California School of Garden Design

Policy Statements

The California School of Garden Design does and shall adhere to the following sections of the New Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education Reform Act of January 1, 1998: CEC 94931

Agent of Service of Process

Robert Littlepage, APLD; Assoc. ASLA
P.O. Box 648
Applegate, CA. 95703
(530) 885 1625

Schedule of Charges

Are as stated within this site and are for tuition only. Any materials, transportation and housing costs are to be borne by the student. Materials estimate fee is $250.00. A list of materials necessary for the course is included on this site. Course fees shall include the use of drawing boards and access to the School Library. Lunch is not included.

Registration

Course fee is $2000.00 and pre-registration is required. A deposit of $100.00 by check, credit card or cash within ten working days of registration. The balance in full is due by the first day of class. This institution is a participant in the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF).

Your application is a legally binding instrument when signed by the
student and accepted by this institution.

NOTICE CONCERNING TRANSFERABILITY OF UNITS AT OUR SCHOOL

Units you earn in either our Beginning or Advanced Residential Landscape Design programs in most cases will not be transferable to any other college or university in the future even though you earned a diploma or certificate in our Residential Landscape Design program, in most cases it probably will not serve as a basis for obtaining a degree at a college or university.

STUDENT DISCLOSURES

Any written contract or agreement signed by a prospective student shall not become operative until the student attends the first class or session of instruction.

Tuition Refund Policy

Refunds/Course Drop: You are entitled to a 100% refund should the course be cancelled for any reason by the institution. Should the student withdraw anytime prior to or on the Drop Deadline, which is the second class meeting, the student will be refunded 100% of all monies paid less their deposit of $100.00 per Course. Any notification of withdrawal or refund request by the student us required to be made in writing to the Agent of Service of Process at the address listed within this website. Refund policy for students who have complete 60% or less of the course of instruction shall be a pro rata refund.

Pro Rata Refund example: The hourly rate for course attendance is $26.38/hour. ($2000.00 tuition minus the $100.00 deposit = $1900.00 divided by 72 hours = $26.38 per hour). A student who has paid the full registration cost of $2000.00 and withdraws having completed only 40% of the course (29 hours) would be entitled to a refund of $1134.34, this being the amount of unused tuition paid.

All refunds shall be returned to the student within 30 days of receiving, in writing, notification of withdrawal by the student or by cancellation of the Course by the institution.

Student Tuition Recovery Fund: The Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) was established by the legislature to protect any California resident who attends a private postsecondary institution from losing money if they have pre-paid tuition and suffered a financial loss as a result of the School: 1) closing 2) failing to live up to its enrollment agreement, or 3) refusing to pay a court judgment.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a "California resident" and reside in California at the time the enrollment agreement is signed or when you receive lessons at a California mailing address from an approved institution offering distance-learning instruction. Students who are temporarily residing in Calif. For the sole purpose of pursuing an education, particularly those who hold student visas, are not considered a "California resident".

To qualify for STRF reimbursement you must file a STRF Application within one year of receiving notice from the Bureau that the School is closed. If you do not receive notice from the Bureau, you have four years from the date of closure to file a STRF Application. If a judgment is obtained, you must file a STRF Application within two years of the final judgment.

It is important you keep copies of the enrollment agreement, financial aid papers, receipts or any other information that documents the monies paid to the School. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, 400 R Street, Suite 5000, Sacramento, CA. 95814-6200. (916) 445 3427.

I feel very fortunate to have found Rob Littlepage and the California School of Garden Design. He really opened my eyes to the possibilities and potential for one's garden, and also for the potential I had in a career in design. As in any educational experience," you get out what you put in", but with Rob, he matches your commitment and enthusiasm with his own every step of the way. I don't believe I could have found a better teacher or mentor.

Nancy Elson