Academic Policies

Grading Policy

Failing Courses within a Certificate Program

Failed courses that are required must be retaken for a passing grade in order to successfully complete a Certificate Program. Full tuition must be paid for any course that needs to be retaken. Under no circumstances will a certificate be issued unless all academic requirements within a given program are met.

Failed courses that are electives can be retaken or replaced with an alternative elective, of equivalent academic credit.

If you have any questions please contact our Continuing Education Registrar at registrar@berkleemusic.com

Repeat Course Policy

Students may enroll in and receive a grade for a course taken for a second or subsequent time. Only the highest grade will be computed in the cumulative GPA. The repetition of a course will not eliminate the previous grade from the student's record, nor will any additional credit toward a certificate be earned by repeating a course. Additional tuition and fees will apply.

Class Participation

Prompt and regular online participation is required to successfully complete a course. More specific information on participation requirements is provided in the grading page of the "Getting Started" section of every Berkleemusic course as well as the "Help" section of the course. Instructors may issue an unsatisfactory grade for non-credit courses or a failing grade for courses taken for credit due to lack of participation.

Failure to attend classes does not constitute an official withdrawal from courses. The grade of "F" for credit bearing courses and a grade of "Unsatisfactory" for non-credit courses will be recorded for failure to attend, complete, or properly withdraw. See below for more information on how to withdraw from a course.

Absences and Participation Requirements

Prompt and regular online participation is required to successfully complete all Berkleemusic courses. The weekly lessons are cumulative; therefore, it is imperative that students stay current with their course work and assignments. In addition, student-to-student communication and collaboration are essential elements to the overall Berkleemusic educational experience, and students who fall behind in their course work not only miss out on the cumulative curriculum but the community aspect of their course as well. Please read the policies and frequently asked questions regarding absences and student participation requirements below:

What should I do if I'm away for a few days?

If you plan to be away from your online course for a few days, please inform your instructor via a private message and/or e-mail. Make every effort to continue working on the course while you're away. If this is not possible, make a plan with your instructor to catch up upon your return.

What should I do if I'm away for a week?

If you plan to be away for a week, please inform your instructor via a private message and/or e-mail. Make every effort to continue working on the course while you're away. More specific information on participation requirements is provided in the grading page of the "Getting Started" section of every Berkleemusic course as well as the "Help" section of the course. Instructors may issue an unsatisfactory grade for non-credit courses or a failing grade for courses taken for credit due to lack of participation.

What should I do if I’m falling behind in the course?

Students falling behind should make every effort to catch up as soon as possible. Contact your instructor via a private message and/or e-mail with a proposed plan to catch up for the instructor's approval. It's much harder to catch up the further behind you fall, so attempt to make a plan early on. More specific information on participation requirements is provided in the grading page of the "Getting Started" section of every Berkleemusic course as well as the "Help" section of the course. Instructors may issue an unsatisfactory grade for non-credit courses or a failing grade for courses taken for credit due to lack of participation.

Can I get an extension to complete my work after the course ends?

Brief extensions are granted on a very limited, case-by-case basis. To qualify, you must have successfully completed at least two-thirds of the coursework by the last week of the course. To request an extension, send a private message and/or e-mail to the instructor, explaining the reason why an extension is needed, and outline a proposed plan for completing all coursework. An extension request must be approved by the course instructor to be in effect.

What should I do if I need to start the course late?

It is recommended that you begin your course promptly when the term begins. If you do need to start the course a few days late, contact your instructor via a private message and/or e-mail as soon as possible after the course has opened.

Extended Leave of Absence

In the event of extenuating circumstances, students may be permitted to interrupt their enrollment for an extended period of time. A written request must be submitted to the Continuing Education Registrar containing specific reasons for the leave, the term the leave starts and the term you will be returning to your program.

The requests must be sent in writing to the following address:

Berklee Media
1140 Boylston Street
MS-855
Boston, MA 02215
Attn: Continuing Education Registrar

Military Deployment

If you are suddenly deployed while pursuing a certificate program or taking an online course, Berkleemusic will work with you so you may continue your studies. Contact the Continuing Education Registrar at registrar@berkleemusic.com for more information.

