Current Students at Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital

• Full LIWS Catalog
• Summer 2023 Semester Brochure

Absence Due to Religious Observance:
It is the policy of LIWS to excuse without penalty those students who are absent from class because of religious observations. Students will be allowed to make up the missed work because of such absence. Examinations and special required out-of-class activities are not normally scheduled on those days when students refrain from participating in secular activities. If an examination or out-of-class activity is scheduled on a day of religious observance, the student will be given the opportunity to make up that examination or activity without penalty.

Absentee Policy:

• LIWS expects students to attend classes and conferences on time. Each instructor determines his or her policy for student absences. This written policy is to be distributed to students at the first class meeting.
• If this procedure is overlooked or if a student is absent from the first class, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain the attendance policy of the instructor by the end of the first week of class. Students who are absent from class for any reason are expected to make up missed work.
• Excessive absences from class may lead to enforced withdrawal from class. In certain cases of illness and jury duty, students will be permitted to make up the work if it is academically possible.
• Make-up time is determined by the instructor and/or coordinator of LIWS. Make-up time may be fulfilled by completing a tutoring session or by repeating an entire course.
• If a student does not provide 24-hour notice prior to canceling a private tutoring session, he/she will be charged a $40.00 cancellation fee.

Academic Grading Policy:
Two types of grade point averages (GPA) are recorded for every student: a semester GPA and a cumulative GPA. A semester GPA is based upon the credits and class hours earned by a student at any given semester. A cumulative GPA is based upon college level credits only and is used to determine a student’s academic standing. Only those students enrolled in the Associate Degree program or the Certificate of Achievement for Camden County College will receive cumulative GPAs.

Attendance Policy for Accredited/Non-accredited Courses:

• Attendance and promptness for all LIWS courses is mandatory.
• Students who arrive ten minutes late for class are considered late. Being late three times will be counted as one absence.
• Students who are 15 or more minutes late for class can be marked as absent by the instructor.
• The 10 and 15-minute lateness policies also apply to the students’ returning from class breaks.
• Absences are only permissible with a physician’s note or legal documentation. NO OTHER EXCUSES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• Students who are absent from class are expected to make up the work missed.
• Make-up time for LIWS courses are completed by the student coordinating a private tutoring session directly with the instructor. This includes arranging the date, time, place, and subject matter. Lourdes Administration does not schedule tutoring sessions.
• The fee for private tutoring sessions is $40 per hour divided by the amount of students in the tutorial session. Students must pay the instructor directly and prior to the session via check payable to: Lourdes Institute or LIWS.
• Students must sign a Tutorial Agreement form the instructor will provide verifying the purpose and length of the tutorial.
• Financial aid does not cover the cost of private tutoring sessions.
• Students are permitted to make up a MAXIMUM of 8 class hours. Any missed time above 8 hours will be held against the student’s final grade. For every additional 4 hours of absence, the student’s grade will drop an entire grade level.
• If a student does not provide a 24-hour notice prior to canceling a private tutoring session, he/she will be charged a $40.00 cancellation fee.
• All auditing students must abide to all LIWS policies/procedures in addition to paying a 10% processing fee of the total cost of the individual class.

Audit Policy:
A student may audit a course that he or she may have failed to complete or pass by fulfilling all requirements for such course. A student who has passed the class can complete it for a second time for their own enrichment. Both can only be allowed if there is an open seat available. Tuition will be waived minus a 10% processing fee of the total cost of the individual class. You may not audit a continuing education class.

Camden County College’s School Closing:
Camden County College code: 006865
When inclement weather causes Camden County College (CCC) to cancel classes, LIWS is also cancelled. Announcements will be made on the CCC website: camdencc.edu. Students can also register for the Camden County College’s emergency notification system, Cougar Call.
Once cancelled or announced of a late start, students will receive an email, text and/or phone message from their instructor.

Cancellation of a Course:
LIWS reserves the right to cancel any course or course selection where the enrollment does not warrant the offering of that course.
Classroom Participation Policy for Massage Students:

• Students are expected to be attentive and participatory in all classes. If a student declines to practice massage in the Therapeutic Massage course for whatever reason, he/she is still expected to actively observe and remain an active part of the learning experience as directed by the instructor. Students who refuse will be asked to leave and will be marked absent for the day.
• Students are permitted to excuse themselves from practicing massage in the Therapeutic Massage course a MAXIMUM OF TWO TIMES. Students who excuse themselves must adhere to the above-stated participatory guidelines. Those who excuse themselves more than two times will be marked as absent for every additional occurrence.
• Students are not permitted to excuse themselves from practicing massage in any massage course other than Therapeutic Massage. Any student who does will be marked absent and must adhere to absentee guidelines for all massage courses (except Therapeutic Massage).

