Consumer Disclosures

Seattle Film Institute discloses consumer information regarding its programs, policies, educational resources, and student body in accordance with and as required by the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA). Below, you will find an alphabetical list containing this information, including links to related materials.

• Accreditation, Licenses, Degree Authorization, and Ownership
• Annual Notice of Availability of Consumer Information
• Constitution Day
• Copyright Infringement
• Description of Facilities
• Disability Support Services
• Distance Education
• Drug and Alcohol Policy
• Faculty
• FERPA
• FERPA Annual Notification to Students
• Financial Aid Information
• Institutional History and Mission
• Notice of Non-Discrimination
• Notice to Students Regarding Religious Accommodations for Post secondary Students
• Professional Advisory Committees and Continuous Improvement
• Retention and Placement Rates by Program
• Safety, Security, and Annual Security Report
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Student Body Diversity
• Student Complaint and Academic Appeals Procedure
• Student and Employee Handbook
• Student Outcomes and Disclosures for Gainful Employment Programs
• Student Recruiting and Admissions Policy
• Student Right to Know Act
• Textbook Information
• Transfer Credit Policy
• Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
• Vaccination Policies
• Voter Registration

Accreditation, Licenses, Degree Authorization, and Ownership

Seattle Film Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter VI, Part 602 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. Learn more about ACCSC accreditation at www.accsc.org.

Seattle Film Institute is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes Seattle Film Institute to offer specific degree programs. The Council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs. Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of the institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about requirements of the act or applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at:

Washington Student Achievement Council

Seattle Film Institute is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act.  This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes Seattle Film Institute to offer specific degree programs. The Council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs.  Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of the institution or its programs.  Any person desiring information about requirements of the act or applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at:

P.O. Box 43430,
Olympia, WA 98504-3430.

Or by email: [email protected]

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. Visit http://www.wsac.wa.gov/student-complaints for information regarding the WSAC complaint process.

Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
P.O. Box 43105 Olympia, WA 98504-3105
Phone: (360) 709-4600
Email: [email protected]

Seattle Film Institute is listed as an Eligible Training Provider enabling eligible students to apply for funding from a variety of State and Federal funding programs, including but not limited to Workforce Retraining and Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) funding. Seattle Film Institute (main campus) is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. The Seattle Film Institute has been approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons under the provisions of the GI Bill (Title 38, United States Code).

Seattle Film Institute is wholly owned by Seattle Film Institute Inc., which is a Washington corporation with its principal offices located at 3210 16th Avenue West, Seattle WA 98119.

Members of the Seattle Film Institute, Inc. Board of Directors:
• David Shulman, President
• Smadar Friedlander, Vice President
• Diane Panteleakos, Secretary

Annual Notice of Availability of Consumer Information

Consumer information is updated on an annual basis and made available to enrolled and prospective students and staff of Seattle Film Institute electronically. Paper copies of the consumer information are available upon request.

Download document here

Constitution Day

Seattle Film Institute recognizes and celebrates Constitution Day which commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens. More information here

Copyright Infringement and peer-to-peer file sharing

Seattle Film Institute prohibits copyright infringement in any form, including the illegal downloading and uploading of copyrighted works through peer-to-peer file sharing as defined by Title 17 of the United States Code. Copyright infringement may result in civil and criminal penalties, including damages of up to $150,000 per infringed work, imprisonment of up to five years, and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. For more information, please see the website of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, especially the FAQs at www.copyright.gov/help/faq. In addition to the civil and criminal penalties outlined above, students who engage in illegal downloading or unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials using Seattle Film Institute’s network will also be referred to Seattle Film Institute’s Discipline Committee and be subject to disciplinary sanctions, up to and including suspension from the Institute, under the Regulation of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures. These and other policies are part of Seattle Film Institute’s Student Network and Internet Usage Agreement.

Description of Facilities

General Facilities: Seattle Film Institute is located in Interbay, a stone’s throw from downtown, in an area of Seattle that is ideal for meeting both educational and student needs. The Seattle Film Institute is within easy access of housing as well as production services and facilities that provide both educational and employment opportunities for the SFI community. The immediate neighborhood offers amenities attractive to students such as coffee shops, restaurants, and supermarkets. Students benefit from the location as it provides convenient access to housing opportunities and an incredible wealth of location opportunities within walking distance of the Institute.

The Seattle Film Institute is located in a purpose-driven 10,000 sq. ft. building. The overall design of the space promotes the institute’s educational objectives in terms of the teaching needs of specific programs and also facilitates the interaction and collaboration between students enrolled in different programs. The Institute’s list of equipment available for student use includes a variety of 16mm and 8mm cameras, HD cameras, professional lighting and sound equipment, Steadycam, dollies, and computer stations for editing and music composition.

Seattle Film Institute Library and Learning Resource Center :

The role of the Seattle Film Institute library is to provide access to the world of knowledge and information to the institution’s community of students, faculty, and staff. The library fills it’s role through the combination of its physical collection, the online library, and interlibrary loan services that cumulatively meet the needs of Seattle Film Institute’s educational program.

Learning Resource Center :

The campus has a Learning Resource Center (LRC) located in its facility, which provides materials to support Seattle Film Institute’s mission and curriculum and helps each student attain his or her educational goals. The collection includes books (circulating, reference, and reserve), screenplays, all format Videos (DVDs, etc.), CDs, and a specific Sound FX and Music collection for production work. Students also have access to the Online Library, an electronic library system specially designed to support the programs and students of Seattle Film Institute. A staff librarian works with the Institute to manage the Learning Center and Online Library resources and to provide support to SFI students through scheduled hours and the “ask-a librarian” support system.

The LRC provides access to field-specific works in the areas for which Seattle Film Institute provides training. The physical collection of Seattle Film Institute is located in its own dedicated space—the LRC (Room 206) and in various classrooms. For example, books, scripts, and material related to screenwriting are located in Room 203 where many screenwriting classes are taught. The specific distribution of material is posted in the Resource Center. Access to the LRC is through the administrative area, which allows student access and checkout to occur during all normal building hours and allows for maximum flexibility and efficiency in terms of staffing and student use. The LRC is open during normal building hours of operation and Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm-10:00pm. Librarian hours are posted at the Learning Resource Center and the librarian is also available through SFI’s “Ask-a-Librarian” real-time response via online requests.

Online Library :

The online library is an internet-accessible information center committed to facilitating the learning and achievement of the Seattle Film Institute community. This “virtual library” powered by the Library Information Resource Network (LIRN®) provides students with peer-reviewed and full-text journal, magazine, and newspaper articles, e-books, podcasts, audio, video resources, and reference materials from Gale Cengage, ProQuest, EBSCO, eLibrary, and more. Instructional materials are available for students and faculty and are designed to enhance information literacy skills. Students can access the online library and the Seattle Film Institute online catalog through a computer located in the Resource Center (206) as well as in the primary computer labs—Room 103 and 202 during all hours in which the building is open for use, as well as 24/7 for those with Internet access.

Disability Support Services

Seattle Film Institute strives to ensure that all students are provided with an equal opportunity to participate in SFI’s programs, courses, and activities. Students requiring special assistance must self-identify themselves to the Academic Affairs Officer and provide current documentation supporting their disabilities. Students must assist in identifying the proper accommodations and negotiate these accommodations at the beginning of each quarter. As outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Seattle Film Institute will provide reasonable accommodations and academic adjustments as long as provisions do not fundamentally alter the nature of the programs or the academic requirements that are considered essential to the program of study.