Transcripts

To obtain an official copy of your transcript, please download the Official Academic Transcript Request form and complete all applicable information. A signature and date are both required. The completed form can be faxed to 617-747-2149 or mailed to:

Berklee Media
1140 Boylston Street
MS-855
Boston, MA 02215
Attn: Continuing Education Registrar

Transcript requests will not be accepted through email. Please allow two weeks from receipt of a written request to process a transcript request. Transcripts cannot be processed if you have an outstanding financial obligation to Berkleemusic.

Download PDF of Transcript Request Form

Tuition Policy

Berkleemusic reserves the right to raise tuition prices at any time. Should a student wish to transfer enrollment or make schedule changes after a tuition increase, the following polices will apply:

For Non Credit, and Credit Courses

If a student transfers into a different course within the same term, the same course into a future term or a different course into a future term, the tuition charged would be the price that exists for the course at the time of the transfer. The student will be responsible for paying any additional tuition amounts that may be due prior to taking the course

For Certificate Program Students

Pay in Full students will pay the tuition that was in effect at the time of enrollment. If a student who has paid in full changes the program they are pursuing, they will be charged any additional tuition in effect at the time of the change.

Pay Per Term students will be charged the tuition prices that exist for the course during the term they enroll. The student will be responsible for paying any additional tuition amounts that may be due prior to taking the course. Additional tuition may also be due should a student wish to transfer his or her enrollment into a different course or program than the one originally selected.

Transferring credits to other institutions

The decision to accept transfer credits is made by each individual college or university. It is important that the student confirm with their college or university that the credits will be accepted. The majority of colleges and universities require an official transcript be sent directly to them. See above for information on requesting a transcript.

Applying a credit-bearing Berkleemusic course toward a certificate program

If a student has successfully completed only credit-bearing courses with Berkleemusic, the student can apply for a waiver of the course requirement in the certificate program. If a waiver is approved, the student will not be required to retake the course. The cost of the waived course will be deducted from the total price of the certificate program. A request to waive a requirement must be done prior to enrolling in the first course in the certificate program. Courses in progress cannot be waived into a program until a passing grade has been issued. Non-credit and CEU courses cannot be waived into a certificate program.

Please note: 2 credit courses cannot be waived in as an elective in a certificate program. If you have questions regarding waiving in a 2 credit course, please contact the Continuing Education Registrar at registrar@berkleemusic.com.

The following waiver limitations apply:

Specialist Certificate Program- Two course may be waived

Professional Certificate Program- Three courses may be waived

Master Certificate Program- Four courses may be waived

To apply for a waiver, send a request in writing to the Continuing Education Registrar and include your name, the certificate program you are enrolling in, the course you would like to have waived and the term you originally took the course. Requests for a waiver can be emailed to registrar@berkleemusic.com.

Applying a completed Berkleemusic certificate program toward a certificate program of higher value

If a student has successfully completed a certificate program and wishes to apply the courses within to a higher-level program they can do so. Berkleemusic will waive the completed courses, which are in the new program towards the certificate. In this case the student will retain the original certificate and be awarded the second certificate once he/she completes the program. Please note 2-credit courses cannot be waived into a program as an elective.

Applying both a completed Berkleemusic certificate and individual courses toward a certificate program of higher value

If a student has successfully completed a certificate program in addition to individual courses or have completed multiple certificate programs, they can waive in both the individual courses as well as the courses from the original program (s) with the following waiver limitations:

Professional Certificate Program- Four courses in total may be waived

Master Certificate Program- Six courses in total may be waived

Upgrading to a higher level program

Students who wish to upgrade from a lower level program to a higher-level program can do so at any time by sending a request in writing to registrar@berkleemusic.com. Students who upgrade prior to officially completing the original program will only receive the higher-level certificate. In this instance a student will not be charged an additional registration fee.

Students who wish to upgrade after having officially completed their original program will be required to pay the $150 registration and technology fee for the higher level program. The student will need to request to have any completed courses waived into the new program. Students may do so by sending an email to registrar@berkleemusic.com. Please see above for more information on waiving courses and programs. In this instance the student will retain the original certificate and will receive the higher level certificate upon successful completion of all requirements.

