Okanagan Folk School Policies
This page contains the policies and guidelines that all students and visitors are expected to observe. It also outlines other useful information. Please review these policies before registering for course.
Non-Discrimination
In the operation of Okanagan Folk School (OKFS) programs, no individual or group will be discriminated against because of race, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability.
Accessibility
We believe that craft and learned skills education should be accessible to anyone with an interest in learning, and that the mission of our school is made richer by welcoming a diverse range of students and participants to our campus.
Age
Due to the unique nature of each course, minimum age requirements are defined by the instructor. All courses that are open for intergenerational learning are clearly defined by the course description. Please inquire at registration about restrictions.
Registration Deadlines
Registering early also gives our instructors adequate time to prepare course materials, which can be extensive. It also gives you time to acquire supplies you are required to bring to course (a materials list will be mailed after you register). For intermediate to advanced courses, you may have “homework” to do in advance.
Courses are intentionally kept small and often fill quickly, so registering as early as possible is encouraged. Registering at least three weeks prior to the course start date is especially advisable as courses without a minimum number of registrations may be cancelled. That said, if you find a course you want to take close to the start date, give us a call. Last minute changes may have left a spot open just for you!
Course Payments
Tuition and materials fees must be paid in full to secure registration in a course. For courses where the materials fee varies, the fee is paid directly to the instructor on the first day of course. Payments for course registration must be made via the OKFS website.
Waiting Lists
OKFS manages waiting lists for courses that have filled. Individuals on the waiting list are contacted only if an opening becomes available.
Course Content
While we make every effort to verify their accuracy, course descriptions are provided by instructors, who are independent contractors, and cannot be warranted by the OKFS.
Privacy
We respect your privacy and will not sell or give your mailing address or e-mail address to another party. We use our mailing list to notify you of new courses and current events here at OKFS. You may ask to be removed from our mailing list or e-mail newsletter list at any time by contacting us at info@okfolkschool.ca.
Membership Cancellations
Membership fees are based on an annual subscription. Once the fee has been paid it is non-refundable. Okanagan Folk School is a non-profit Society and must operate on a strict budget. Your interest and support are appreciated.
Course Cancellations
If OKFS must cancel a course, the student will receive a full refund or a credit towards a future course of their choosing. Students who wish a refund of any payments made for that course should contact the OKFS office at info@okfolkschool.ca.
Students who cancel their enrollment more than 7 days prior to the first day of the course and request a refund will receive a refund less a 4% cancellation fee to cover the credit card costs. In recognition of the time and energy instructors invest in preparing for courses, students who cancel their enrollment 6 days or less prior to the first day of the course are not eligible for a refund. Students who do not show up to a course and have not notified OKFS are not eligible for a refund.
Cancellation Due to COVID
To prioritize the safety of our community, we have revised our cancellation policy to provide flexibility for COVID-19 related cancellations. For any student with a positive diagnosis, symptoms, or exposure to COVID-19 within two weeks of a course start, we will waive the cancellation fee and issue a full refund up to the day a course begins. Students should notify the Registrar immediately. Because of registration costs and other services, including faculty contracts, material acquisitions, and housing arrangements, the OKFS is required to charge cancellation fees to students who change their itineraries for non-COVID-19 reasons.
Missed Course Time Due to COVID-19
In the case of missed course time because a student or instructor experiences a positive COVID-19 test or the Folk School suspends or cancels a course, the student will receive a credit towards a future course. Once a course begins, there will be no refunds or credits for early departure, late arrival, or missed course for any other reason.
Building community is central to the mission of Okanagan Folk School. Staff, instructors, students, volunteers, and visitors are all part of creating a welcoming, positive environment that inspires life-long learning in a noncompetitive setting. Every individual contributes to the richness of the community whether they are here for years, days or just passing through. We ask that all who come here do so with openness towards people of differing backgrounds, identities, and ways of being in the world and conduct themselves with integrity, respect, and kindness towards all.
By choosing to participate in the Okanagan Folk School community, you are choosing to uphold this spirit and vision of community. Any person exhibiting behavior that is disruptive to the community learning environment may be asked to leave the course and/or venue and refused future participation. Specific policies detailing these expectations are included in the Shop Ethics, Course room, Non-Discrimination, and Sexual Harassment policies.
Bringing Your Own Tools
Student tools are welcome on campus, but OKFS cannot guarantee their safety and is not responsible for loss or damage.
Student Projects
Inspiring and beautiful student-built projects are the satisfying outcomes of OKFS courses. At the close of the course, these projects are the responsibility of the student and need to leave the course room or venue.
Course Room Hours
Course rooms serve as a place of inspiration and engagement, offering students and instructors a setting to explore the joy of hands-on learning together. In the interest of student safety, course rooms are only open to students with instructor supervision.
Cell Phones
Out of respect for the OKFS learning community, students and visitors are encouraged to turn off or silence their cell phones prior to participation in any program or course. If you do need to take a call, please step out of the course room. Students are welcome to use their phones in a respectful manner to take photos of their own work in course. Please ask before taking photos of the instructor’s or other students’ work.
Drugs and Alcohol
Alcohol is not permitted in studios or public areas unless the course specifies the alcohol consumption may be part of the course. To take a course that involves the consumption of alcohol the student must be of legal drinking age. Use of illegal drugs is prohibited. Alcohol may not be consumed during the operation of tools or power equipment.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed inside any building at the course room or venue of the OKFS. There are no indoor smoking facilities.
Personal Property
The Folk School is not responsible for the security of property belonging to students and instructors.
Studio Safety
The Folk School is not responsible for injuries sustained because of improper or careless use of studio tools or equipment.
OKFS strives to be a student-centered learning environment. The Venues and course rooms are designed to support that mission as well as create a gathering space for community.
Practice Safety First
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (i.e. earmuffs or earplugs, safety glasses, dust mask, etc.) when using machinery, regardless of what you would wear in your own shop.
- You’re not alone. Be aware of others when using equipment and transporting materials.
- Say something. If you see anyone doing something unsafe, speak up.
Respect Equipment and Tools
- Know how to operate a tool properly before using or ask for guidance if you don’t.
- Return and store tools properly. If you don’t know the proper location, please ask.
- Turn off and unplug equipment when not in use.
- Report any missing, broken, or damaged equipment to your instructor.
Respect Course Room and Shop Space
Leave a course room or venue cleaner than you found it. Assume that a course is being taught in the same space the next day…as is often the case.
General Guidelines:
- Wipe tables with shop brush or hand towel.
- Sweep floor.
- Return and wash coffee cups/dishes.
- Put waste, recycling, and wood chunks in respective bins.
- Leave nothing behind.
Be Considerate
- Community is at the core of the OKFS mission.
- Courses and students are a priority. Projects, prep work, and informal gatherings must respect courses in session.
- Be aware of other courses/programs happening in adjoining course rooms.
- Pets are not welcome in course rooms.
- Students, staff, and visitors are encouraged to turn off or silence cell phones.