Distance Education

Seattle Film Institute offers distance education for certain courses and/or programs. In advance of registering for a distance education course, students will be informed if a course requires specific equipment or skills and students will be made aware of information about any hardware and software requirements and prerequisite skill level. Students enrolled in distance education courses will have access to services traditionally provided in person including the learning resource center and services, academic advising, career services, financial aid services and counseling, and other student services as appropriate.

All existing Seattle Film Institute policies including grading, course evaluation, and admission criteria, apply to all activities bearing Seattle Film Institute academic credit, including distance education. For information on a specific distance education course or program, please contact the Seattle Film Institute.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

I. Statement of Policy: The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) requires institutions receiving federal financial assistance to implement and enforce drug prevention programs and policies. As a matter of policy, Seattle Film Institute prohibits the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, sale, dispensation, or distribution of controlled substances and the possession or use of alcohol by students and employees on its property and at any school activity.

II. Applicable Legal Sanctions: Illicit drug purchase, possession and use are crimes under state (RCW 69.50) and federal law. Washington law prohibits a variety of alcohol related conduct, including the purchase or possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age (RCW 66.44). Violations of law are punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.

III. Health Risks: Numerous health risks are associated with the use of illicit drugs or the abuse of alcohol. Repeated use of either drugs or alcohol can lead to dependence. Use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol cause a substantial number of health problems and can be fatal.

IV. Available Services: Students or employees may be referred to abuse help centers. If such a referral is made, continued enrollment or employment will be subject to successful completion of any prescribed counseling or treatment program. Students and employees seeking additional information about the effects of drug or alcohol use or seeking assistance for alcohol or drug-related problems should contact the Alcohol and Drug Help Line (http://www.adhl.org) at (800) 562-1240 or the Registrar.

V. Sanctions: Disciplinary sanctions will be imposed on students and employees for violations of SFI’s policy governing illicit drugs and alcohol. Sanctions may include referral for rehabilitation, expulsion, termination of employment, and referral for prosecution.

VI. Further Information:

Legal and Health Risks of Substance Abuse

A. Summary of Applicable Laws

Following is a summary of certain Washington State laws relating to the unlawful use of alcohol and drugs [RCW 66.44, 69.50].

Following is a summary of certain Washington State laws relating to the unlawful use of alcohol and drugs [RCW 66.44, 69.50].

1. Persons under age 21 may not acquire, possess, or consume alcohol. Nor may other persons furnish alcohol to anyone under 21 or permit under-aged consumption on premises within their control. Penalty: Maximum $500 fine, 2 months imprisonment, or both.(2) Persons under 21 may not be in a public place or in a vehicle in public while exhibiting the effects of having consumed alcohol. A public place includes city streets and any buildings and grounds used for SFI purposes. Penalty: Same as (1) above.
2.  Persons under 21 may not purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol. Penalty: maximum $1,000fine, 90 days imprisonment or both.
3. Alcohol may not be opened or consumed in a public place. Penalty: Maximum $100 fine.
4. It is unlawful to manufacture, deliver, or possess an illicit drug. Penalty: Maximum $10,000 fine, 5 years imprisonment, or both. It is unlawful to possess or use drug paraphernalia for purposes relating to the manufacture, delivery, possession, or use of an illicit drug. Penalty: Minimum $250 fine and not less than 24 hours in jail.

This summary is intended to apprise students, faculty, and staff of the conduct generally prohibited by state law. The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs may subject the offender to federal as well as state penalties, including imprisonment, fines, or both. Members of the SFI community are expected to observe all applicable federal and state laws while on Institute premises or in connection with any SFI activity.

B. Substance Abuse Health Risks

Medical research has demonstrated the following health risks associated with the abuse of alcohol or drugs: (1) liver disease, including hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver, (2) digestion and nutrition problems, including pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, and vitamin deficiencies, (3) memory lapses, blackouts, loss of problem-solving abilities, and other serious neurological disorders, (4) congestive heart failure, hypertension, and stroke, (5) numerous forms of cancer, and (6) birth defects. Additional information about the health risks of alcohol and drug abuse may be obtained from the Alcohol and Drug Help Line (http://www.adhl.org) at (800) 562-1240.

DAAP Review : http://sfi.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2016-18_SFI-Biennial-Review-of-Drug-and-Alcohol-Policy_signed.pdf

Faculty

Profiles of SFI faculty are available in the Seattle Film Institute Catalog and on the Seattle Film Institute website at https://sfi.edu/sfi-faculty/

FERPA

FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (also known as the Buckley Amendment). Passed by Congress in 1974, FERPA is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the protection of inaccurate and misleading data through informal and formal hearings. The Seattle Film Institute catalog contains the FERPA policy in its entirety. The following provides a summary of the specific rights granted to students:

• The right to inspect and review their education records.
• The right to seek amendment to those records and, in certain cases, append a statement to the records.
• The right to limit disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in their records.
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
• Students must fill out, sign, and submit a “Student Consent for Release of Records” in order to allow anyone other than themselves access to their education record. (This includes information about tuition payment, grades, registration, and more.) This form is available in the main office of the Seattle Film Institute

FERPA Annual Notification to Students

FERPA Document here

Student Consent to Release Information Form here

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Information

For information related to the topics below, follow the links provided or visit Policies and Consumer Information for Financial Aid.

• Contact Information
• SFI Financial Aid Code of Conduct
• Student Rights and Responsibilities
• How to Apply for Financial Aid
• Types of Aid Available
• Cost of Attendance and Budgets
• Net Price Calculator
• Financial Aid Eligibility
• Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid
• Entrance and Exit Counseling
• Verification
• Credit Balance and Authorization
• Awarding Title IV: HEA Program and Policy
• Financial Aid Disbursement of Loans
• Terms and Conditions Under the Direct Loan Program
• Direct Loan Model Disclosure Forms
• Withdrawal from the Institute
• Return of Title IV Funds and the Institutional Refund Policy
• Cancellation and Refund Policies
• Private Education Loan Disclosures

Contact Information

Financial Aid Administrators are available to speak with current and prospective students and families via email, phone, and in person at Seattle Film Institute. If you are planning on visiting SFI for a tour or Admissions meeting, you will be able to meet with Financial Aid as part of your visit.

Financial Aid Office Hours

The Office of Financial Aid is available Monday through Friday 9:00am-5:00 pm (Pacific) to assist enrolled and prospective students in obtaining financial aid.

Location and Mailing Address:

Seattle Film Institute
3210 16^th Ave W
Seattle, WA 98119

To request a hard copy of the financial aid policies and student consumer information, email financialaid@sfi.edu or stop by the Office of Financial Aid.

Student Financial Aid Code of Conduct

In response to the enactment of the Higher Education Opportunity Act in August of 2008, the SFI Financial Aid Office has adopted the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) Code of Conduct to help ensure ethical behavior and the highest level of professional practices. All SFI staff members responsible for the administration of federal and private educational loans are subject to the guidelines within the NASFAA Statement of Ethical Principles and the NASFAA Code of Conduct for Financial Aid Professionals. The NASFAA Code of Conduct can be found at: https://www.nasfaa.org/Code_of_Conduct

Student Rights and Responsibilities

It is important for students to be aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding applying for and receiving financial aid funds from Seattle Film Institute. Please also note that financial aid eligibility is determined in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, and is subject to adjustment or cancellation in the event of changes to these regulations.

