute of Structural Medicine, a student must demonstrate intellectual mastery of course material and technical skill in delivering structural integration. Students must also complete all field work and Independent Study assignments.

All students must show regular attendance and complete 1,125 hours of study. In the event that a student does not complete the training with an adequate evaluation, students may be required to repeat certain sections of the material, as well as to pay prorated tuition for such remedial study. The Institute of Structural Medicine keeps records of student progress and course work at the school. These records are available to students, instructors, and other authorized individuals at any time during working hours.

Records and Transcripts

The Institute of Structural Medicine keeps records of student progress and course work at the Twisp, WA location. These records are available to students, instructors, and other authorized individuals at any time during working hours and are kept for 50 years. Records requests should be made to Donna Bajelis, via phone (206) 713-9758.

Attendance

Students must be on time and present from the beginning to the end of class each day. During Independent Study portions of the training students must submit all assignments to their advisor on time. In the first 2.5 years of training, students are allowed to miss three Monday night classes, and one weekend training. In the second 1.5 years, students are allowed to miss two Monday night classes and one weekend training. However, each student is responsible for scheduling time with the instructor to make up for the time missed. Students failing to make satisfactory progress due to absence, tardiness, or lack of commitment may be subject to administrative review, remedial work, or dismissal. At the discretion of the faculty, a dismissed student may re-apply for admission at the beginning of another term.

Religious Accommodation: The Institute of Structural Medicine will make good faith efforts to provide reasonable religious accommodations to students who have sincerely held religious practices or beliefs that conflict with a scheduled course/program requirement. Students requesting a religious accommodation should make the request, in writing, directly to their instructor with as much advance notice as possible. Being absent from class or other educational responsibilities does not excuse students from keeping up with any information shared or expectations set during the missed class. Students are responsible for obtaining materials and information provided during any class missed. The student shall work with the instructor to determine a schedule for making up missed work.

Conduct

If a student’s actions jeopardize the reputation of the Institute of Structural Medicine or otherwise damage the school, the faculty may find cause for an administrative review, remedial action, or dismissal. During the classroom phases of the training all students are expected to abide by the ground rules established by the Institute of Structural Medicine and the training facility.

Ground Rules

In the first two and a half years of training; students cannot miss more than two weekends of training and cannot miss more than three Monday night classes. In the second year and a half, students are allowed to miss two Monday night classes and one weekend training. The student must arrange to make up classes for any material they have missed with the director and faculty in a timely manner. All students must sustain the ability to remain present during all classroom hours, and effectively communicate their emotional needs. There will be no tolerance of substance abuse. If students are required to take prescription medication, information must be communicated in writing to the director Donna Bajelis, Licensed Physical Therapist, CHP, SMS

Leave of Absence

Students with problems related to immediate family, serious illness, or financial difficulty may receive a leave of absence. The student may re-enter the school at a time agreed upon by the students and faculty. Depending on the circumstances and duration of the leave of absence, the student may have to repeat some previous studies. This repetition may entail additional tuition fees to the student, to be established on a case-by-case basis.

Competence

The faculty members of the Institute of Structural Medicine stress that admission as a student and participation in the Structural Medicine Training Program do not guarantee successful graduation. All students must demonstrate satisfactory progress and competence throughout the training. This requirement is not intended to cause doubt or discouragement. On the contrary, the faculty is committed to supporting each student to her or his fullest capacity and require a serious commitment.

Placement Assistance

The Institute of Structural Medicine assists its graduates in developing profitable business practices in a variety of ways. First, by completing the assignments in the Independent Study portion of the training, students will graduate with an established client base. Secondly, the business education provided during the training is designed to provide realistic and practical training to help practitioners succeed. Finally, the school will inform students about opportunities for work in existing health or education settings. However, the Institute of Structural Medicine can make no guarantee of placement, and the development of the practice ultimately depends on the graduate.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Institute of Structural Medicine does not discriminate against students or potential students on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

Accommodation Requests

To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Donna Bajelis at (206) 713-9758.

School License

The Institute of Structural Medicine is licensed under Chapter 28C.10 RCW. Inquiries or complaints regarding this private vocational school may be made to:

Workforce Board
128 Tenth Avenue SW
P.O. Box 43105
Olympia, Washington 98504-3105
(360) 709-4600
pvsa@nullwtb.wa.gov

Washington State Student Tuition Recovery Fund

Washington law requires that, upon enrollment, a fee be assessed in relation to the cost of tuition (RCW 28C.10.082). The fees support the student tuition recovery fund. It is important that enrollees keep copies of all enrollment agreements, contracts or other application forms to document the total amount of tuition paid and record the percentage of the course completed. Such records would substantiate a claim for reimbursement from the STRF, which in order to be considered must be filed within 60 days following school closure or termination of the student.