Student Handbook

The String Theory School of Design publishes a comprehensive Student Handbook that outlines the rights, responsibilities, policies, and resources available to students. The handbook includes academic policies (such as attendance, withdrawal, and refund procedures, grading, and satisfactory academic progress), codes of conduct, grievance procedures, and information on campus safety and support services. It serves as a central reference to ensure students understand institutional expectations and available supports. The Student Handbook is distributed to all enrolled students and is updated annually.

Academic Support Services

The String Theory School of Design provides comprehensive academic advising and support services to ensure student success. Upon enrollment, each student is assigned an academic advisor who works closely with them to plan a program of study, monitor progress, and align academic choices with individual goals. The School also offers a Writing Center and tutoring services in reading, writing, mathematics, and technology, with additional support available through university partnerships. For students needing additional preparation, accelerated developmental and remedial courses are offered with targeted advising and progress monitoring. These services are designed to identify and assist struggling students early, foster persistence, and prepare all learners to meet rigorous college-level expectations.

Technology & Library Resources

The Technology Center is the hub for digital tools, hands-on learning, and creative innovation at the String Theory School of Design. It provides access to advanced hardware such as high-performance computers, VR/AR equipment, 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters, as well as industry-standard software for design, visualization, data analysis, and collaboration. Students and faculty use the Center’s hybrid classrooms, collaborative labs, and flexible studios to complete course projects, participate in workshops, and develop new technical skills. Support staff provide training sessions and on-demand assistance to ensure safe, effective use of equipment. Together, the Technology Center and Library ensure students have the resources to master emerging technologies, pursue research, and produce portfolio-ready work for future careers.

The String Theory School of Design maintains a dedicated Library to support student learning and research. The Library provides access to both in-person and virtual resources, including the Free Library of Philadelphia, Encyclopedia Britannica, the Library of Congress, and Purdue OWL writing and citation guides. Students also have access to the College Course Catalog and Student Handbook through the Library webpage. Professional support is available through the school librarian, with office hours, virtual appointments, and guidance on obtaining additional resources.

Copyright Infringement / Technology Use Policy

The String Theory School of Design complies fully with federal and state copyright laws and requires all students, faculty, and staff to do the same. Unauthorized copying, downloading, or distribution of copyrighted software, music, videos, images, or literature is strictly prohibited. Only software approved by or acquired through the School may be used on institutional networks and computers. The School actively monitors for illegal downloading or redistribution of copyrighted materials and will cooperate with law enforcement if violations occur. Individuals who engage in unauthorized use of copyrighted materials are subject to disciplinary action under the school’s policies and may face legal consequences.

The String Theory School of Design provides students, faculty, and staff with access to laptops, iPads, networks, internet, printers, copiers, telephones, and other digital resources as part of its academic and administrative infrastructure. Use of these systems must comply with institutional policies and applicable laws. Modifying or disrupting the School’s network infrastructure, attempting unauthorized access, or using technology in ways that are offensive, disruptive, or unlawful is strictly prohibited. All users are expected to safeguard their personal work by backing up files and securing devices. The School enforces password security, prohibits account sharing, and reserves the right to monitor for misuse. While the School strives to maintain system integrity, it cannot guarantee confidentiality of electronic communications; therefore, users should exercise caution when transmitting sensitive information. Violations of the Technology Use Policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, as well as referral to law enforcement when appropriate.

Vaccination Policy

String Theory School of Design requires all enrolled students to provide documentation of immunizations consistent with Pennsylvania Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Required vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (Tdap), poliovirus, hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox). Tuberculosis screening is also required as indicated. Students may request exemptions for documented medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs. Exempt students may be excluded from classes or in-person activities during an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease.

Center on Disability (COD)

The Center on Disability (COD) provides academic accommodations and support services for students with health, mental health, physical, learning, attention, or sensory disabilities. Services include individualized accommodations, assistive technology, resource connections, faculty communication, and goal-oriented support activities. Students are encouraged to submit documentation at least six weeks before the start of the semester to ensure timely accommodations. For assistance, contact the Dean of College at dean.stringtheorydesign.org.

Student Records & Privacy (FERPA)

The String Theory School of Design values and protects student privacy. Under FERPA, students have the right to review their education records, request corrections, and determine whether certain “directory information” (such as name, address, or dates of attendance) may be shared. Students with questions about their records or who wish to file a FERPA request may contact the Registrar or Dean of the College. More information is available 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.