As a student, you have the following rights:

• The right for the financial aid information submitted with your application to remain confidential.
• The right to request to cancel or reduce your Federal Direct Loan at any time. However, if a refund of your financial aid loan has been disbursed to the student and/or parent, it is at the discretion of the Office of Financial Aid to fulfill the request.
• The right to know what financial aid funds are available, including all Federal and State programs.
• The right to know how the financial aid process works, including deadlines for submitting application(s) for each individual financial aid program.
• The right to know how your financial aid eligibility is determined, including how costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, personal expenses, and travel expenses were calculated in your estimated cost of attendance, as well as how much of your financial need, as determined by the institution, has been met.
• The right to know what resources are considered in the calculation of your financial aid eligibility/need.
• The right to know the criteria used by the institution to select financial aid recipients.
• The right to information regarding financial aid disbursements.
• The right to receive a breakdown of the different federal and state programs in the student’s financial aid award offer letter. You also have the right to request for reconsideration of your financial aid award if you feel that you were treated unfairly.
• The right to know what portion of your financial aid you received must be repaid, and what portion is grant aid that does not need to be repaid. If you received a loan, you have the right to know the interest rates, total amount to be repaid, and repayment information including the process and the length of the repayment and when the repayment begins.

As a student, you have the following responsibilities:

• To review all information regarding the institution’s programs prior to making a decision on enrollment.
• To understand and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress policies on the Federal level. In order to maintain eligibility for federal financial aid, you must meet the institution’s SAP policy.
• To understand the institution’s refund policy procedure.
• To adhere to the deadlines for financial aid application or reapplication for federal financial aid.
• To always keep your personal information updated with your lender, including your name, address, and school enrollment status.
• To understand and comply with all the forms that you sign and agree to. Please keep all copies for your own protection.
• To inform the institution if there are any changes in your personal information, such as your mailing address or name.
• To complete and submit the most accurate and correct information on your financial aid forms/applications. Falsifying information is a criminal offense that is subject to penalties.
• To submit any additional information requested by the Office of Financial Aid or through the FAFSA.
• To understand the financial aid process and submit any forms and/or applications in a timely manner and to the correct address.
• To stay abreast of the latest information regarding financial aid by checking your email account.
• To keep your parents informed of all the financial aid requirements and deadlines regarding all financial aid programs.
• To notify the Office of Financial Aid at the point that you are awarded any outside sources of funding such as scholarships from a third party.
• To understand and comply with the institution’s attendance policy.
• To understand and comply with the institution’s refund and repayment policy.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

It is easy to apply for financial aid. Students submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at http://www.fafsa.gov. The FAFSA collects financial data and other information that is used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) that ultimately determines a student’s eligibility for aid. The Federal School Code for Seattle Film Institute is 042580. More information is available at https://sfi.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/.

Types of Aid Available

The following types of financial assistance are available for those who qualify at Seattle Film Institute:

Federal Loans:

Federal Loans are funds that you must repay. The Federal Loan programs offer a secure, government-regulated, and reasonably affordable way to invest in yourself and your goal of a higher education. Even though some loans are based on financial need, there are programs available to all federally eligible students regardless of income. Types of loans include Subsidized and Unsubsized Direct Loans and PLUS Loans (for Graduate Students or Parents of Dependent Undergraduate Students). More information is available at https://sfi.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/.

Grants:

Grants are available on the basis of financial need and do not have to be repaid. Grant funds are available through the Federal Government. Grants are awarded to students who demonstrate the greatest financial need. More information is available at https://sfi.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/.

Federal Work Study:

Federal Work Study provides part-time job opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing a student to earn money to help pay educational expenses.

Outside Scholarships

Scholarships are usually monetary awards given to students by an organization or donor to help pay for the students’ education. Students must meet the organization or donor’s criteria, which may entail pursuing a certain program of study, demonstrating financial need, or being an exemplary student. You do not have to repay scholarship funds. Each scholarship usually requires a separate application. More information is available at https://sfi.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/.

Institutional Grants

Seattle Film Institute is committed to helping students attain their academic goals and has various need- and merit-based scholarships available for graduate and undergraduate students who qualify. Like outside scholarships, you do not have to repay scholarship funds. More information at https://sfi.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/.

Private Loans:

Private loans are often referred to as private educational loans and/or alternative loans. Alternative loans are credit-based loans that can assist in bridging the gap between the actual cost of your education and the amount of your other financial aid funds. Private loans are offered by private lenders and should only be considered after exhausting all other sources of funding, including federal loans and grants. More information is available at https://sfi.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/.

Please note: Seattle Film Institute does not have any preferred lender arrangements

Veteran Affairs Educational Benefits

It is part of the mission of Seattle Film Insitute’s Office of Financial Aid to serve the needs of individuals who are eligible for Veterans Affairs educational benefits. Staff members are available to assist veterans, veterans’ dependents, and others eligible for educational benefits in addressing problems or answering questions regarding benefits, certification, or other matters relating to VA benefits. For more information, please contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit https://sfi.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/.

State Grant Assistance from Other States

There may be state grants available to students who attend college out of state. Please check your state’s local authorizing agency.

Cost of Attendance and Budgets

As with most institutions, at Seattle Film Institute, the responsibility for funding education rests first with students and their families. Students are expected to meet a portion of their expenses from earnings and savings, while parents are expected to contribute according to their financial responsibility as determined by federal formula. To assist you and your family with the planning process, Seattle Film Institute provides budgets showing undergraduate and graduate students’ estimated educational costs.

Budgets include the following:

• Tuition and fees
• Allowances for books and supplies, room and board (or rent), food, and utilities
• Personal, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses

Except tuition and fees, all costs are based upon average expenses for most students. Each student’s lifestyle determines how much his or her cost of attendance will be. Seattle Film Institute uses a modest, adequate living allowance to provide for reasonable expenditures. For more information, please contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit https://sfi.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/.

Net Price Calculator

Use the Net Price Calculator to see a quick estimate of your costs with financial aid, based on previous students with financial backgrounds similar to yours.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) defines net price as the net price for first-time, full-time degree- or certificate-seeking students.

Net Price Calculator Here

Financial Aid Eligibility:

All financial aid recipients must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen
• Have a high-school diploma or GED
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Be enrolled in an eligible degree program with at least 6 or more credits
• Not owe a repayment on a grant or be in default on a student loan
• Have financial need as determined by the Federal Need Analysis — this comes from your processed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Be registered with Selective Service, if required and if male
• Attend a Title IV approved institution
• Working towards a degree or a certification program
• Be making Satisfactory Academic Progress

Proof of Citizenship:

The U.S. Department of Education will attempt to match your immigration status verification with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If there is a match, your Student Aid Report (SAR) will reveal that your claim of an eligible immigration status has been confirmed. If there is no match, the Office of Financial Aid will need to further obtain confirmation of your immigration status. A decision determination about your financial aid eligibility will not be made until you have submitted your immigration documents and they have been confirmed. For additional information, please contact Seattle Film Institute’s Office of Financial Aid.

