Student Complaint and Grievance Policy

The String Theory School of Design maintains a formal Student Complaint and Grievance Policy to ensure concerns are addressed in a fair, transparent, and timely manner. Students are encouraged to first pursue informal resolution directly with the involved party; if unresolved, a formal written complaint may be submitted to the Dean, with subsequent appeal to the President and ultimately the Board of Trustees. Protections against retaliation are in place, and students retain the right to escalate unresolved grievances to the Pennsylvania Department of Education or the institutional accreditor (MSCHE). This policy along with additional details is published in the Student Handbook. Please contact Dr. Mosca at dean.stringtheoryschools.org for more information.

Faculty and Staff Grievance Policy

The String Theory School of Design provides a Faculty Grievance Policy to safeguard faculty rights and ensure an equitable process for resolving disputes. Faculty members are afforded due process, with opportunities for informal resolution and, if needed, a formal multi-step review process that may include administrative review and Board-level consideration. The policy emphasizes fairness, transparency, and the right of faculty to participate in a structured grievance procedure without fear of retaliation. This policy is detailed in the Faculty Handbook. Please contact Dr. Mosca at dean.stringtheoryschools.org for more information.

Transfer of Credit Policy

The String Theory School of Design evaluates previously earned college credits to determine whether they may be applied toward a student’s degree program. Evaluation criteria include institutional accreditation, course equivalency, grade requirements, and applicable time limits. Students may request transfer evaluations at the time of admission to maximize prior educational achievements. For full details, please view the Student Handbook.

Refund and Withdrawal Policy

The String Theory School of Design maintains a published Refund Policy that aligns with the academic calendar and federal guidelines. Students who officially withdraw from a course or the institution are eligible for tuition refunds according to the established refund schedule, which is made publicly available in the Academic Catalog and Student Handbook. Refund amounts are prorated based on the timing of withdrawal, ensuring fairness and transparency for students. This policy is designed to provide consistency in financial transactions.

The String Theory School of Design also maintains a formal Course Withdrawal Policy to ensure clarity and consistency for students. Students who choose to withdraw from a course must do so in accordance with the published academic calendar and withdrawal deadlines. Because all courses in the program sequence are required for graduation, any withdrawn course must be repeated in a subsequent term. Withdrawals are recorded on the student’s academic record and are considered in the evaluation of academic progress, except where otherwise noted in the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy. This policy is published in the Student Handbook and Academic Catalog.

Course Catalog

The comprehensive guide to all academic programs, course descriptions, degree requirements, and institutional policies. This essential resource contains everything you need to plan your academic path, understand graduation requirements, and navigate college procedures.

Student Code of Conduct / Student Handbook

The String Theory School of Design students are subject to appropriate rules of proper conduct. The String Theory School of Design reserves the right to suspend or dismiss a student whose attendance, academic performance, or conduct, whether on or off college premises, is judged unsatisfactory. The student handbook defines expected standards of behavior, student rights and responsibilities, and disciplinary procedures. This handbook serves as your guide to campus life, outlining policies on academic integrity, social conduct, and the consequences for policy violations.

Title IX / Non-Discrimination Policy

The String Theory School of Design does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or any other classification protected under applicable law in the administration of its educational programs, activities, or with respect to employment. In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the School prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity, including admissions, academics, athletics, and employment. The Vice President of Academic Affairs serves as the Title IX Coordinator and is responsible for the overall implementation of this policy. Questions or concerns regarding compliance should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator. 

Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act Report)

The annual security report required by federal law that provides crime statistics, safety policies, and emergency procedures for the campus community.

Disability Services Policy

The String Theory School of Design’s Center on Disability (COD) supports students with documented health, mental health, physical, learning, attention, or sensory disabilities. The COD works individually with students to determine appropriate academic accommodations, introduce assistive technology, connect students to campus and community resources, and facilitate communication with faculty so classroom needs are understood and met. Students seeking accommodations should submit timely documentation from a licensed professional describing the diagnosis, educational impact, and recommended adjustments; to allow for planning, documentation should be provided at least six weeks before the term begins. For assistance, contact the Dean of College at dean.stringtheorydesign.org and read more about this policy in the Student Handbook.

FERPA (Student Privacy)

The String Theory School of Design complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA affords eligible students the rights to inspect and review their records, request amendments to inaccurate information, and control most disclosures of personally identifiable information except where permitted by law. The School designates certain Directory Information (e.g., name, dates of attendance, program, awards) that may be released without prior consent, and students may request to restrict directory disclosure through the Registrar. Procedures for exercising FERPA rights, the definition of directory information, and permitted non-consensual disclosures are detailed in our full policy in the Student Handbook.

Additional Resources

Disclaimer
The pages in this section will be updated regularly as new data, policies, and reports are available. Questions about disclosures may be directed to the President of String Theory School of Design, Vice President of Academic Affairs, or Dean of College at String Theory School of Design.