Credit By Portfolio:
Students seeking credit by portfolio must present an extensive report to the dean and/or faculty member to review.
The fee is determined by the hour amount of the course with $10 per credit in addition to a $40 fee. 15 class hours equals one credit.

Credit for Previous Training:

• Students seeking credit for coursework must present a student portfolio that includes documentation of all previous training: transcripts, course descriptions/syllabi, and certificates of completion. Students must also provide a copy of the course catalog from the school where they received their training.
• Transfer credits for anatomy and physiology will not be considered unless the student has completed the prior training within the last 5 years. However, credits for the anatomy and physiology introductory course may be granted.
• Transfer credits for massage, bodywork, and related education courses must have been completed within the last 3 years unless the student can verify that he/she has been utilizing these skills and knowledge on a regular basis.
  

Department of Labor and Workforce Development:
In the event of an unannounced school closure, students enrolled at the time of the closure must contact the Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Training Evaluation Unit within ninety (90) calendar days of the closure. Failure to do so within the ninety (90) days may exclude the student from any available form of assistance. The contact number to call is (609) 292‐4287 or email at trainingevaluationunit@dol.nj.gov.

Dismissal Policy:
LIWS reserves the right to dismiss any student for violation of any of the policies and procedures or the Student Code of Ethics. Dismissal policy standards are in accordance with the ABMP and the AMTA Code of Ethics, and the mission and philosophy of Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center. Any student dismissed for disciplinary reasons will not be readmitted.

Draping Policy and Contract:
As a student of Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies (LIWS) and as an intended massage/bodywork practitioner, I agree to uphold the following professional and ethical standards regarding draping:

• Draping is an important part of the massage/bodywork experience. It provides comfort, warmth, and privacy for both the practitioner and the client.
• Draping demonstrates a solid respect for and understanding of boundaries.
• The draping skills taught at LIWS will be followed for all bodywork procedures performed at or sponsored by LIWS.
• Prior to applying the draping, the student/practitioner will offer informed consent to the client.
• Draping will be performed with clean and neat sheets, towels, pillowcases, and blankets.
• Entire body nudity at any time, for any reason, is prohibited at LIWS.
• Body parts will be draped in an appropriate manner to perform specific bodywork procedures (student will follow instructor’s guidelines and protocols).
• The following guidelines MUST be adhered to at all times:
  • Genitalia must always be draped.
  • When performing leg, back and/or hip massage or ROM stretches, students will take great care to drape properly under the lower limb and above the hip joints. The gluteal crease is to remain covered. The student may request permission from their client to secure the drape tucked into the client's underwear.
  • When treating sciatica, hip and/or low back pain, the buttocks will be draped, one side at a time, with the sheet tucked at the client’s waist and under their leg. An extra towel is recommended to ensure the client’s modesty.
  • Female breasts are to remain covered, except in Breast Massage—Continuing Education Course, where appropriate draping techniques and procedures are addressed.
  • Female abdominal massage must be performed with a towel secured over the client’s breasts to allow proper draping of the abdomen.
  • When the abdominal area is draped to perform full body massage or other specific massage techniques, the drape must be secured bilaterally at a level above the pubic region.

Dress Code:
All massage students are required to wear scrubs for all bodywork sessions and the massage clinic. The color assigned to LIWS is medium blue scrub pants with a print scrub top.

Field Trips:
Faculty members who are planning a field trip with their students must provide all information to the Coordinator before leaving. Waivers must be drafted and signed by all students partaking in the event before attending. Faculty members are not permitted to ride as a passenger of a student.

Filing for Graduation:
The graduation packet must include:

• Application for graduation
• Current college transcript
• NJ State Exit form
• Graduation recommendation form
  

Filing For Graduation - Procedure:
The application for graduation packet may be obtained from the LIWS main office located at 1600 Haddon Avenue, 5th Floor Pavilion, Camden, NJ 08103.

• Students must schedule an exit interview with the Dean.
• The Dean must sign the graduation recommendation form.
• This complete application for graduation must be submitted via email to a LIWS staff member. Deadlines are April 1, July 1, and December 1.
• The Dean will contact the student if there is a question regarding the student‘s eligibility to graduate.
• Those students whose application for graduation has been denied may appeal the decision through the Dean’s office.