Deadlines:

In order to obtain federal financial aid, the Office of Financial Aid must have confirmation that you have completed and finalized your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and that your FAFSA has been approved. You will not be able to receive any disbursement of federal funding until the Office of Financial Aid has determined that your application information, including confirmation of your immigration status, is complete and correct. If you do not meet the above deadlines, you will lose your eligibility to receive federal funding for the current award period.

Minimum Enrollment Requirements:

Full-time enrollment for traditional undergraduate students consists of 12 credits per quarter; for graduate students, it is 8 credits per quarter. At a minimum, an undergraduate student must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in order to be eligible for federal financial aid; half-time graduate student enrollment is 4 credits. Changes in a student’s enrollment may require an adjustment and/or repayment of financial aid funds awarded.

Less than Half-Time Status

Students who are less than half-time (see minimum enrollment requirements) will not be eligible to receive any federal loans. This means that any federal loans you might have been eligible for while registered for 6 or more credits will be returned or cancelled. Federal regulations mandate that if you are less than half-time as of the date of disbursements the Office of Financial Aid is required to return the funds immediately.

Drug Convictions and Financial Aid Eligibility

A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student for Federal Student Aid funds. Convictions count against a student for an offense that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Federal Student Aid. They do not count if the offense was not during such a period, unless the student was denied federal benefits for drug trafficking by a federal or state judge.

The chart below illustrates the period of ineligibility for Federal Student Aid funds, depending on whether the conviction was for sale or possession and whether the student had previous offenses.

Possession of illegal drugs

1st offense

1 year from date of conviction

2nd offense

2 years from date of conviction

3+ offenses

Indefinite period

Sale of illegal drugs

2 years from date of conviction

Indefinite period

A student regains eligibility the day after the period of ineligibility ends. A student may also regain eligibility upon completion of a qualified drug rehabilitation program or by passing two unannounced drug tests given by such a program.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid:

Warning

The history of the student’s academics from all periods of enrollment, in spite of enrollment status, will be reviewed at the end of each term to determine if the student is maintaining the standards established in the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy. This includes all courses attempted regardless of whether financial aid was received. Students who fail to meet the SAP standards will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for the next term. Students placed on Financial Aid Warning are eligible for financial aid during the warning term. If the student does not meet the SAP standards by the next SAP evaluation, future financial aid will be terminated effective with the next term of enrollment. Students whose financial aid is terminated may appeal to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee for reinstatement of financial aid.

Appeals for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

A student who loses eligibility for financial aid may have an opportunity to appeal to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee, aside from the loss of eligibility due to time frame. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Director of Financial Aid outlining any extenuating circumstance(s) that influenced the student’s academic performance. Extenuating circumstances are those events that are beyond the student’s control, e.g. serious injury, illness or mental health condition, death of an immediate family member, and other extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control. The appeal should include a description of the extenuating circumstance, documentation of circumstance, and the manner by which the deficiency will be resolved. Each appeal will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Individual cases will not be considered as precedent. Financial aid cannot be reinstated for a prior term. Your appeal should be submitted within 21 days of the beginning of the term you want aid reinstated.

The Financial Aid Appeals Committee will review the appeal within two weeks of its receipt to determine whether the financial aid disqualification or suspension is justified. Students filing an appeal will be advised in writing of the decision at the student’s home address. The committee’s decision is final, and it cannot be appealed to a higher level. If your appeal is approved, reinstatement of aid is dependent on availability of funds. In addition, a student whose appeal is approved will receive financial aid on probationary status for the next term of enrollment. The student is encouraged to take advantage of counseling, tutoring, and support offered by and individualized support plans offered by Seattle Film Institute.

Reestablishing Financial Aid Eligibility

A student whose appeal has been denied for reinstatement of their Financial Aid or a student who does not have an extenuating circumstance that warrants an appeal can only regain eligibility by complying with the SAP policy. If the student has resolved the SAP deficiencies that resulted in the termination of Financial Aid eligibility, the student should contact the Financial Aid Office and request a SAP evaluation. The SAP evaluation will be documented and placed in the student’s Financial Aid file.

Entrance and Exit Counseling

Federal regulations require that you complete loan counseling prior to receiving your first disbursement and prior to leaving school.

The current versions of the “Entrance Counseling Guide” and “Exit Counseling Guide” published by the U.S. Department of Education provide the most accurate information on all the federal loan programs. Please refer to these guides for information regarding interest rates and estimated repayment plans for debt loan amounts.

Entrance Counseling

You must do an online Entrance Counseling session before all of the Financial Aid is finalized. Seattle Film Institute encourages students to complete this requirement online at www.studentloans.gov.

This website is a quick and easy interactive counseling session that provides useful tips and tools to help you develop a budget for managing your educational expenses and helps you to understand your loan responsibilities.

Instructions for Completing Entrance Counseling

1. Visit studentloans.gov.
2. Select “Sign In”
3. Log in with your FAFSA PIN.
4. Select “Complete Counseling”
5. Proceed with the entrance counseling

This online entrance counseling session will take about 20-30 minutes to complete.

Download the Department of Education Entrance Counseling Guide

Exit Counseling

Direct Stafford Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid, with interest, very much like a car note and home mortgages. These loans are a legal obligation that you must repay. Exit counseling is a requirement before you withdraw, graduate or drop below half-time attendance. During counseling you will learn about your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower and gain information to help you manage your loans. For more detailed information please visit www.studentloans.gov to complete exit counseling.

Instructions for Completing Exit Counseling

1. Please visit studentloans.gov
2. Select ”Sign In”
3. Log in with your FAFSA PIN
4. Select “Complete Counseling”
5. Proceed with exit counseling

Download the Department of Education Exit Counseling Guide

Verification:

Verification is the process by which the Office of Financial Aid compares the information on a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with documents provided by the student to confirm the accuracy of the student’s FAFSA. Seattle Film Institute’s policy is to verify all students that the Department of Education selects; this includes any student who is enrolled and is eligible to receive an award. In addition, the Office of Financial Aid may verify any other student at its discretion.

When a student is selected for verification, the Office of Financial Aid will notify the student and send (via email) a verification worksheet along with instructions for any additional necessary documentation.

Students selected for verification must complete the verification worksheet and submit the required documentation to Seattle Film Institute’s Office of Financial Aid within 10 days of being notified. If the Office of Financial Aid does not receive the required verification documents within the 10-days timeframe, the student may forfeit his or her financial aid eligibility. Note that if a student receives too much financial aid due to Seattle Film Institute’s error, Seattle Film Institute will promptly repay the over payment; however, the student is ultimately responsible for repaying this amount to Seattle Film Institute.

If the Office of Financial Aid suspects that an applicant for financial aid may have engaged in fraud or other illegal conduct while completing the FAFSA, verification worksheets, or other financial aid documents, the Financial Aid Director will refer the student to the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Education. This may result in a criminal investigation.

Additionally, if any employee, third-party servicer, or other representative of the school has been found to have engaged in fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary responsibility, or other illegal conduct while administering or receiving Title IV funds, the Financial Aid Director will refer the case to the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Education.

Awarding Title IV: Higher Education Act Program and Policy

The Office of Financial Aid assists students and their parents in meeting basic educational costs. The Department’s goal is to deliver student assistance in a timely manner and to seek financial aid for those who qualify.