Pro Tools 101 Final Exam and Certificate of Completion

Starting with the Winter 2007 term, students enrolled in the Pro Tools 101 course with Berkleemusic will be given the opportunity to take the Pro Tools 101 final exam through Digidesign. This exam is optional.

Berkleemusic students must successfully complete the course to be eligible to take the final exam with Digidesign and receive the Pro Tools 101 certificate of completion. The result of the final exam will not have any bearing on the grade issued for the course.

Students who successfully complete the Pro Tools 101 course for credit may transfer this course into one of Berkleemusic's certificate which has Pro Tools 101 as a requirement or elective. See above for more information on applying a credit-bearing Berkleemusic course toward a certificate program.

Students who take Pro Tools 101 with Berkleemusic as non-credit or CEU cannot transfer this course into a certificate program, but may still take the Digidesign final exam.

Requesting a Digidesign Certificate of Completion

After passing the Digidesign Pro Tools 101 final exam and successfully completing the course, students are eligible to receive a certificate of completion. To obtain your certificate, you must send an email to service@berkleemusic.com indicating that you received a passing grade in the course and passed the Digidesign final exam. Students must include their name and a current mailing address. Upon verification of eligibility, a course completion certificate will be issued.

Pro Tools 110 Final Exam and Certificate of Completion

Starting with the Summer 2007 term students who have successfully completed the Pro Tools 101 exam will have the opportunity to take the Digidesign Pro Tools 110 Exam online.

Berkleemusic students must successfully complete the course to be eligible to take the final exam with Digidesign and receive the Pro Tools 110 certificate of completion. The result of the final exam will not have any bearing on the grade issued for the course.

Requesting a Digidesign Certificate of Completion

After passing the Digidesign Pro Tools 110 final exam and successfully completing the course, students are eligible to receive a certificate of completion. To obtain your certificate, you must send an email to service@berkleemusic.com indicating that you received a passing grade in the course and passed the Digidesign final exam. Students must include their name and a current mailing address. Upon verification of eligibility, a course completion certificate will be issued.

Enrolling in more than one certificate program

Students can enroll and participate in more than one certificate program simultaneously. If there are courses that are required in both programs, students will not be required to take the course twice. However, the student will be required to substitute a course in the same area of study. For example, if Pro Tools 101 were in both certificate programs, the student would complete Pro Tools 101 in the first program and also a different production course such as Producing with Pro Tools in the second program. The substitute course will need to be approved by the Continuing Education. Required courses in one program cannot be used as electives in the second program. Courses chosen as an elective in one program cannot be used as an elective in the second program.

How to enroll in more than one certificate program

To enroll in more than one certificate program, visit www.berkkleemusic.com and click on one of the certificate programs you are interested in pursuing and follow the steps outlined. After you have completed your initial enrollment you will click on the additional program you wish to pursue and again follow the steps outlined. Students will be required to pay the $150 registration and technology fee for each program they wish to enroll in.

If the additional program contains any courses which are duplicates of those in the original program, the Continuing Education Registrar will contact you to discuss alternative courses for you to take.

Transferring from Non-credit to Credit Status Within a Course

Prior to a term beginning, students can request to change their enrollment from non-credit to for credit and vice versa. To do so, send a request in writing to the Continuing Education Registrar at registrar@berkleemusic.com.

After a term has begun, a student cannot change from non-credit or CEU status to credit status or change from credit to non-credit or CEU status. Our credit courses require grading for each assignment, with a final grade given at the end of the course. Non-credit courses are taken as satisfactory and unsatisfactory completed.

Substituting Required Courses in a Certificate Program

Students may be allowed to substitute one required course in a certificate program provided that removing the original course does not compromise the educational objectives of the program. The Continuing Education Registrar will review all substitutions and either approve the desired change or make alternate suggestions of approved courses. The substituted course cannot be worth fewer credits than the original requirement. Students will only be allowed to substitute one course regardless of the program they are pursuing in order to maintain the academic integrity of the program.

Students will be charged the tuition price that exists for the course when the substitution is made. The student will be responsible for paying any additional tuition amounts that may be due.

