LINNAEA FARM
ECOLOGICAL GARDENING PROGRAMME
POLICIES & PROCEDURES

1.0 Admissions
Students wishing to be admitted to the Linnaea Farm Ecological Gardening Programme (LGP) must be at least 17 years of age. No previous gardening experience is required. Students will be admitted based on space available. Of key consideration will be the prospective student's commitment to the philosophy of the programme and their desire to attend, as demonstrated in the application. Of lesser importance will be the goal of keeping a gender balance within the group.

Procedures for admission are as follows:

The first step in seeking admittance to the LGP is to carefully read the brochure or information in our web site (www.linnaeafarm.org) to gain an understanding of the LGP philosophy and format. Any questions arising should be addressed to the Coordinator for clarification. Next an application and references should be submitted. The application deadline is generally November 1 for the course beginning the following Spring. We prefer to also meet personally with applicants whenever this is reasonable. Applications are reviewed by a group of instructors and by the residents of Linnaea Farm, decisions are made, and a letter is sent to each applicant stating whether they are accepted, wait listed, or not accepted.

Upon acceptance, a student contract is filled out and a non-refundable registration fee of $100 is due. Of the remaining tuition, $900 is due at the beginning of the first quarter, and $600 is to be paid at the beginning of each of the second and third quarters. For those living on the Farm, rent payments are due by the first of each month. A damage deposit is also required, to be paid with the first month's rent.

2.0 Enrollment
The total enrollment of the course will not exceed eleven pupils. An effort will be made to ensure that there is a balance of gender and diversity of age among the student body.

3.0 Student Conduct, Dismissal
Registered students of LGP are expected to conduct themselves responsibly, with due consideration for the setting, the purposes of the Linnaea Farm Society (LFS), and for others on the Farm (e.g. garden programme students, residents, staff, students and parents of Linnaea School, and visitors). Students must be fulfilling the course requirements and participating fully in programme activities. If a student fails to live up to these expectations, Linnaea Farm Society reserves the right to take whatever action is appropriate, including dismissal from the Programme.

Misconduct of particular concern includes but is not limited to: (1) acts affecting the safety of any individual, (2) damage to property, (3) theft, (4) disruption of routine farm activities, instruction, or programmes of the Society, (5) insufficient attendance.

In the event that a student is dismissed from LGP, written notice must be provided.

4.0 Conflict Resolution
Should conflict arise between LGP students, student(s) and an instructor or student(s) and a resident, the following guidelines apply.

First, an attempt should be made to resolve the conflict directly with the person involved using the Linnaea Farm conflict resolution guidelines.

If this is not successful, they may contact a mediator from the list that is supplied to them at the beginning of each year's course. This mediator can simply act as an advisor or sounding board, or they can directly mediate between the parties.

In the event that a conflict cannot be resolved even with the help of a mediator, Coordinator must be informed. When necessary, the Coordinator will request written submissions from all parties, and will provide a written decision. If the Coordinator cannot satisfactorily provide a resolution, or if the complaint involves the Coordinator, the issue is to be presented in writing to an LFS Board for resolution.

5.0 Refund Policy Linnaea Farm Ecological Gardening Programme
This policy applies to both Canadian and International students.

Refunds in the case of withdrawal or dismissal

1. written notice must be provided by
1a. a student to LGP when the student withdraws
1b. LGP to the student if the student is dismissed.

2. Refunds before the course begins. If written notice of withdrawal is received by LGP any time after the contract is made, and before the start of the programme of study, LGP may retain the $100 deposit.

3. Refunds after the programme of study starts.
3a. If written notice of withdrawal is received by LGP or a student is dismissed during the months of March or April, LGP may retain 30% of the total tuition fees due under the contract.
3b. If written notice of withdrawal is received by LGP, or a student is dismissed during the months of May or June, LGP may retain 50% of the total tuition fees due under the contract.
3c. If a student withdraws or is dismissed after June 30, no refund will be given.

4. Refunds owing to students must be paid within 30 days of the institution receiving written notice of withdrawal or within 30 days of LGP's written notice of dismissal.

Refunds in the case of institution closure
Should LGP close, voluntarily or otherwise, before the full programme of study is delivered, the Executive Director of the Private Post-Secondary Education Commission may order a refund of all or part of paid student fees.

Refunds in the case of undue changes to the programme of study
In the event of a violation of Sections 10(1) or 10(2) of the Private Post-Secondary Education Act, the Executive Director may order a refund of all or part of paid student fees. These refunds must be paid within 30 days of receiving written notice of the Executive Director's order.


Linnaea Farm Ecological Gardening Programme Policies & Procedures -- revised September 24, 2002