The primary objective of the Office of Financial Aid is to provide adequate financial assistance to the maximum number of eligible students through coordination with and full utilization of all governmental, community, and on-campus resources. Seattle Film Institute administers all financial aid programs in accordance with established state, federal, and institutional regulations and policies.

The Office of Financial Aid endeavors to fund students to the maximums provided under the law and eliminate unnecessary steps by simplifying the aid process. It also acts as a liaison between students and financial aid organizations, and intervenes when necessary to resolve problems related to an individual student’s award.

Financial Aid Award Package Policy

The Financial Aid Award Offer Letter lists the amount of aid a student is eligible to receive and will be mailed to the student. The award may be a combination of scholarships, grants, and loans.

Financial Aid Award Offer Letters are made on a first-come, first-served basis, and some types of aid, such as institutional scholarships, are limited.

If a student completes his or her FAFSA and is subsequently selected for verification, he or she must also submit all required documents by April 15 to maintain priority status for financial aid awards.

Students are awarded financial aid based on their actual per-credit enrollment if they are registered; otherwise, financial aid funds are based on the student’s projected course load. In order for funds to disburse, students must be registered for the same number of credits that they were awarded aid for prior to the third week of the term.

Enrollment will be recorded on the first day of the third week of the term, and students’ financial aid award offer letters will be revised accordingly (i.e. if a student is awarded financial aid to study full time, but the student’s enrollment is half time on the first day of the third week of the term, the student’s financial aid will be reduced to half time). This includes the Federal Pell Grant. Any student not enrolled at Seattle Film Institute by the third week into the term will have his or her financial aid canceled.

“Part-time” is defined as 6 to 11 credits for undergraduate students and 4 to 7 credits for graduate students. Students who are receiving Direct Stafford Subsidized or Unsubsidized loans must maintain a minimum of 6 credit hours per term.

The Office of Financial Aid will automatically assume that the student accepts any grants and scholarships, however loans must be accepted or declined. If the student would like to decline an award or make adjustments, the student may do so directly on the award offer letter. If subsequent award offer letters reduce the loan amounts being offered, the Office of Financial Aid will automatically assume that the student accepts the loan. The award offer letter along with any financial aid documents may be scanned and emailed to the Office of Financial Aid.

The aid awarded is divided equally between terms.

When the Office of Financial Aid prepares the student’s disbursement, the student’s aid will be applied towards the student’s account for all allowable institutional charges. Any funds remaining will be issued to the student in the form of a check.

Financial aid eligibility is contingent upon the student meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policies. For complete details about these policies, refer to the course catalog. Additionally, a student’s financial aid award offer letter will be invalidated if it is determined that the award is based on any error in the financial aid application, whether on the student’s or the Office of Financial Aid’s part.

If a student withdraws from or ceases to attend all of his or her classes, or a student falls below full-time status, he or she may be required to repay some or all of the funds received. Seattle Film Institute reserves the right to review, adjust, or cancel financial aid awards at any time because of changes to federal, state, or institutional availability of funds.

Financial Aid Disbursement of Loans

Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS), and Private Loans

All financial aid must be managed through the Financial Aid Office (if you’ve gone on your own to get a private loan, it must still be certified by our Financial Aid Office). Once our Financial Aid Office determines you are eligible for a Federal Student Loan AND you have accepted the loans by signing a Master Promissory Note (MPN) so they can be certified, they will begin to appear on your bill as “Pending Aid”, reducing the balance due. This means that we expect to receive these funds on your behalf however they have not yet arrived. Once we receive these funds, they will be applied to your bill as a transaction and removed from the “Pending Aid” portion of your bill.

When will my loans come?

Federal loans must be disbursed in equal disbursements. Seattle Film Institute is on a quarter system and your loan amounts will be divided up to be disbursed equally every quarter. The loan period is defined as an academic year. Your loan may be disbursed for slightly less than what you borrowed as the Department of Education retains a lender fee from each disbursement. The Business Office will post your loan to your account and include the reduction for the fee established by the lender for your loan.

Student loans are not released for disbursement until the quarter has started but will show as “Pending Financial Aid” on your student account, reducing the balance due. Once the quarter starts, loan disbursements are received once each week on Wednesday.Be aware that if you’re a first-year undergraduate student and/or a first-time borrower, you will have to wait 30 days after the first day of your enrollment period (quarter) for your first disbursement of your loan.

Disbursement dates are important in calculating student living expenses for the student’s first month at school. Direct Loans will be requested the first week of the quarter. Once it has been requested, the Business Office will request payment from the Department of Education and this can become available 2-3 days upon request. Once the money disburses, the Business Office deducts all tuition and fees due to the school, then the Business Office has up to 14 business days to issue the student (Direct loans) and parents (Direct PLUS loans) any excess funds for living expenses. The Direct PLUS loan excess funds will be sent to the parents to forward to their student unless the parent chooses the option to have the credit balance sent to the student.

The entire process can take up to, or a little over, one month. As many students’ parents live outside of Washington State, once the Direct PLUS loan excess check is sent, the parent and the student will need to determine how to transfer the money to the student for living expenses. It is a good idea to plan ahead for living expenses, as loan funds may not be immediately available to release to the student.

Parents can elect to have the refund amount directly applied to the student account when applying for the loan online. Overall, disbursements are coordinated between the Office of Financial Aid and the Business Office for processing. Typically, the Business Office applies financial aid to student accounts once it has been requested by the Office of Financial Aid and becomes available from the Department of Education. In general, students should be prepared to cover living expenses for the first four weeks of their attendance (either September/October or February/March depending on start date) and for the first four weeks of subsequent quarters if parents are transferring Direct Plus Loans to the student (as noted above).

You can contact the Business Office anytime after Wednesday to confirm receipt of your loan during any given week. If your loans haven’t been received after 30 days from the start of the quarter or when your loan was approved (which ever is later) you should contact Lara Phillips, the Director of Financial Aid, to see if there is a problem getting the lender to release your loan (some common reasons are, you have not signed your promissory note, or you have not completed Entrance Counseling – which is required for the Federal Direct Loans only, or another requirement expected by your lender).

How will my loans come?

All Federal Direct Loans and most Private Loans are disbursed directly to the Institute via EFT (electronic funds transfer) and as long as your financial aid file is complete the funds are immediately applied to your student account. You can arrange for your Loans through the Financial Aid Office. If you have a private loan and your loan is disbursed via paper check, when we receive the check, we will contact you to stop by the Business Office to endorse the check, and the check will be deposited to your student account.

What if my loan funds are sent directly to me?

These types of loans are called “Direct to Consumer Loans” and are not part of your Financial Aid Award. Students may make use of these loans but you must ensure the funds are in your possession on or before the Payment Deadline for each quarter so that you can make payment to Seattle Film Institute on or before the Payment Deadline. A Direct to Consumer Loan “Approval” is not sufficient to satisfy an account balance. For this reason, and that these types of loans carry very high interest rates, we strongly suggest students make use of other Student Loan options before using these types of loans. A student can contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss what Student Loan options are available.

For Pell-eligible students:

If your Financial Aid funding creates a credit balance (all tuition charges/fees minus your Financial Aid), Seattle Film Institute will provide you an excess check by the 7th day into the term so you have the ability to buy your books and supplies.

