School Calendar
The Conservatory curriculum is divided into two semesters each year. The first semester begins the first week in September (the day after Labor Day) and ends after the second week of December (15 weeks). The second semester starts the third week of January and ends at the end of May (17 weeks). Students are in class for a total of 32 weeks. Classes are Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Certain days have early dismissal (usually Wednesdays) at 1:00pm.

Holidays
The Conservatory honors the following holidays that occur during the school year:

-Labor Day
-Columbus Day
-Presidents Day
-Martin Luther King, Jr., Day

Two mid-term breaks are given during the school year:

-Fall Break...The day before Thanksgiving and the day after.
-Spring Break...Usually falls on the fourth week of March

Check the website for current dates or call the Conservatory at 503-274-1717.

Attendance
Due to the importance of continuity in the two-year program, students with more than two unexcused absences will be dismissed from the program. Unexcused status is up to the discretion of the Conservatory.

Financial Aid
The Portland Actors Conservatory provides a limited number of need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships. Upon receipt of accreditation from the National Association of Schools for Theatre, funding from federal and state sources will be available to eligible students. To determine the level of financial support for which you are eligible, you should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To qualify for financial aid and loans, you must be a high school graduate, demonstate satisfactory progress in the Conservatory program, be a U.S. citizen or qualified resident alien, and neither be in default on a prior federal financial aid loan nor owe a repayment on a federal financial grant. Visit Federal Student Aid website at www.fafsa.ed.gov for more information and an application.

Housing
The Portland Actors Conservatory is not able to provide student housing. However, we are located near downtown and the Portland State University campus, apartments and studios are available within walking distance. Portland has an extensive transit system, and most affordable housing is within 5-20 minutes by transit. In fall of 2008, the City of Portland will be offering low-cost housing for purchase by working artists in the Portland area, for which Conservatory students may qualify (visit their website at www.milepostfive.com for more information). We are happy to direct you to resources for finding housing and connecting with others seeking shared housing.

Credit
Due to the intensity and continuity of the Conservatory program, students must enter our program only at the year-one level. Students must complete the entire curriculum in order to graduate.

Withdrawal and Refund Policy
As a student, you will be responsible for the full amount of tuition and fees. You may withdraw upon written notification within five business days of the date of enrollment and be eligible for a refund of all monies paid, less application fee. If you withdraw by written notification after five business days of the date of enrollment, and prior to the commencement of classes, you are eligible for a refund of all monies paid less registration, supply and application fees. If you withdraw by giving written notification after the commencement of classes, you will be eligible for a refund less application, registration and supply fees and a prorated amount for classes that already have been offered. If you withdraw after 50% of the contracted program, you will not be eligible for a refund, and will be responsible for the full amount of tuition and fees.

Library
The Portland Actors Conservatory has an onsite theatrical library that is accessible to all two-year students. The main branch of the regional public library is within walking distance of the Conservatory.

Behavior
The Conservatory creates a caring environment of respect, diversity, curiosity and decency. These traits are expected in the theatre and likewise of our students. Harrassment in any form will not be tolerated. The most basic requirement of actors is that they show up fully and completely, and this expectation holds true for actor training. Students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to work.

Grievance Procedure
If a student feels he or she has been the victim of or witness to any type or form of discrimination or harassment, the Artistic Director or the Office Staff of the Portland Actors Conservatory should be notified as soon as possible. If, for any reason, it is not appropriate to report the concern to either the Artistic Director or the office staff, then the concern must be reported to the Chair of the Board of Directors. After notice, an appropriate investigation of the complaint is undertaken and appropriate action is taken, which may include discipline up to and including discharge or expulsion. No student or employee will be retaliated against for making a good faith complaint of discrimination or harassment. Should this procedure fail, students may contact: Oregon Department of Education, Public Service Building 225 Capital Street NE, Salem, OR 97310 or call 503-947-5701.

The Portland Actors Conservatory is a non-profit, tax exempt organization. It is the policy of the Portland Actors Conservatory that all students and employees work in an environment where the dignity of each individual is respected. Harassment or discrimination due to race, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable local, state or federal law is prohibited. The Portland Actors Conservatory will not tolerate any harassment or discrimination in the administration of admission and education policies, rights and privileges, scholarships, or financial aid programs made available to students.