Center for Financial Training | Atlantic and Central States: Policies and Procedures Code of Ethics and Conduct

Policies and Procedures Code of Ethics and Conduct

The Center for Financial Training recognizes that it takes more than quality education and a commitment to the bankers it serves to be successful in accomplishing our mission. We rely heavily on our solid reputation for honesty, fairness, and ethical conduct to attract our students, recruit quality instructors, and retain the high level of bank support and respect that we have worked so hard to achieve. Our reputation ultimately rests on the good judgment and personal integrity of everyone - staff, volunteers, students, instructors, and all other individuals and organizations - involved with CFT ACS & ICBA .

Those associated with CFT ACS & ICBA in any capacity shall commit themselves to:

Maintaining the highest standard of personal conduct, avoiding even the perception of improper conduct
Striving for excellence in all aspects of CFT ACS & ICBA
Using only legal and ethical means in all CFT ACS & ICBA activities, including conducting all financial transactions in a responsible manner
Acting with impartiality in all CFT ACS & ICBA matters
Maintaining the confidentiality of privileged information entrusted or known to them by virtue of their association with CFT ACS & ICBA
Refusing to engage in, or tolerate, activities for personal gain at the expense of CFT ACS & ICBA or the banking industry
Communicating in a truthful and accurate manner

Academic Integrity

CFT ACS & ICBA strongly supports the concept of academic integrity and seeks to foster sound moral behavior in its students and faculty. Academic dishonesty can take many forms, including cheating on examinations, plagiarism, helping others to commit dishonest acts, etc., and must never be tolerated. Students engaging in academic dishonesty are subject to serious consequences. Instructors who observe or suspect an incident of academic dishonesty shall bring it to the attention of an appropriate office official immediately, for prompt investigation, review, and action.

Attendance

Student attendance and class participation play an important role in the education process. For this reason, the Center for Financial Training has adopted the following attendance policy. More than three absences in a 15 week course, one absence in a five week course, or any absence in a course of less than five weeks may result in the loss of course credits.

CFT ACS & ICBA Grading System

The Center for Financial Training uses an official letter grading system for courses eligible for awarding credit. Letter grades are awarded as follows:

A (90-100) Superior

B (80-89) Excellent

C (70-79) Satisfactory

D (60-69) Lowest Passing

F (< 60) Failing

I = Incomplete (“I” is recorded if the student is unable to complete the work in a course upon conclusion for legitimate reasons. If the work is not completed within one month of the conclusion of the course, the “I” automatically becomes an "F".)

P = Passing (This grade is used for programs of less than two credits, for which the letter grading system is inappropriate. The “P” is excluded from calculation of the grade point average.)

CC = College Credit (This grade is recorded for transfer credit from accredited colleges and universities. Only courses completed with a grade of “C” or better may be considered for transfer credit. The “CC” is excluded from a calculation of the grade point average.)

W = Withdrawal (Used when written notification is received prior to the conclusion of class. An "F" will be recorded by the CFT ACS & ICBA office if the student has not withdrawn in writing.)

Smoking Policy

There is absolutely no smoking allowed in financial institution buildings, school buildings, halls, classrooms or exits. Those who smoke will have to do so in designated areas outside of the building.

Non-Discrimination Clause

The Center for Financial Training reaffirms its standing policy of nondiscrimination in employment and in all programs and activities with respect to race, creed, color, gender, age, religion, or national origin, handicap, or veteran’s status.

Inclement Weather Policy

In the event of inclement weather, students attending classes held at schools or colleges should listen to their local radio station for closings. Students attending classes held at banks, etc. will be notified by their instructor if a class is cancelled due to inclement weather. If you are ever in doubt, please call your instructor or the CFT ACS & ICBA office at 800-795-5242.

CFT ACS & ICBA Credit

Upon successful completion of a CFT ACS & ICBA program, the student will be eligible for any CFT ACS & ICBA credit associated with that program. The Center for Financial Training will attest to the student's eligibility for credit when the student applies for a diploma or certificate. One contact hour equals 50 minutes of classroom time. The number of contact hours determines how many credits you earn:

0 credit = 0-2 instructional hours
1/4 credit = 3-4 instructional hours
1/2 credit = 5-14 instructional hours
1 credit = 15-29 instructional hours
2 credits = 30-44 instructional hours
3 credits = 45-59 instructional hours

Student Registration Procedures

Before students choose a course of study, a careful assessment of their talents and interests in light of current job responsibilities and long-range goals, is in order. Students should review the course descriptions to be certain that the course selection is what they are looking for. Students should also make sure that any prerequisites have been satisfied before enrolling in the course. Since all courses offered are of college level, students should expect homework assignments and should be prepared to take on this additional work load. Students are encouraged to check with their Chapter Representative, Supervisor, Human Resource Officer or CFT ACS & ICBA staff for guidance in their course selection.