Students may choose to opt out of this Federal Government requirement. If you decide that you do not want your excess to obtain or purchase books and supplies but wish to have the amount applied to tuition in an upcoming term, you must indicate that by email or in writing prior to the start of each quarter. These requests should be addressed to, the Director of Financial Aid

Terms and Conditions under the Direct Loan Program

Seattle Film Institute participates in the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. There are two general types of loans in this program: Direct Subsidized Loans, for which the government pays the interest while you are in college; and Direct Unsubsidized Loans, for which you are responsible for paying all the interest on the loans, during college and after. Though it is not required, students may choose to make payments on the interest portion of the Unsubsidized loan.

You may receive both types of loans at the same time. Depending on financial need and level of study, students may receive a Subsidized or Unsubsidized loan, or a combination of both. To receive loan funds, you must be enrolled at least as a half-time student. Students who wish to receive their Federal Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized loans must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN).

For more information please visit www.studentloans.gov.

Federal Direct Master Promissory Note (MPN)

If you decide to use the Federal Direct Subisidized and/or Unsubsidized loan in your financial aid award offer letter, you must complete the steps below. All Undergraduate and Graduate students must complete the MPN in order to receive Federal Direct loans.

1. Login to the student portal at www.studentloans.gov and complete your federal government requirement: Entrance Counseling.
2. After completing Entrance Counseling, you must complete the Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) also available at www.studentloans.gov.

Please be prepared to have your required U.S. Department of Education issued FSA ID to complete the electronic MPN. This is the same FSA id that was used to complete the signature on the FAFSA. If you have questions regarding this process please visit: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/fsaid#forgot

National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)

All information related to a Title IV loan (any of the following Federal Direct Loan Programs: Subsidized, Unsubsidized, PLUS and Grad PLUS loans) will be reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), whether the borrower is a student or parent. NSLDS will be accessible by guarantor agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system. Students and parents may obtain access to this website at www.nslds.ed.gov to track individual loans.

Annual Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan Limits

Year of Study	Annual Loan Limit	Total Annual Limit for Independent Students and/or Those Eligible for Additional Unsubsidized Loans
First Year Undergraduate	$5,500 (maximum of $3,500 subsidized)	$5,500 + $4,000 additional unsubsidized loans
Second Year Undergraduate	$6,500 (maximum of $4,500 subsidized)	$6,500 + $4,000 additional unsubsidized loans
Third, Fourth, and Fifth Year Undergraduate	$7,500 (maximum of $5,500 subsidized)	$7,500 + $5,000 additional unsubsidized loans
Graduate/Professional	$20,500	$20,500 unsubsidized loans

Annual loan limits include $2000 Direct Unsubsidized loans that are available to all loan recipients.

Aggregate Loan Limits

	Subsidized	Total (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)
Dependent Undergraduates (excluding dependent students who parents cannot get a Parent PLUS Loan)	$23,000	$31,000 (no more than $23,000 of which may be subsidized)
Independent Undergraduates and Dependent undergraduates whose parents cannot get a PLUS loan.	$23,000	$57,500 (no more than $23,000 of which may be subsidized)
Graduate/Professional Students	$65,500	$138,500 (no more than $65,500 of which may be subsidized)

Additional Unsubsidized loans are available to independent students (both undergraduate and graduate) as well as dependent students whose parent is unable to borrow through the Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan program due to adverse credit history.

Interest Rates by Loan Type

Please go to http://www.direct.ed.gov/ for the current interest rates for all federal loans.

Other Loan Fees

Please go to https://studentaid.ed.gov the current loan origination fees.

Loan Repayment and Required Exit Counseling

Direct Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid, with interest, very much like a car note and home mortgages. These loans are a legal obligation that the student must repay. Exit counseling is a requirement before the student withdraws, graduates or drops below half-time attendance. During counseling students will understand their rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower and the Office of Financial Aid will assist with helping students understand how to manage their loans. For more detailed information see Entrance and Exit Counseling or visit www.studentloans.gov.

Terms and Conditions for Federal Loan Deferments

A Deferment is a temporary suspension of payments on a student financial aid loan. Deferments are entitlements so as long as a student is eligible for a Deferment, and provide the necessary documentation; the Direct Loan Program is required to issue the Deferment. If a student is granted a Deferment the Federal Government will pay all interest on any Direct Subsidized loan. However, the student is responsible for any interest that accrues on a Direct Unsubsidized loan, and should the student decide not to pay the interest while on Deferment that interest will capitalize onto the loan. Deferments can be granted for students that are in-school, unemployed, economic hardship and/or active duty in the military.*

In addition, if a new student enrolls at Seattle Film Institute, with loans from a prior school, the Office of Financial Aid can assist the student in applying for an in-school Deferment. With this type of Deferment, the loan payments will defer any federal financial aid loan payments while the student is enrolled at Seattle Film Institute at least half-time.

For additional information or to obtain a Deferment form, please visit www.studentloans.gov or contact the Office of Financial Aid.

*See Military Active Duty Policies for additional information.

Direct Loan Model Disclosure Forms

Download form here

Withdrawal from the Institute

It is absolutely necessary for a student withdrawing from Seattle Film Institute to make an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid for an exit interview prior to leaving the Institute. This applies to students who are withdrawing and/or transferring to another institution. Failure to meet for an exit interview may increase the risk of defaulting on student loans. Students who withdraw may be subject to the return of Title IV Funds. Please refer to the Course Catalog regarding the withdrawal policy.

Return of Title IV Funds Policy and Institutional Refund Policy

Seattle Film Institute’s Institutional Refund Policy operates independently from the Return of Title IV Funds Policy requirements for all financial aid recipients.

When a recipient of a Title IV grant and/or loan withdraws from the Institute during any payment period in which the recipient began attendance, the Institute must determine the amount of Title IV grant and/or loan that the recipient earned as of the student’s withdrawal date. Unearned funds must be returned to the Title IV programs.

Cancellation and Refund Policies

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Return of Title IV Funds Policy, Refund Policy, Overpayment, or would like examples of the Return of Title IV Funds calculations, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Cancellation Policies

• Applicants who have not visited the school prior to enrollment will have the opportunity to withdraw without penalty within three business days following either the regularly scheduled orientation procedures or following a tour of the school facilities and inspection of equipment where training and services are provided.
• All monies paid by an applicant who cancels will be refunded if requested within three days after signing an enrollment agreement and making an initial payment.
• An applicant requesting cancellation more than three days after signing an enrollment agreement and making an initial payment, but prior to entering the school (i.e. prior to attending classes on or after the start date as noted on the enrollment agreement), is entitled to a refund of all monies paid minus an enrollment fee of $250.

Tuition Refund Schedule

The Institute adheres to the refund policy in the Enrollment Agreement and Student Contract provided to the student at registration.

1. The Seattle Film Institute will refund all money paid if the applicant is not accepted. This includes instances where a starting class may be canceled by the Institute.
2. The Seattle Film Institute will refund all money paid if the applicant cancels within five business days (excluding Sundays and holidays) after the day the contract is signed or an initial payment is made, as long as the applicant has not begun training.
3. If training is terminated after the student enters classes, the Seattle Film Institute retains a percentage of the total tuition as described in the following table:

Schedule of Tuition Refunds

• First week of the quarter: 100%
• Second week of the quarter: 75%
• Third week of the quarter: 50%
• Fourth and fifth weeks of the quarter: 25%
• Sixth and following weeks of the quarter: 0%

Note: A week is defined as five business days beginning on the first day of each quarter. Except for the enrollment fee, all other assessed fees are refunded on the same schedule as tuition payments.