Requests to substitute a required course must be in writing and sent to registrar@berkleemusic.com. The request must include the program in which the student is enrolled, the name of the required course, the name of the course that would be used as a substitution, and the reason for the substitution.

A request can also be faxed to 617-747-2149 or mailed to:

Berklee Media
1140 Boylston Street
MS-855
Boston, MA 02215
Continuing Education Registrar

Substituting Electives In A Certificate Program

Students enrolled in a Master Certificate Program can substitute a maximum of two electives in a program with three electives and three electives in a program with four electives. Substituted electives need to be 12 week, 3-credit courses. Substitution requests should be sent via email to registrar@berkleemusic.com.

Students will be charged the tuition price that exists for the elective course when the substitution is made. The student will be responsible for paying any additional tuition amounts that may be due.

Transferring from one certificate program to a different certificate program prior to completion

If a student finds that the certificate program they are enrolled in is not the right one for them, the student can transfer to another certificate program. To do so, send an email to registrar@berkleemusic.com for approval. Students may transfer any successfully completed courses that are required in the new certificate program. The tuition difference, if applicable, must be paid prior to taking the first course in the new certificate program. This applies to students who have selected to pay the full amount of their program up front. Students who change their program will be charged tuition prices in effect at the time of the program change.

If the new program has less requirements, any tuition paid for future courses no longer required will be refunded back to the student.

Transferring Non-Berkleemusic.com credits into Berkleemusic.com

Credits taken at another institution cannot be transferred into any of the certificate programs currently offered at Berkleemusic.com.

Students who have successfully completed Pro Tools 101 or Pro Tools 110 with another Digidesign approved training center can request to have this course requirement waived into one of Berkleemusic's certificate programs. To do so, students must send a copy of their certificate along with a written request to have the course waived.

Request to waive Pro Tools 101 and/or Pro Tools 110 can be faxed to 617-747-2149 or mailed to:

Berklee Media
1140 Boylston Street
MS-855
Boston, MA 02215
Attn: Continuing Education Registrar

Course Transfer Policy

During the first two weeks of a term, a student may transfer enrollment to the term immediately following the one in progress. Students are allowed only one transfer per enrollment. If a student transfers into another term, course or program, additional tuition and fees may apply.

During the first week of the term a student may request to transfer their enrollment to an alternate course for the term. After the end of the first week, students will no longer be allowed to transfer into an alternate course for the current term but may be allowed to transfer to an alternate course for the following term for the sake of being able to complete all requirements on time. Additional tuition or fees may apply.

Requests for transfers must be in writing and can be sent to registrar@berkleemusic.com.

Medical Leave

Students who need to delay their online course or certificate program for medical reasons may be eligible to transfer their course(s) to a future term. A medical withdrawal will be considered only if accompanied by a written verification from a medical doctor on letterhead stating the student cannot complete the term due to an illness or disability. Please note this doctor's note must be in English to be considered. The transfer will not be allowed if a student fails to submit medical documentation to the Continuing Education Registrar prior to the course ending.

The request for a medical leave must be sent in writing to the following address:

Berklee Media
1140 Boylston Street
MS-855
Boston, MA 02215
Attn: Continuing Education Registrar

Requests can also be faxed to 617-747-2149

Withdrawal Policy

All withdrawal requests must be sent to the Continuing Education Registrar in writing and must include the following information: your full name, the course you are enrolled in, the certificate program you are enrolled in, if applicable, the term you are enrolled in and your reason for withdrawing. Requests to withdraw will not be accepted over the phone. Notifying an instructor does not constitute an official request to withdraw from a course. Requests to withdraw must be emailed to registrar@berkleemusic.com, faxed to 617-747-2149 or mailed to:

Berklee Media
1140 Boylston Street
MS-855
Boston, MA 02215
Attn: Continuing Education Registrar

All withdrawals from courses need to be received prior to the midpoint of the term. No withdrawals will be accepted after this date. A failing grade will be issued unless the withdrawal request is received by the Continuing Education Registrar prior to the midpoint of a given course.