Students must complete a registration form for the course(s) they select. All registration forms must be signed by the student and signed by the student's supervisor or designated other. Your financial institution may also have additional forms for you to complete along with your CFT ACS & ICBA registration form.

Registration Deadline

Classroom Courses
The registration deadline is 10 business days prior to the start of class. Any registrations received after the registration deadline is subject to availability. The Center for Financial Training reserves the right to cancel courses in which enrollments are below an acceptable standard. Courses will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so students should return their registration forms as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Important Reminder: Unless you hear otherwise from the CFT ACS & ICBA office, please consider yourself registered and attend the first night of class.

On-line Courses
CFT ACS & ICBA 's on-line courses feature continuous start dates and the registration deadline is 5 business days prior to the start of class. Any registrations received after the registration deadline is subject to availability.

Guided Self-Study Courses
Students can register and begin a Guided Self-Study Course at any time throughout the year.

Course Prerequisite Requirements

Before you can enroll in certain credit courses, the CFT ACS & ICBA office will need verification that you have met any prerequisite requirements. CFT ACS & ICBA staff will review your CFT ACS & ICBA transcript history on file before accepting a registration into any course with a prerequisite requirement. If your record does not demonstrate that you have met the requirement, you will be contacted to discuss your options. You must then demonstrate that you have satisfactorily completed the prerequisite course with an official college transcript showing that the course requirements have been met. An exception can be made for this requirement if you, through a letter from your supervisor or human resource representative, can demonstrate that work experience has enabled you to achieve these skills. The following list of credit courses has prerequisite requirements:

Course Required Analyzing Financial Statements Intro to Analyzing Financial Statements	Course Prerequisite Accounting Overview of Financial Statements
Course Recommended Accounting I Financial Accounting Money and Banking Economics	Course Prerequisite Accounting Basics (or Fundamentals) Accounting Basics (or Fundamentals)

Course Withdrawal Fees and Policies

The Center for Financial Training requires all students who enroll in CFT ACS & ICBA courses to sign a registration form which states that they have read and understand the CFT ACS & ICBA withdrawal policy. Students who must withdraw from a CFT ACS & ICBA course should submit a completed Course Withdrawal Form to the CFT ACS & ICBA office. Employers may seek reimbursement from students who incur withdrawal charges. Withdrawal fees for traditional evening CFT ACS & ICBA courses are as follows:

Live Course Withdrawal Policy
No Charge if a completed Course Withdrawal Form is received at the CFT ACS & ICBA office prior to the registration deadline. This form may be faxed to the CFT ACS & ICBA office at 860-823-1410.

$25.00 Withdrawal Fee if a student withdraws after the registration deadline but prior to the first night of class. A Course Withdrawal Form and the withdrawal fee must be received at the CFT ACS & ICBA office before the first night of class. This fee applies to each course withdrawal.

100% Tuition Charged if a student withdraws after the first night of class. A Course Withdrawal Form must be sent to the CFT ACS & ICBA office in order for the student to receive a grade of “W” rather than an “F”.

Instructor-led On-Line Course Withdrawal Policy
A student who must withdraw from a CFT instructor-led on-line course must submit a completed Course Withdrawal Form. Students who withdraw 7 days or more before the start date of class are not subject to a withdrawal fee or tuition charge. Students who withdraw between 6 days before the class begins and 13 days from the start date will be responsible for a withdrawal fee of $100 plus book cost (if applicable) unless the book is returned in new condition within 7 days. A student who withdraws after 13 days from the start date will be responsible for the full class tuition.

Self-Paced On-Line Course Withdrawal Policy
A student who must withdraw from a self-paced on-line course must submit a completed Course Withdrawal Form to the CFT ACS & ICBA office. Refunds will be made, less a $50 cancellation fee, for withdrawals received prior to the student being enrolled in the course(s) by CFT ACS & ICBA . If a student withdraws from a self-paced on-line course after being enrolled by CFT ACS & ICBA , they will be responsible for the full tuition amount.

Guided Self-Study Program Withdrawal Policy
A student wishing to withdraw from a Guided Self-Study Program must submit a Course Withdrawal Form within seven days of the course start date in order to receive a refund, less a $50.00 per course withdrawal fee. The student is also responsible for the book cost unless the book is returned in new condition. There will be no refunds given after the seven day period. All students who withdraw after the initial seven day period will be responsible for the full tuition amount, and must submit a completed Course Withdrawal Form in order to receive a course grade of “W” rather than an “F”.