Tuition Account Reimbursement

Reimbursement Requests

• Except for excess Title IV federal funds, any credit balance left on a student account is applied to future charges unless the student requests a reimbursement check by signing a Reimbursement Request Form. Excess Title IV federal funds are automatically released to the student and/or parent borrower under federal student aid regulations.
• Reimbursement Check
• A reimbursement check is made payable to the student, unless otherwise instructed by the student on the Reimbursement Request Form. A reimbursement check may be picked up from the Office of Accounting or mailed to the address specified on the Reimbursement Request Form. A reimbursement check may be issued within two to four weeks from the date the request was received or the credit balance appeared on the student account, whichever is later.
• Inactive Student Accounts
• Except for excess Title IX funds, any credit balance left on a student account that becomes inactive through graduation, withdrawal, or any other event is automatically reimbursed to the student within 60 days of the account’s change of status. A reimbursement check is made to the student and mailed to the student’s last-known billing address. If a student wishes to have the Institute return the credit balance to a lender of a federal or alternative student loan, the student must complete the appropriate paperwork with the Office of Financial Aid at the time of graduation or withdrawal from the Institute.

Termination Date

When calculating refunds, the official date of a student’s termination is the last day of recorded attendance if that date can be determined or:

• (a) When the Institute receives notice of the student’s intention to discontinue the training program; or,
• (b) When the student is terminated for a violation of a published Institute policy which provides for termination; or,
• (c) When a student, without notice, fails to attend classes for thirty calendar days or,
• (d) the date the school was notified or learns of the student’s non-attendance

The date from which refunds will be determined is the last date of recorded attendance. Refunds will be made within 15 calendar days of the notification of an official withdrawal or date of determination of withdrawal by the Institution (i.e. date of determination of withdrawal for a student who fails, without notice, to attend class for thirty calendar days would be thirty calendar days after the last class has been attended). Credit balances due will be refunded to the student/lender as requested.

Special Cases

In the documented event of prolonged illness or accident, death in the family, or other special circumstances that make it impractical to complete the program in which the student is enrolled, the Institute shall make a settlement that is reasonable and fair to both parties. These will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Application of Policy

Any monies due to the student shall be refunded within 60 days of the account’s change of status (i.e., the date when the Registrar changes the status of the student’s account) or within 60 days from the date of receipt of payment, in the event that the date of such receipt is after the student’s last date of attendance. If a student’s financial obligation is not fulfilled, the Institute is authorized to do the following until the owed monies are paid:

• Withhold the release of the student’s academic records or any information based upon the records.
• Withhold the issuance of the student’s transcripts.

Private Education Loan Disclosures

Private Educational Loan Disclosure can be downloaded here

Self -Certification form can be downloaded here

Institutional History and Mission

History

Seattle Film Institute, founded in 1994, began by offering a comprehensive program of continuing education classes. In 2000, SFI first offered its full-time total immersion program in filmmaking. Now, SFI is the region’s largest stand-alone film school providing education with certificate programs, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degree programs. SFI provides its programs within the context of building a foundation for collaboration and the development of professional careers in the areas of Filmmaking, Producing, Sound Design & Recording Arts, Motion Graphics & Visual FX, Acting for Film, and Film Music Composition.

Mission and Supporting Objectives

The Mission of the Seattle Film Institute is to serve students, employers, and the community through education for filmmaking careers by providing students with the knowledge, skills, tools, and hands-on experience that are needed:

• To pursue a professional career
• To follow their own creative path
• To furnish a foundation in filmmaking for individual and collaborative work in the visual realm and the world of media.

The Supporting Objectives of the Seattle Film Institute:

To Serve the Student:

• By providing education focused on both technical and conceptual skills.
• By providing faculty with field-specific and professional experience.
• By providing a career-oriented curriculum that develops a culture of collaboration.
• By providing assistance with the transition to employment in their chosen career fields.

To Serve the Employer:

• By providing graduates who have the skills necessary to establish careers and perform the tasks required in the workplace and understand the professional and career responsibilities of their chosen field.

To Serve the Community:

• By providing access to educational choices in areas that are underserved or unavailable in the community.
• By providing the community access to the educational resources of Seattle Film Institute through continuing education classes and workshops and access to the facility and its resources.

Program Advisory Committees and Continuous Improvement

Seattle Film Institute provides career-oriented and field-specific education in the areas of filmmaking, producing, acting for film, motion graphics & visual FX, Sound Design & Recording Arts, and Film Composition. Seattle Film Institute engages in a process of continuous improvement to ensure that SFI’s programs always meet the changing needs of the fields for which SFI provides training. SFI’s program and concentration leads and faculty have strong professional backgrounds and play a crucial role in curriculum development. In addition to institutional support and involvement, offered by faculty, Seattle Film Institute maintains professional advisory committees (PACs) which meet at least twice per year to review all aspects of SFI’s programs and curriculum. The members of the PACs represent a wide variety of the companies and fields for which Seattle Film Institute graduates find employment.

Safety and Security

Annual Security Report

To comply with the Jeanne Clery Act, Seattle Film Institute generates an Annual Security Report Annual Report to inform its student body, prospective students, faculty, and staff about crime prevention and statistics. This report is distributed via email no later than October 1 each year and is available for download at this link on the Seattle Film Institute website.

The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act

The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act requires states to ask registered sex offenders if they are enrolled or employed at an institution of higher education. To search King County’s Sex Offender Database to see if there are any registered sex offenders living in your area, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/sheriff/SOSearch.aspx.

Missing/Unresponsive Student Policy

Seattle Film Institute considers the safety of our students to be essential in the creation and maintenance of an environment where learning is encouraged and supported. Any reports of a missing or unresponsive student should be directed to SFI School Administration, immediately at 206-568-4387 or in-person. Seattle Film Institute’s assistance is restricted to campus and campus-related activities. FERPA may limit the information that Seattle Film Institute can share with the reporting party. In compliance with FERPA, Seattle Film Institute may contact next of kin or authorities if the missing student is deemed to be in distress.

Disclosures Related to On-Campus Housing

Seattle Film Institute does not provide on-campus housing. As such, the following related disclosures are not applicable: Annual Fire Safety Report and Fire Log.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The description of all Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policies are available in the Seattle Film Institute Catalog.

Student Body Diversity

Seattle Film Institute was not required to collect data for the current reporting period required by federal regulations about student body diversity for full-time enrolled student enrollment to the Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

2019/2020 Report here

Student Complaint and Academic Appeals Procedure

Seattle Film Institute is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. Inquiries or complaints regarding this school may be made to:

Washington Student Achievement Council
P.O. Box 43430
Olympia, WA 98504-3430
Website: www.wsac.wa.gov

Seattle Film Institute is also licensed by the Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (under Chapter 28C.10 RCW) for its non-degree certificate programs. Inquiries or complaints regarding this or any other private vocational school may be made to:

Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
P.O. Box 43105 Olympia, WA 98504-3105
Phone: (360) 709-4600
Website: www.wtb.wa.gov

Student complaints can be addressed to The Academic Affairs Officer of the Seattle Film Institute, 3210 16th Ave. W. Seattle WA 98119, phone 206-568-4387. A student has the right to appeal any change in status determined by grades, attendance, or conduct to the Appeals Panel of the Seattle Film Institute. This includes appeals of suspension and termination. The Institute’s Academic Appeals Panel consists of the Academic Affairs Officer of the Institute and one faculty member. Other Institute officials may be included on the appeals panel for specific students as deemed appropriate by the Academic Officer of the Institute. It is at the discretion of the Seattle Film Institute whether the decision being appealed shall be enforced pending the outcome of the appeal.