If a student is requesting an exception to the withdrawal policy for medical reasons, please see the Medical Leave Policy for information on this process. If a student feels they have extenuating circumstances other than medical reasons and wish to request an exception to our policy, please send an email to registrar@berkleemusic.com. Students should make sure to include as much detail as possible.

Please note students are expected to have reviewed the computer requirements for each course and to have purchased required materials in advance of the course beginning. Computer or software issues are not, in general, cause for withdrawal. If a student is experiencing issues with their hardware or software contact Berkleemusic's support team via telephone at 617-747-2146 or by email at service@berkleemusic.com, or try to make alternate arrangements to continue active participation with their course.

Refund Policies

Certificate Programs

For students who have paid the full amount of the certificate program up front, the following withdrawal/refund schedule applies:

• One week prior to the start of a course: 100% refund of current course plus entire remaining balance paid on the courses not taken minus the registration and technology fee.

• During the first week of a course: 50% refund of current course plus entire remaining balance paid on the courses not taken minus the registration and technology fee.

• During the second week of a course: 25% refund of current course plus entire remaining balance paid on the courses not taken minus the registration and technology fee.

Refund will be based on when the withdrawal is received in writing. No additional refunds on courses in progress will be given after the second week of the term. The registration and technology fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Please note that all refunds will be provided in United States dollars. Berkleemusic cannot be responsible for any currency rate fluctuations between the date of purchase and the date of the refund.

For students opting to pay for each course as they take it in the certificate program, the following withdrawal/refund schedule applies:

• One week prior to the start of a course: 100% refund of the current course, minus the registration and technology fee.

• During the first week of a course: 50% refund of the current course, minus the registration and technology fee.

• During the second week of a course: 25% refund of the current course, minus the registration and technology fee.

Refund will be based on when the withdrawal is received in writing. No additional refunds on courses in progress will be given after the second week of the term. The registration and technology fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Please note that all refunds will be provided in United States dollars. Berkleemusic cannot be responsible for any currency rate fluctuations between the date of purchase and the date of the refund.

If a student registers for a certificate program the registration and technology fee can be applied towards the certificate program as long as you begin study within two terms. After this time, the fee will expire. The registration and technology fee is not transferable to individual courses.

If a student withdraws from a certificate program and later wishes to re-enroll in the certificate program, the student will be required to pay all applicable fees including, but not limited to, the registration and technology fee.

Credit Courses not in a Certificate Program

• One week prior to the start of a course: 100% refund of the current course, minus the registration and technology fee.

• During the first week of a course: 50% refund of the current course, minus the registration and technology fee.

• During the second week of a course: 25% refund of the current course, minus the registration and technology fee.

Refund will be based on when the withdrawal is received in writing. No additional refunds will be given on courses in progress after this time period. The registration and technology fee is non-refundable.

Non-credit Courses

• One week prior to the start of a course: 100% refund of the current course, minus the registration and technology fee and CEU Fee if applicable.

• During the first week of a course: 50% refund of the current course, minus the registration and technology fee and CEU Fee if applicable.

• During the second week of a course: 25% refund of the current course, minus the registration and technology fee and CEU Fee if applicable.

Refund will be based on when the withdrawal is received in writing. No additional refunds will be given on courses in progress after this time period. The registration and technology fee is non-refundable.

Student Refund Checks

Students who are granted a loan by some of our financial partners may receive a disbursement check larger than the tuition amount due which can be applied towards books and some materials through Berkleemusic. Berkleemusic will refund students for any overpayments within two to three weeks after receiving payment. Refunds in amounts less than $5.00 (five U.S. dollars) will not be processed. Students who have withdrawn from a course or program and are due a refund check will receive their refund within two to three weeks after the refund request has been processed.

Mandatory Opt In Email Lists

Students enrolled in a course or program with Berkleemusic.com must be opted in to receive all email communications. Most communication between Berkleemusic and its student body is conducted in this manner to keep students apprised of:

*Changes to existing courses and programs
*New courses and programs
*Special deals and offers from our industry partners available only to our students!
*Other important announcements

In order to ensure all students are kept up to date on the happenings of the online school, we need to be able to communicate through email.

Enrollment Agreement

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