Flu Vaccination:
All students registered for a program are required to complete their flu vaccination annually. If you opt out of receiving the flu shot, a declination form must be completed and signed by your primary health provider or religious leader and submitted to the office.

Grade Letter:
The following identifies letter grades used by faculty and a brief explanation of what the grades stand for:

• A - Indicates superior achievement and mastery of subject. (100-90)
• B - Indicates consistent achievement that demonstrates an understanding of the subject sufficient for continued study in the discipline. (89-80)
• C - Indicates satisfactory achievement that demonstrates an understanding of the subject sufficient for continued study in the discipline. (79-70)
• D - Indicates performance that suggests little aptitude or application on the part of the student in that particular course. This grade will not transfer. (69-60)
• F - Failure indicates an insufficient understanding of the basic elements of the course. (60-0)
  
  

The following designations may also appear on the transcript:

• NA - Student stopped attending class
• W - Withdrawal
• I - Incomplete work. The grade “I” can be assigned only if the student still has work to complete. It is assumed that the student who receives an “I” has satisfied the instructor‘s attendance requirements during the semester. If the “I” is to be changed to a letter grade, it should be made up during the succeeding semester and may be changed only on recommendation of the appropriate faculty member. The grade of “I” will have no effect on the student’s grade point average. To change the “I” to a letter grade, the student should complete the course requirement in the succeeding semester. If the faculty member does not indicate a date for the completion of the incomplete work or submit an alternate grade, an incomplete grade will automatically be changed to a failing grade (F) at the end of the next 15-week term.
• XA - Never Attended indicates that the student never attended class. The XA will be recorded on the student‘s transcript, but it is not computed in the grade point average.

Students wishing to increase their grade in a course may repeat the course. Although both the original grade and the repeat grade will appear on the transcript, only the higher grade will be averaged into the cumulative grade point average.

Grade Reports:
Grade reports from LIWS are available to students with non-outstanding balances at the end of the semester. Grades can be viewed on the student portal system.

Graduation Eligibility:
To graduate from LIWS with a Certification, a student must first satisfy the following requirements:

• Earn a minimum of the class hours assigned to the healing modality of choice
• Complete required clinical hours
• Have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher
• Demonstrate proficiency in bodywork technique
• Satisfactorily completed all subjects in an approved curriculum
• Complete the total number of hours required in the certification program. Each student is personally responsible for knowing and meeting all program requirements and keeping in contact with LIWS in doing so.
  

Indebtedness to the Institute:
Final grades and transcripts will not be issued to students who are indebted to LIWS, nor will such students be permitted to register for the following semester. No student is permitted to graduate before meeting all financial obligations to LIWS. LIWS reserves the right to pursue the collection of obligations through the employment of a professional collection agency. A $30.00 collection fee will be assessed for accounts sent to collection.

Insurance Coverage for Bodywork/Massage Classes:
Student insurance (ex. ABMP, AMTA) is mandatory for participation in all bodywork/massage classes. All massage students must apply and submit proof of student insurance or will not be permitted to participate in class.

Late Registration:
Registration after the first day of the semester is considering late registration. A processing fee of $50.00 will be applied to the current tuition statement.

Leave of Absence Policy:
A request for a leave of absence must be submitted to the Dean in writing. A leave of absence may be granted for medical or family leave. Each request will be evaluated on an individual basis. If you choose to return to a program, refer to the re-entry procedures.

Make up Assignments/Exams:
Faculty members of LIWS create their own policy in their syllabus with regard to students who miss an exam.

Partnership With Camden County College:
LIWS and Camden County College are in partnership to offer a degree and certification in Massage Therapy. This course of study will lead to an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Massage Therapy or a Certificate of Achievement. The graduate of this program will earn a certificate in Massage Therapy from Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. In addition, the graduate will also meet the qualifications necessary to sit for the State Certification Examination. Financial aid for the Associates Degree Program is available for qualified students. Please contact the financial aid office at Camden County College for any questions regarding the application process for financial assistance: 856-968-1340 (Camden) or 856-374-4985 (Blackwood).

Payments for Individual Offerings:
Students registering for individual/continuing education classes must register through the student portal found on the LIWS website at www.virtua.org/LIWS. Payment is due in full one week prior to the start date of class.

Payment of Tuition and Fees:
Semester invoices with payment dates indicated will be sent to all students who pre-register for in-house programs not affiliated with Camden County College. Personal check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, are acceptable methods of payment for tuition and fees. Students are not officially registered until payment or authorization for payment has been received.

Students seeking certifications in bodywork with LIWS can discuss payment options with LIWS according to the LIWS payment schedule.