The student must request the appeal in writing (SFI – 3210 16th Ave. W. – Seattle, WA 98119) to the Academic Affairs Officer of the Institute within three business days of being informed of the action to be taken. The student must provide a complete explanation of the basis for the appeal and must attach appropriate documentation which provides evidence, justification, or reason for the student’s situation. This includes documentation to support medical and/or family emergencies. The panel will convene within two weeks to hear and consider the appeal. The panel or the student may request the appearance of the student to clarify any materials or statements presented by the student. The panel is responsible for reviewing all materials presented by the student and available from the Institute and renders a final decision regarding the student’s enrollment/academic status. The student will be notified of the determination of the appeal within one week of the convening of the appeal panel.

In cases where the appeals panel elects to reinstate the student in classes, the panel and/or the Academic Affairs Officer reserves the right to establish any conditions that apply to the student’s continued enrollment at the Institute.

Student Handbook

Student Handbook here

Student Outcomes and Disclosures for Gainful Employment Programs

Certificate in Film Program

BA in Film Program

MFA In Filmmaking & Producing Program

MA in Producing for Film Program

MM in Film Composition Program

Student Right to Know Act

TBT

Textbook Information

The list of textbooks required for each class is made available to students prior to the start of classes.

A full booklist is posted on the website at https://sfi.edu/book-list/ .

Transfer Credits

Courses taken prior to formal admission to a Seattle Film Institute’s degree program may be considered for transfer to a SFI degree program provided that the following criteria are met:

Undergraduate students who previously attended a nationally or regionally accredited college or university may be granted transfer credit if the courses taken are applicable to their program of study at Seattle Film Institute. Students may transfer no more than 15-quarter credits of their total undergraduate program credits at Seattle Film Institute. In determining Satisfactory Academic Progress, transfer credits affect Rate of Progress and Maximum Time in which to Complete but do not affect GPA or CGPA (the Satisfactory Academic Progress appears elsewhere in this catalog).

Only grades of C (2.0) or above will be considered for transfer.

Students seeking transfer credit from institutions who do not assign grades will have courses evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Students seeking to transfer credit to Seattle Film Institute are responsible for having official transcripts forwarded for review. All official transcripts sent to Seattle Film Institute become the property of Seattle Film Institute.

Transfer credit is evaluated 30 days prior to the start of the term. Course descriptions should be forwarded with the official transcripts, and Seattle Film Institute reserves the right to ask to review syllabi, textbooks, student work or tests to document level of coursework taken.

When a student elects to change a program or enroll at a higher credential at Seattle Film Institute, the student’s attempted and earned credits and grades will be transferred into the new program as applicable, including transfer credit. Credits earned at the school in the original program of study that apply to the new program of study will be used when computing grade point average, rate of progress and maximum timeframe.

Seattle Film Institute reserves the right to determine if a course is appropriate and meets the goals and objectives of the Seattle Film Institute curriculum.

Transfer of Credits from Seattle Film Institute to other institutions:

Institutions of higher education have at their discretion the freedom to accept or to refuse to grant credit for courses taken at other institutions. Accordingly, the Seattle Film Institute makes no promises regarding the transferability of courses or programs to other institutions.

Undergraduate and Graduate programs*

Seattle Film Institute offers the following undergraduate and graduate programs:

Certificate in Film Program

• Filmmaking Concentration
• Acting for Film Concentration
• Sound Design & Recording Arts Concentration
• Motion Graphics & Visual FX Concentration
• Interdisciplinary Arts Concentration

Bachelor of Arts in Film Program

• Filmmaking Concentration
• Acting for Film Concentration
• Sound Design & Recording Arts Concentration
• Motion Graphics & Visual FX Concentration
• Interdisciplinary Arts Concentration

Master of Arts in Producing for Film

Master of Music in Film Composition

Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking

Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking and Producing

• Filmmaking Concentration
• Acting for Film Concentration
• Sound Design & Recording Arts Concentration
• Motion Graphics & Visual FX Concentration
• Interdisciplinary Arts Concentration

*All of Seattle Film Institute’s programs are classified by the US Department of Education as “Gainful Employment Programs.” See the section on Student Outcomes and Disclosures for Gainful Employment for statistics and data related to each of these programs.

Vaccination Policy

Seattle Film Institute does not require specific immunization or vaccinations for its students.

Voter Registration

For detailed information about voter registration in Washington state and to download a voter registration form visit https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/register.aspx

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In the recruitment and admission of students, Seattle Film Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, age, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

Notice to Students Regarding Religious Accommodations for Post secondary Students

In accordance with WA Senate Bill 5166, student absences at a postsecondary school for reasons of faith or conscience,
or for an organized activity conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization,
may be taken after written notice to the school. Seattle Film Institute will reasonably accommodate excused student absences
due to observance of religious holidays.

1. Any student seeking reasonable accommodations under this section must provide written notice to the Registrar
or Associate Director within the first two weeks of the beginning of the course, of the specific dates the student requests
accommodations regarding examinations or other activities.
2. SFI faculty will work with students to reasonably accommodate students who, due to the observance of religious holidays,
expect to be absent or endure a significant hardship during certain days of the course or program. “Reasonably accommodate” means
coordinating with the student on scheduling examinations or other activities necessary for completion of the program and includes
rescheduling examinations or activities or offering different times for the student to complete examinations or activities.
3. SFI students are not required to pay a fee for seeking reasonable accommodation under this section.

SSB 5166 (Hasegawa): Postsecondary religious accommodations College religious accommodation policies must be amended to eliminate the
two days per academic year maximum. Policies must also be amended to make reasonable accommodations for students who expect to be
absent or endure significant hardship during the observance of religious holidays. The student must give written notice of the
specific dates the accommodation is needed within two weeks of the beginning of the course. The policy must be posted on the college’s
website and referenced on all course or program syllabi. Session Law: Chapter 182, 2019 Laws (effective date July 28, 2019)
SBCTC/college implications
• Revise college religious accommodation policies and modify all course or program syllabi.
• Post revised religious accommodation policy on college website and reference on all course or program syllabi.

Student Recruiting and Admission Activities

Seattle Film Institute does not and will not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollment or financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting or admissions activities or in making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.

2020 Retention and Placement Rates by Program

Placement rates are the percentage of graduates from a given program who have acquired jobs within their field of study. This information was compiled via surveys of alumni and their employers using personal contact and verification services as part of the employment verification process required by our accrediting agency, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The information below was collected between 2018 and 2020.
This section also lists the percentages of graduating students in the same time period who have completed their program within 150% of normal program length as indicated by the Institute. The following information is based on institutional data submitted to the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Retention rate: 58%
Placement rate: 75%

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN FILM PROGRAM