This handbook outlines Rocky Mountain School of Photography’s policies, expectations, and guidelines
for Career Training students. Please read it carefully, sign the Enrollment Agreement and return that
page to us with your tuition deposit(s). Once we receive these items, you will be enrolled. By signing
the Enrollment Agreement, you are agreeing to abide by the policies and guidelines outlined in this Handbook.
Academic Policies and Standards
Every year the curriculum for SI, Professional Studies and AI is evaluated and revised to ensure that
students receive the most current and comprehensive education we can provide. The SI and AI curriculum
consists of core classes, additional classes, special lectures, lab and review sessions and Educational
Partner presentations. All classes are taught on a pass/fail basis.
In SI and AI, assignments are given in core classes. To receive a Certificate of Completion and graduate from
SI and/or AI, the student must pass at least 80% of the core classes in the curriculum. In order to receive a
passing grade, the student must attend classes and complete assignments in a timely and satisfactory manner.
In the event that the student fails a class, an interview and evaluation by the Career Training Director and
the class instructor(s) may be held. A determination will be made with regard to the status of the student.
RMSP reserves the right in specific instances to evaluate a student’s proficiency in the foundation skills
taught in Summer Intensive before advancing a student to continue on to the Professional Studies and Advanced
Intensive sessions. If a Summer Intensive student is not approved for advancement into Professional Studies
or Advanced Intensive, tuition paid in those sessions will be refunded.
Textbooks, Supplies & Equipment
RMSP Career Training sessions require and recommend specific equipment, textbooks and supplies for use by each
student. The type and brand of supply or equipment preferred may vary from student to student, as this is a
personal decision. Upon enrollment, each student will be provided with an Equipment & Supplies List which details
what will be necessary to purchase either prior to or during the program.
Guidance Counseling
Occasionally students may have problems of a personal or school-related nature, which they wish to discuss.
Students may contact the Career Training Director for a meeting. Students will be provided with a list of
resources to assist them with other specific needs.
School Calendar
Program start dates, end dates, and breaks are set in advance of the start of the program. Each student will
receive a day-by-day course schedule at Student Orientation. As with any program, changes in scheduling may
occur for a variety of reasons throughout the summer and/or fall. Students will be notified of any changes as
soon as possible.
Dress Code
Students may dress in casual attire for classroom, lab, studio and field sessions.
Facilities Usage
Policies and procedures concerning use of the facilities and equipment are discussed with students during
their first lab and studio class. Students are liable for repair or replacement of equipment that is damaged
or lost during use.
Safety in the Lab, Studio and in the Field
There are significant hazards associated with working in the digital lab, multimedia lab, studio and shooting
in the field. Safety procedures are discussed with students during their first lab and studio classes. Follow
these procedures closely. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in disciplinary action as the student
may cause harm to him/herself and/or fellow students.
Medical Problems
Students are responsible for their own healthcare. A resource list of medical services available in Missoula
will be provided if requested. Rocky Mountain School of Photography does not provide health insurance for
students. Medical emergencies occurring during a class or lab should be reported immediately to the instructor
or lab assistant on duty. They will arrange emergency transportation to an emergency clinic. There are first
aid kits available throughout the school.
Access to Student Records
Students may review their record upon request. Speak to the Career Training Director to request the review.
Attendance
Students should be present and on time for all classes.
- Regular attendance is essential for adequate training in our Career Training Program.
- Cultivation of professional work habits is an important part of your training. Being late or absent as a
professional photographer (whether working for yourself or others) could be detrimental to your career.
- Lab sessions reinforce concepts taught in classes. Students must attend classes in order to attend and
participate in lab sessions.
If you must be absent, notify the RMSP office or the instructor or have someone notify RMSP for you. RMSP may
call students who miss class two days in a row to determine the reason for the absence.
In the event of an absence, students are responsible for all work missed during the absence and should
contact the instructor regarding make-up work. Make-up work will not cancel out an absence.
If a student is absent 7 consecutive school days or a total of 10 days in either SI or AI, he/she will
not receive a Certificate of Completion from the program, unless the school determines that a reasonable
reason for the absences exists and all make-up work is completed in a satisfactory manner.
Code of Conduct
Students should conduct themselves in a professional manner. Misconduct as outlined below will not be tolerated
and may, at the sole discretion of the school, result in the student’s termination from the program. Dismissals
will not result in a tuition refund.
- Cheating on assigned work, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty.
- Knowingly furnishing false information to the school and alteration or use of school documents or instruments
of identification with intent to defraud.
- Intentional disruption or obstruction of teaching, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other school
activities.
- Physical or verbal abuse of any person on institutional premises or at school sponsored or supervised functions.
- Theft of school property or property of a member of the school community on school premises.
- Failure to comply with directions of school officials acting in performance of their duties.
- Smoking in the school buildings.
- Participation in all forms of gambling or possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, or alcoholic beverages on
school premises. Attending classes under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Failure to follow safety procedures in the lab, studio and in the field.
- Sexual harassment. While all forms of harassment are prohibited, it is specifically emphasized that sexual
harassment in any form is expressly prohibited. No sexually harassing conduct of another student or staff
member will be tolerated. It is a student’s responsibility to report any harassing behavior to the Career
Training Director.
- Any action considered unethical or illegal.
Personal Items
The school cannot be held responsible for any personal items lost while on school property. Students are
responsible for their personal belongings.
Student Feedback
If students have feedback for Rocky Mountain School of Photography, they may contact the Career Training Director.
Returned Check Fee
If a check is returned as non-payable for any reason, there will be a charge of $25.00.