A fee of $30.00 is charged for each check returned to LIWS due to insufficient funds.

Continuing Education Classes:
Registration and tuition must be submitted and paid in full one week prior to the start date of the class. Those students enrolled in a Camden County College program must adhere to their payment options.

Payment Plan (LIWS):
For all certification programs: a payment plan with an initial 20% down payment and monthly payments are due on the 1st of each month during the semester. Payment plans do not apply to individual/continuing education classes.

Photo Consent:
Student grants LIWS permission to use photo likeness in promotional and advertising venues without cost or any future remuneration. All such use will be done tastefully and in compliance with Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital policies. LIWS will not sell names or any photos to a third-party vendor.

Professional Image Policy:
All students are expected to adhere to the professional image policies of Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. To participate in courses at LIWS, students must present a professional image by following these guidelines:

• Dress conservative, clean and neat. Students participating in courses that require hands-on participation and practice must wear clean and neat hospital scrubs.
• Scrubs (required to be worn for all bodywork sessions) - medium blue scrub pants with a print scrub top.
• Shoes are to be clean and polished. Sneakers and supportive clogs are acceptable as long as they are clean and polished when applicable.
• Avoid inappropriate jewelry. Earrings are acceptable as long as they do not hang ½ inch below the earlobe. Facial piercings and exposed body piercings must be removed and the pierced opening concealed with a Band-Aid. Bracelets and long, dangling necklaces are prohibited due to their potential interference with bodywork techniques.
• Avoid extreme hairstyles and excessive amounts of facial make-up. This is not just to promote a professional image, but also because bodywork usually involves massaging the face and scalp.
• Artificial fingernails are prohibited in all courses that involve hands-on activity and participation.
• Natural fingernails must be cut very short and filed very smooth at all times to participate in hands-on massage and bodywork courses.
• Students who have a large display of body art on exposed body parts are required to conceal them by wearing ¾ length or long sleeve scrub shirts.
• Maintain good personal hygiene.
• Be careful what you say and where you say it. Client confidentiality is a priority!
• Remember that your actions may speak louder than words; be professional in word and action. Avoid negative body language or facial expressions.
  

Re-entry Into Program:
Students who have been on sabbatical for 18 months or more must pass a practical exam prior to returning to attend classes for the program of their choice. Students who pass may move forward in the curriculum. Students not receiving a C or better must audit the class in question. Refer to the auditing policy for details.

Recording Devices:
Any recording of the course or course material by way of electronic devices is not permitted unless given a signed or verbal consent of approval by the instructor.

Refund/Reimbursement Policy:
Should the student‘s enrollment be terminated or should the student withdraw for any reason, all refunds will be made according to the following refund schedule. Students who wish to cancel their enrollment in a program or at the school must do so in writing. The request must include the date of withdrawal and must be dated and signed by the student. This letter must be received within one week of the withdrawal (five business days) to receive tuition reimbursement for that week. Tuition reimbursement will begin the week the notification is received. It is best to hand deliver the withdrawal letter and have a copy signed by the admissions officer or mail the letter by Certified Mail. All monies will be refunded if the applicant is not accepted by the school or if the student cancels within three (3) business days after the enrollment agreement is signed by both parties, even if instruction has begun. Cancellation after the third (3rd) business day, but before the first class, will result in a refund of all monies paid, with the exception of the application and registration fees. Withdraw after attendance has begun is based on the following refund policy for all programs of 200 instructional hours or more. An instructional hour is defined as 60 consecutive minutes of which a minimum of 60 minutes is dedicated to instruction.

Programs that are less than 200 hours will be evaluated on an individual basis. Refund will be based on percentage of course taken.

Reimbursement Scale for Programs of 200 Hours or More:

A student who has a student loan and withdrawals from the program is responsible for notifying the loan institution of withdrawal from the school. This notification should be done in writing. It should include the date of withdrawal, the student’s social security number and signature. Students should maintain a copy of this letter for their files. LIWS encourages the development of good business practices in their students. It is to this extent that we remind the withdrawing student that the date of withdrawal on the letter to the dean must be the same date as on the letter to the loan institution.

Semester Schedule:
Fall Semester: September to December
Spring Semester: January to May
Summer Semester: June to August

Student Code of Ethics:
Students of LIWS are expected to follow the American Bar Association’s “Code of Student Conduct.” The following conduct code is the policy of Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies. Violation of such is considered to be in conflict with school policy and is such grounds for dismissal.

• All types of dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, knowingly furnishing false information to the Institution and forgery, alteration or use of the documents or identification with intent to defraud.
• Intentional disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, public meetings and programs, or other school activities.
• Physical abuse, sexual harassment, inappropriate sexual behavior and remarks toward any person on school premises or at functions sponsored or supervised by the school.
• Theft or damage to the school premises, equipment, or damage of the property of a member of the school community on the school premises.
• Failure to comply with directions of Institutional officials acting in the performance of their duties.
• Violation of the law on school premises in a way that affects the school community’s pursuit of its proper educational objectives. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of alcoholic beverages and/or controlled dangerous substances on school premises.

Source/Acknowledgments:
“Model Code for Student’s Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct,” prepared by the Law Students Division of the American Bar Association.

Student Complaint/Appeal Process:
Under due process entitlement, students may register their concerns regarding the academic experience (e.g., grades, instructor methodology, course assignments/requirements) through the academic appeals process. Appeals should be initiated within 10 days of the occurrence of the occasion for the concern in accordance with the following procedure:

Step 1:
The students must make an appointment and meet with the instructor/faculty member involved to attempt to resolve the matter. Bring any relevant materials including course outline, originals or copies of papers, lab reports, and examination grades.

Step 2:
If the matter is not resolved with the instructor/faculty member, the student should write a statement describing the exact nature of the appeal and make an appointment to meet with the Dean. The Dean will then make every attempt to resolve the matter. Once the Dean has had an opportunity to research the matter, the student will be informed of the findings. The research process may take up to two weeks before a decision is rendered.

Student Pledge:
I pledge to maintain high moral standards as a student of Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies at Our Lady of Lourdes (LIWS) and I will:

• Conform to the LIWS and VOLLH policies on smoking, alcohol and drug abuse
• Take precautions to protect both classmates and the public from the transmission of communicable disease
• Agree to maintain personal cleanliness and professional office tidiness both in the classroom and in my practice
• Uphold the principles of student moral ethics while in school and during any off-site locations representing the school
• Uphold the principles of the LIWS Code of Ethics
• Agree to the LIWS Policy on Draping:
  • No exposure of genitals, gluteal cleavage, or female breasts
  • No classroom nudity
  • No classroom behavior that causes embarrassment or public exposure
• Understand that all forms of energy work may cause an emotional release with me or my fellow classmates, which will be handled with respect and sensitivity
• Agree not to demonstrate any manner of disruptive behavior to a student, instructor, and/or employee of VOLLH in the classroom, within the facility of VOLLH or while representing LIWS
• Agree not to attempt to instruct my classmates unless invited by the school
• Agree to uphold the integrity of a holistic healthcare provider both while a student and as a professional
• Conduct myself and my business at all times so that I may be respected by those whom I may contact
  

Student Portal:
The online registration is located on https://secure.webconnectgradpro.com/lourdesinstitute/authenticate.php.

Within this site, you have the option to view the following:

• Class Calendar
• Course Registration
• Final Grades
• Account Profile
• Account Balance
  

In-house program students:
If you have a balance on your account, you will not be able to use the feature of online course registration nor be able to view your final grades until all outstanding financial obligations have been satisfied. This does not pertain to CCC, CEU, or YTT 300 students.

CCC students:
You must register with Camden County College unless you are taking a course directly with LIWS or a continuing education course. Although, you will be capable of utilizing the student portal features for the massage courses only.

Student Records:
Each student’s file includes their application form, letters of reference, physician’s note, grade reports, tuition payment documentation, and copies of all correspondence between the school and the student only. Parents and legal guardians are only allowed access to student files upon signed release by the student. Records are maintained and kept confidential by the Dean/Main Office/Registrar.

Transcript Request:
Former students can request a transcript by completing the transcript request form. An official transcript will be sent directly to the organization requested on the form and the student will receive one official transcript and one student copy for their records.

Tutorials:
The fee for private tutoring sessions is $40 per hour divided by the amount of students in the tutorial session. Students must submit payment to the instructor directly via check or money order payable to: Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital (LIWS) immediately after services rendered. If a student is paying by credit card, contact the Coordinator to charge the student's card immediately after services have been rendered. If a student does not provide 24 hours’ notice prior to canceling a private tutoring session; he/she will be charged a $40 cancellation fee. A form must be completed and signed by the faculty member and also by the students involved.

All make up work including missed tests, assignments, and classes must be completed within ten days. The instructor and student will be responsible for arranging material and time for these occurrences with the understanding that LIWS will provide facilities for re-testing should it be necessary.